On a Mission to Teach

When Aintree student Jayne McAuliffe wanted a taste of primary school teaching she decided to join?the SAS!

Far from feeling that the need to hone her combat skills was the best way to handle little tearaways, this SAS ? Edge Hill?s Student Associates Scheme ? gave the 21-year-old some more refined weapons in her armoury.

SAS is a Training and Development Agency for Schools funded initiative designed to promote teaching as a career to students on non-Initial Teacher Training degree programmes.

Jayne, a former Deyes High pupil, was attracted to the teaching profession whilst studying for an English degree ? and the SAS was an ideal way to gain some practical experience in the field.

"The great thing about SAS is that you can fit it in around your studies," said Jayne. "I took the scheme during my third year which included two placements at Overdale Primary in Kirkby and Hudson Primary in Maghull.

"As an added incentive you get paid for each tutorial session and day in school you attend. Come the end of the scheme, through the practical experience gained students are well-placed to decide whether they want to go ahead and pursue a career in the classroom."

In addition to the time spent in school, Jayne was also introduced to important education documents such as the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies.

"I?ve since moved on to study for a PGCE in Primary Education at Edge Hill and the SAS really re-affirmed my desire to become a teacher," added Jayne. "Gaining experience in the classroom is really invaluable and students who are unsure whether teaching is really for them can make an informed decision."