A Week in the Life of a Student Teacher
(2)_1000.png "A Week in the Life of a Student Teacher")
A Week in the Life of a Student Teacher
If you’re considering the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship route into teaching, you might be wondering:…
“What does a typical week actually involve?”
Michaela is training to teach secondary maths to students aged 11–16 through the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship, a school-based route into teaching that allows her to work, train and qualify all in one.
Previously working as a cover supervisor, Michaela decided it was time to take the next step and become a fully qualified teacher. Now, she's gaining real classroom experience each week while developing her knowledge through structured online and in-school training.
Here’s how her week is structured:
.png)
Learning in the Classroom: Monday to Thursday
Michaela’s typical day begins by setting up her classroom and preparing resources for the day ahead. After a quick check-in with her mentor and a form time session with students, she teaches a mix of Year 7–10 maths lessons.
Her timetable includes observations of experienced teachers, intervention support and departmental meetings, as well as time for planning and CPD.
One of her favourite parts of the week is the Tuesday Teach Meet, where staff from different departments share good practice, a valuable opportunity to gather ideas, ask questions and build connections across the school.
On Thursdays, Michaela meets with her mentor for detailed feedback and target setting. Weekly ITT training meetings and after-school CPD sessions ensure she’s always supported, reflective and making progress.
Friday: Expert-led training
Every Friday, Michaela stays at home to complete online learning as part of her apprenticeship. Her classes are covered by colleagues so she can focus on studying.
A typical Friday includes:
- 9:00–12:00: Subject Knowledge Webinar
- 12:00–13:00: Lunch
- 13:00–15:00: Behaviour Webinar
The schedule varies depending on the week’s topics, but every session is designed to support her classroom practice directly.
ℹ️ Depending on your location, you may have the opportunity to attend Face-to-Face training days instead.
Monthly: Core training days
Once a month, Michaela attends an online Core Training Day, running from 10:00 to 15:30. Each session focuses on a key theme from the Secondary ITT curriculum, such as inclusion, curriculum planning or assessment.
Tutors guide trainees through the day with well-planned resources and interactive activities. Michaela especially values the breakout room discussions, which offer space to share ideas and hear from fellow student teachers working in different schools.
Over 12 months, Michaela is turning her classroom experience into Qualified Teacher Status, without stepping away from the job she already loves.
Interested? Start your teaching career here:
If you would like any more information, get in contact with us:
Email: teach@bestpracticenet.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 117 920 9200 (8.30am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri)