How a Graduate Can Be Deployed in a School & the Benefits to Students and Teachers

Graduates can be a valuable addition to schools, bringing fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and academic knowledge. Here's how they can be deployed and the benefits they provide:

Ways a Graduate Can Be Deployed in Schools

1. Teaching Assistant (TA): Graduates can support classroom teachers by working with small groups or individual students who may need extra help. They can assist in managing classroom activities, supporting students with specific needs, or even leading lessons under supervision.
2. Learning Support Assistant (LSA): LSAs help students with special educational needs (SEN) by providing one-on-one support and personalized learning strategies. Graduates can be assigned to assist SEN students, ensuring they can engage with the curriculum and progress in their studies.
3. Cover Supervisor: Graduates can take on the role of a cover supervisor, stepping in to manage the classroom in the absence of the regular teacher. While they do not deliver new content, they maintain order, ensure learning continues, and provide guidance during activities.
4. Unqualified Teacher: In certain subjects or areas of need, a graduate may work as an unqualified teacher, taking responsibility for delivering lessons with the supervision and mentorship of qualified staff. This can be particularly effective in secondary schools, where subject knowledge is key.
5. Subject-Specific Tutor: Graduates with strong academic backgrounds can be deployed as subject-specific tutors for students needing extra support in key areas like Maths, Science, and English. They can run after-school or in-school tutoring sessions, helping to boost attainment and exam preparation.
6. Enrichment Activities & Extracurricular Clubs: Graduates can lead or assist in running extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports teams, or specialized workshops that enhance students' personal and social development.

Benefits to Students:

1. Personalised Support: Graduates offer additional hands-on help, allowing for more individualized attention. This benefits students who may struggle with the pace of lessons or need extra encouragement in specific subjects.
2. Subject Expertise: Many graduates have recently completed degrees in specific subjects, providing deep content knowledge that can enhance students' understanding, particularly in secondary school settings.
3. Positive Role Models: Graduates often serve as young, relatable role models for students. They can inspire students to pursue further education and provide guidance on university life and career aspirations.
4. Innovative Approaches: Graduates bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the classroom. Their enthusiasm for teaching and learning can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that resonates with students.
5. Small Group Learning: Graduates can facilitate small group work, which allows students to engage in deeper discussions, explore concepts in more detail, and improve their social and academic skills in a more intimate setting.

Benefits to Teachers:

1. Reduced Workload: By handling administrative tasks, helping with lesson preparation, and supporting individual or small groups of students, graduates can lighten the workload for teachers, allowing them to focus on delivering high-quality instruction.
2. Increased Classroom Support: Teachers benefit from having an extra pair of hands in the classroom. This is particularly valuable in larger classes or with students who have additional needs, enabling the teacher to better manage the diverse learning needs of the class.
3. Professional Development for Graduates: Teachers can mentor and train graduates, who may be aspiring teachers themselves. This creates a collaborative learning environment where teachers pass on their experience while benefiting from the fresh energy and insights graduates bring.
4. Flexibility: Graduates can cover lessons, assist with administrative tasks, and manage extracurricular activities, offering flexibility and support when teachers are stretched thin due to absences or additional responsibilities.
5. Improved Student Outcomes: With more support in the classroom, students are likely to show better engagement and academic outcomes. This helps teachers meet learning targets and ensures all students have the opportunity to succeed.

By integrating graduates into the school environment, both students and teachers can benefit from additional support, expertise, and energy, creating a more enriched and effective learning atmosphere. KPI Education has developed links with major universities who's students are looking for placements. Call us on 0161 694 9755 or email Education@kpir.co.uk to find out more.