Teaching placement in Prague
Over the past year I have been studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Secondary Music) at the University of Reading. The Head of Initial Teacher Training, Dr Andy Kempe, chose six trainees including myself, to spend the final placement teaching in The Prague British School. During the three-week placement I taught a variety of topics to different Key Stages including vocal warm ups to Year 5, African Drumming to Year 7 and taught some Year 12 students who are working towards their International Baccalaureate. During my placement I was involved with the School’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, the Year 6 Transition Day, and a school trip to the Antonín Dvořák Museum and The Czech Museum of Music.
Approximately 25 percent of the school’s population are local Czech children, the remainder from countries around the world. Working with students who come from a variety of different national and cultural backgrounds has given me opportunities which would not have been possible in an English school, opportunities including teaching pupils for whom English is an Additional Language. I also taught Music to students taking the International Baccalaureate which has extended my knowledge and understanding of a qualification that is growing in popularity in Britain.
Outside of school hours I immersed myself in the culture, particularly in the variety of performing arts that take place in the city; I attended a performance of Dvořák’s Requiem at St Vitrus Cathedral in the grounds of Prague Castle; visited various sculptures by the renowned sculptor David Černý; and attended a Black Light Theatre production, a type of theatre which is a speciality in Prague.
The placement has been invaluable to my future career as a music teacher. I would like to thank those who made my teaching placement at The Prague British School so enjoyable and worthwhile. I would also like to thank Barry Lions Club for making a much appreciated donation towards this placement.
Elysia Roberts
