How I Got Into Primary School Teaching

Author: Jess Moran-Bamford

Jess gained valuable in-school experience during her gap year as a Yipiyap tutor, and is now studying a Primary Education with QTS degree at Staffordshire University,

I was trying to think of a word to encapsulate my gap year, however upon reflection I couldn’t quite think of one that fit. At times, I have loved it, and at other times, I have found it challenging. But as it comes to an end, I can recognise that it has been a truly valuable experience.

I had originally decided to take a gap year to save money before moving to Manchester to complete a degree in English Language. However, during my A-level exams, I felt lost, uncertain and a bit queasy about my future. My plans didn’t feel quite right.

On the day of my final exam, I booked an appointment with my college Careers Lead and admitted that I wanted to become a primary school teacher.

I didn’t, however, want to do a three-year English Language degree, and then spend another year completing my Postgraduate certificate in England to get my QTS (qualified teaching status).

A Match Made In Heaven

To my delight, I found out about primary education degrees with a QTS, which allowed me to get my QTS alongside my three-year degree. It was perfect. What made it even more perfect was the information I received about Yipiyap.

Yipiyap allowed me to work throughout my gap year and gain in-school experience that would not only boost my university application, but also ensure I was making the right decision before I began my degree and progression into teaching.

It also meant that I could continue to make an income and save throughout my gap year!

Confirming My Love for Primary Education

I took on a lot of different roles during my time as a tutor, and for that I am very grateful, as this only confirmed my love for my primary education!

I started the year working on Yipiyap’s On Demand team, creating GCSE English and Maths resources for students resitting their exams.

After that, I began my first placement at secondary school. I enjoyed working with the students, but just didn’t have my heart set on one particular student, This was followed by a spout of online tutoring - which gave me the chance to spend some valuable time with my family.

Then finally, I received the news that I had a placement at a local primary school - I was overjoyed! I had the opportunity to get some hands-on experience supporting younger children. I loved both the content and curriculum, making it extra clear that this was the path I wanted to follow. The placement also developed my understanding of deeper primary school issues such as the lack of funding for SEND (Special Educational Need and Disability) support within the industry.

Overall, the experience gave me the knowledge and confidence that I would be a suitable candidate for my course in Primary school teaching and helped to prepare me for my interviews!

The rewards of my gap year job!

The experiences that my gap year has provided have been extremely beneficial, and has supported me in my progression to university. However, the most rewarding part of my gap year has been the students.

One of my proudest moments as a Yipiyap tutor was was helping a year two student achieve his reading and comprehension SAT target. He had only experienced phonics and had practised these types of tests exclusively in our sessions, so to see his progression was such a wonderful feeling.

I have watched students grow in both confidence and their love of learning throughout my time as Yipiyap tutor. It was so fulfilling to see students excited to learn in our sessions and be eager to know what we’d be studying.

And finally, I believe that would be my word to describe my gap year experience. Rewarding.

Taking a year out also allowed me to build positive, stronger relationships within my personal life. I was able to build closer relationships with my family and partner as I was now spending more time at home. This precious family time before attending University and beginning a full-time career is something that I will always be grateful for.