Role reversal sees students take charge in the classroom
STUDENTS at a Rawtenstall sixth form got to see what life is like for their teachers when they were given the opportunity to teach classes at the school.
Pupils and teachers swapped roles for a day, with pupils getting a taste of what it is like being in front of the classroom instead of sat down learning the lesson.
The role reversal is part of Alder Grange’s innovative Tomorrow’s Teachers programme based at ag6, which gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of teaching.
During the programme students experience the practical side of teaching as they carry out mock lessons to help build their confidence and hold discussions on areas that make up teacher’s daily responsibilities.
Three pupils swapped roles with their respective teachers to present lessons on a variety of subjects to their fellow pupils.
Ruhe Ahmed, 17, Will Trickett, 16, and Georgia Ireson, 17, were given the opportunity to teach lessons in chemistry, PE and English as part of the initiative.
Ruhe, who wants to be a primary school teacher, carried out a science lesson with a class of 10 year seven students about chemical reactions with fire, known as the flame test.
Georgia, who also wants to be a primary school teacher, presented an English lesson on terminology.
Will, who would like to be a PE teacher, undertook a PE lesson on how exercise affects bones.
Each lesson was 15 minutes long, with interactive activities and full PowerPoint presentations.
Ruhe said: “I really want to be a primary school teacher after I study Primary Education at university, that’s why I chose to do the Tomorrow’s Teachers programme.
“The mock lesson took a lot more preparation and planning than I expected, and I was quite nervous waiting to start it. It was a really good learning experience.
“I learned a lot about how lessons are planned for and carried out. I’m really glad I did it, it has built my confidence up.”
Simon Varley, deputy head at Alder Grange, founded the Tomorrow’s Teachers programme when the sixth form first opened.
He said: “The programme literally teaches our students to be teachers.
“With activities like the mock lessons, students get to experience the practical side of teaching.
“It mainly is about confidence building, getting them up in front of a class can be quite nerve-racking so we want