Hosting an Imperial student can be a valuable experience for both you and your pupils. Gaining first-hand experience of the school environment, our students encourage school pupils and enhance classroom teaching by implementing special teaching projects, designed using pedagogical approaches and observational learning.
Register your interest in hosting an Imperial Computing student at your school.
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When will the student be attending the school?
Students begin their placements in January and each placement lasts for approximately eight weeks. The days in which students attend is dependent on the availability of the student and the timetable of the school. Typically, the student will spend 2-3 hours per week in the classroom, over a single morning or afternoon. Students will still be expected to attend lectures and tutorials around this module so exact timings and flexibility can be discussed during your initial meeting.
What is the role of the host teacher?
The role of the host teacher is to act as a mentor, guiding the student in developing their teaching materials. The student will act as a teaching assistant, supporting the teaching of computer science in the classroom. The student will spend the first few weeks observing the host teacher to get a better understanding of the classroom, layout of the school, teaching and any expectations. Once the student feels comfortable, they will take the lead in implementing a teaching project that they have planned in collaboration with the teacher at the school. Examples of appropriate teaching projects may include computer clubs, introducing new programming languages, problem solving, designing robots, etc.
How much paperwork is involved?
Students will be required to keep a logbook that is regularly updated during the placement, which details their preparatory activities, teaching material prepared, and reflections on the experience. The teacher does not need to sign off on any of the logbooks, but will be encouraged to give the student verbal feedback on thir progress. Depending on the circumstances, a call or visit from the module coordinator may take place approximately four weeks into the placement - this will be to observe the student teaching and to see that everything is running smoothly. The only administrative requirement from host teachers is to provide written feedback at the end of the placement (no more than one-two pages of A4). Guidance as to what this feedback should contain will be sent out midway through the placement.
Does the host school have to carry out a DBS check on the student?
No. The students have already had their DBS checks carried out by Imperial College London and will have received their certificates in the post in advance of starting their placements.
Is the school expected to cover any of the student’s expenses?
No. Imperial College London will cover any expenses needed for the student to travel to and from the school. The school is not expected to provide lunch arrangements or otherwise for the student.
Any school with computing provision or a desire to incorporate computer science into their curriculum (through afterschool clubs or otherwise) can apply to host an Imperial student.
Schools are committed to hosting an Imperial student for a maximum of 10 weeks, between January and March.
Feedback from participating schools:
"The student offered struggling students plenty of support. Over the lessons taught there was clear improvement in their programming ability."
"Her lessons were very creative and helped students to progress in the topics being taught. She was an absolute pleasure to have in school."
"Our pupils have benefitted from hearing the topics taught from a new perspective with great depth of understanding."
"Thanks to this student, my pupils had an interesting introduction to Python. We had good and constructive conversations together leading to him developing his strategies."
"The student was very passionate during lessons and delivered very engaging lessons. She also promoted the subject with year 10s by sharing her experience of studying Computer Science at university and what it would mean if they picked it for A- level. The student was able to plan lessons seamlessly and adapt to our teaching styles."
Contact
If you would like to know more about our outreach and public engagement,
email doc-outreach@imperial.ac.uk.
