Sala Peto

What I worked on

My placement lasted nine weeks, and during that time I was able to observe how Catholic values shape the culture, teaching practice, and everyday interactions within the school. Being in a Catholic school environment helped me understand how faith, kindness, gratitude and respect are woven into simple daily routines. I supported teachers with settling students, guiding learning activities, and helping maintain a calm and positive classroom environment. My role allowed me to grow in confidence, build relationships with students and staff, and understand what it means to contribute to a school community in a meaningful way.

Throughout my placement, I was involved in a wide range of classroom tasks and hands‑on experiences. I supported daily routines, including morning prayer, transitions, group activities and settling students who needed extra guidance. I worked with small reading and maths groups, helping students stay focused, understand instructions and complete their tasks. I also observed how teachers integrate Catholic values into everyday teaching through kindness, gratitude, calm behaviour management, and restorative conversations. These observations helped me understand how culture and values influence student behaviour and wellbeing.

Another part of my experience was helping teachers with creative tasks such as decorating for school events, preparing classroom displays and assisting with visual learning materials. Working alongside the teachers taught me how to be more creative and confident in contributing to the classroom environment. These experiences helped me build strong relationships with both staff and students and made my placement more enjoyable and meaningful.

Skills I used (and grew)

How AUT prepared me

My AUT studies prepared me well for stepping into a real classroom environment. Courses on child development, inclusive education and learning theories helped me understand why certain teaching strategies work and how to support different learners. I learned how to observe, reflect and analyse teaching practice, which made my work integrated learning experience more purposeful.

The work integrated learning preparation modules taught me how to set goals, understand professional expectations and approach my placement with confidence. AUT also helped me develop communication skills, cultural awareness and reflective thinking, all of which were essential during my time at Holy Trinity. These studies gave me the foundation I needed to participate fully in the classroom and learn from the teachers I worked alongside.

What I learned

Working in a real school environment taught me how important it is to ask questions so I can understand the little things I’m eager to learn, and I realised that asking for guidance not only deepened my learning but also helped me grow more confident in my role as a developing teacher.

I also learned the importance of being respectful – respecting the teacher’s boundaries, the students’ boundaries and carrying myself in a way that reflects kindness, professionalism and awareness of the classroom culture I was stepping into. Being myself made my work integrated learning journey at Holy Trinity more enjoyable, because it allowed me to build closer bonds with the students and connect naturally with the staff members in a way that felt genuine and meaningful. I learned how powerful real connection is in a school setting, and how relationships, routines and values work together to create a positive learning environment where students feel safe, calm and supported.

These lessons helped me grow not only as a student teacher but also as a future educator who understands the importance of communication, respect and authenticity in shaping strong classroom relationships.

My tip for other students

My advice is to embrace every stage of your learning journey. When you first step into university life, especially coming straight from high school, everything feels new and unfamiliar. You’re learning how to adjust to a new environment, new routines and new expectations. But as you move closer to the finish line, you realise you’re preparing for another big transition – stepping into the workforce and finding your place in a new setting. Work integrated learning helps bridge that gap. It gives you a real taste of what your future career looks like and builds your confidence for that next step.

Be open, ask questions, observe everything and take every opportunity to grow. Respect the people you work with, be yourself and allow yourself to learn from every moment. The more you put into your work integrated learning experience, the more prepared you’ll feel when it’s time to step into the working world.

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