STUDENTS were given the chance to see what life is like on the other side of teacher's desk this week.

The School of Total Education had its annual Year 9 pupil takeover day.

Students took on the roles of their teachers and principal staff to see just how much work goes on behind the scenes of the classroom.

James Fern took over from deputy principal Judy Currie for the day and said it was a real eye-opener to how much work both the deputy, and principal Shane Power dealt with on a day-to-day basis.

"I think a lot of planning goes unnoticed." Fern said.

"Teaching a class this morning has opened my eyes to the possibility of teaching."

"I had a lot of fun, the kids had so much energy and were really well behaved."

Fern showed great initiative in bringing cupcakes to the classroom to help him teach the Year 2 class about fractions in maths.

William Lightfoot was principal for the day in place of Shane Power and was surprised teachers were not better respected after witnessing first-hand the effort required and the key role in shaping students' futures.

"I think teachers have such an important role in bringing up kids." Lightfoot said.

"I think they should be respected like doctors and lawyers are."

The experience clearly had an effect on the students and gave them a great opportunity to improve their relationship with teachers and staff at the school.

The two students also had a go at writing the school newsletter and learnt how to plan a class lesson.

SOTE student, Callum Fisher is currently doing work experience at the Warwick Daily News and was a part of the program last year.

Callum was deputy principal for the day and got the chance to propose topics for an upcoming school meeting.

Callum enjoyed the experience which showed him what it was like to teach a class.

He said a highlight of the program was teaching a Year 4 maths class.