Initial Teacher Training (ITT)
Shropshire Primary Partnership
Our Associate Teachers have made a brilliant start to their teaching journey. Just one week in, they had covered a lot. They had completed their inductions with their Lead School Partners and the University of Chester, participated in Professional Development (P.D.) days in their schools, and worked directly with children in classrooms.
The first week concluded with a Professional Development Day focused on safeguarding and classroom management, providing an excellent learning opportunity and time for reflection.
Feedback from some of the ATs:
"Today’s been so helpful to give clarity about what the year entails but also a deep dive into positive classroom management. Great to hear reflections from other associate teachers on their placements and feel a sense that we are not alone. We’re excited to put all we’ve learned into practice.” – Emma & Natalie.
“Today’s session was wonderful. It has deepened my understanding of the year ahead and excited me to use what I have learned today in my practice in teaching. The training was very insightful and has left me feeling much more prepared to step into the classroom.” – Jessie.
Severn Training and Schools Alliance
The PGCE course with QTS is demanding, highlighting the importance of ATs supporting one another and building strong relationships. All our ATs participate in a day at Arthog Outreach to understand the benefits of learning beyond the classroom.
This is what our ATs said:
"I only have a few photos from Arthog! I was too busy living in the moment to remember to take any!
“It was an amazing time to go out, especially as my first experience of this sort of thing - I can see why children are so excited
going on these adventures!” – Cerys
“I really enjoyed Arthog! I didn't think I would, but I loved the canoeing and the fire starting. It was really fun and both things I haven't done before! I can see why children love it so much and how beneficial it is for them, as well as giving them the chance to have new experiences and make special memories! The course is really intense, sometimes more than others, but I'm loving every minute, and I've learnt so much already!” - Sarah-Jane
The Intensive Training and Practice weeks, new this year, have immersed our ATs in crucial topics like 'Routines and Instructions' and 'Teacher Modelling'. Both of these elements are crucial to be an effective and outstanding classroom teacher. These weeks involve understanding pedagogical approaches, planning, rehearsing, and practicing in schools, culminating in a review session at the end of the week.
“I am aware that the ITAPs are a new addition to the course, and I wanted to take a moment to write to you after another positive experience with ITAP 2.
I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to participate in both ITAP 1 and ITAP 2. These experiences have been incredibly valuable in shaping my teaching, as well as providing a great opportunity to explore different school environments as I begin to consider what type of school I see myself working in. The feedback and insights I’ve gained, particularly from my time at Redhill Primary School, have really helped me to focus on areas of my teaching that I am eager to develop further.
My time with Year 2 at Redhill Primary School has been fantastic! The support I have received from the staff there has been outstanding. It has been a truly supportive and inspiring environment, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both observing modelling in action and putting everything I’ve learned from centre-based learning into practice. I look forward to continuing to refine my practice and growing in confidence moving forward.
I’ve been so grateful to be part of the Redhill community, even for just 1.5 days, and I have learned so much from both the staff and the children. It has been a great match for me! Overall, it’s been a fantastic experience”. Toyah
This is what the amazing schools who supported the ITAP weeks said:
“We have had a wonderful couple of days. The ATs are amazing! They have all observed experts modelling and explaining. They have all had the opportunity to model themselves. I was pleased with the way they were all verbalising their own thoughts as they modelled the process. I think this is a great ITAP and could be extended going forward. Modelling in maths is quite different to modelling in literacy so having the opportunity to see and have a go at both would be valuable.” Kath Redhill Primary School.
“Both Katie and Jamie were very professional and enthusiastic to learn, asking questions to determine their understanding. Even on their first day, they made every opportunity to get to know the children. They were happy to take time to go through the planning and create their own planning for specific children. They discussed with me modelling techniques that they have used on placement and have suggested that they would use some that they had seen. It was a pleasure to have them in my class and I hope that by experiencing ITAP week has been helpful to them”. Alison Hollinswood Primary School
Alliance of Leading Learning
Our current cohort have had a fantastic start to their PGCE course!
Feedback about the ITaP weeks have been positive, the ATs enjoyed the opportunity to gain experience in a different school and focus intensively on one aspect, and that this improved their practice back on placement. This was evident in SBTEM feedback on Abyasa too, with SBTEMS clearly noting developments.
