We believe that having a network of support can make all the difference, particularly for those at the start of their teaching careers. We had chat with some members of our 2023-2024 cohort about their experiences at The John Taylor SCITT and we were delighted to hear that all of them felt supported by both their fellow trainees and the staff. If you’re considering a career in teaching and want to ensure you’ll have the backing you need to overcome the hurdles of teacher training, read on to see how we cultivate a strong sense of community here at the SCITT.
At The John Taylor SCITT, our teacher training program prioritises a school-centred approach, ensuring that our trainees gain substantial real-world classroom experience. This means trainees spend the majority of their week on placement, learning on the job from expert practitioners and dedicated mentors. However, to balance this with opportunities for peer interaction and reflection, we gather all trainees at the SCITT every Friday throughout the training year.
Fridays are dedicated to group training, allowing trainees to learn and grow as a cohesive unit – it almost feels like a school staffroom with the sharing of ideas and stories of pits and peaks of the week. This time is also invaluable for discussing the week they’ve had and preparing for the week ahead. By being able to share both their challenges and successes, trainees can learn from each other.
‘There’s a lovely sense of community here at the SCITT. We’ve got a group chat we all message in to support each other’ – Ellen, Primary Trainee Graduate
Our programme design encourages effective collaboration and specific sessions and activities are designed to enhance that strong sense of community. Regular reflect and review sessions, peer observations, trainee teach meets and collective practice and rehearsal sessions help to ensure trainees are regularly engaging with each other and learning in a range of diverse settings.
The respective primary and secondary cohorts build strong relationships that extend beyond the training programme. Frequently, our trainees organise their own social activities such as meals, birthday cakes or even the annual Secret Santa present swaps.
When we spoke to our primary trainees, they were all really looking forward to their laser tag trip later that evening!
As well as our trainees having great relationships with each other, we also feel it’s really importance to foster positive relationships between trainees and their mentors and course leaders.
‘Course leaders and mentors go above and beyond and the support I’ve received has been tremendous’ – Matt, Primary Trainee Graduate
It is vital for trainees to feel comfortable asking questions and raising concerns about their training or placements. Teacher training involves significant learning and development, no matter what stage of life a trainee is in, so our staff are committed to providing the support needed throughout this journey.
At The John Taylor SCITT, we believe that building a strong sense of community is the cornerstone of effective teacher training. By nurturing a supportive environment, and encouraging positive relationships amongst our trainees, mentors and course leaders, we create a space where our future teachers can thrive.
If you’re considering a career in teaching and want to start the journey with the confidence that you’ll have a solid support network behind you, The John Taylor SCITT is the place to start. You’ll not only gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the classroom but also become part of a genuine community who are routing for your success.
Register now for September 2024 and discover how being part of a strong community from the get-go can make all the difference in your teaching career!
Secondary Programme Lead
