After completing the first term of the teacher training 3-7 early years route here are some things I have found:
It is important to take time for yourself! After the first term, you WILL feel tired and Christmas is a welcome break! Personally, I have recently found that getting my exercise and eating healthily has been very important for me to feel fresh and bright and it really helps to keep my energy levels up with my energetic year 2 class!
Things will never be finished! I have quickly realised there is always a list, and the list will continue to grow. It is important to be comfortable with knowing there will always be lots to do but do not let it overtake you or overshadow your day. We are working in the moment, and things crop up which change the course of the day sometimes, and the job list will always be there but that is okay!
Don’t be afraid to utilise your SCITT mentors. If things don’t go to plan on placement, whatever it may be – don’t worry just keep speaking to your SCITT mentors and they WILL help you. Don’t be afraid to speak up as and when things get hard. They will be hard at times but with lots of support, you will succeed. When the SCITT mentors say they are there to support you, they really are. No matter what, if you send them an email for anything may it be professional or personal circumstances, they will be there for you and are so approachable and supportive.
As an older student, it’s been lovely to be social! It’s great to go to the pub on a Friday after the SCITT day and enjoy getting to know my colleagues. Just because I am older doesn’t mean I can’t have fun!
Yes, I have extra responsibilities, such as my family, but it is great to spend time with your peers. You are all on the same journey together and no one else understands what you are going through quite like your peers. It doesn’t matter if you are 20 years older! On the SCITT age is no issue. We are all on the course going through the good and the difficult weeks together. Your family and friends of course are there to support you, however, they don’t understand what you are going through, but your peers do! So, make friends, make the effort to be sociable and value everyone on the course.
Take your breaks! There is a lot to do, but with careful planning, and organisation, there is no reason not to have be able to enjoy you weekends and enjoy your free time. I have been fortunate to be able to go on holiday in October half term. I didn’t open my laptop over Christmas, and I am going on holiday in February half term. I love my job, but I also love my family, and you do need the school holidays to rest and recover. Teaching doesn’t have to take over your life, and it is important to get a work life balance early.
If you think early years is for you, then I would recommend the early years route. The course is well structured, and the placements are such high quality and there is so much to learn. Whilst on the course you will work in EYFS and KS1. The schools the SCITT use are high quality, and the staff are so friendly. You will be made to feel part of the team. My current school staff team are playing Traitors at the moment and that is exciting! There are staff nights out and you will always be made to feel part of the staff team.
I hope that has given you some insight into what it is like to be a SCITT student. You won’t regret your decision to join. It’s never too late to get into a career you will love!
Ready to take the next step? Apply now and start your journey towards becoming the teacher you’re meant to be.
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