Secondary Programme
Our Aim
At the John Taylor SCITT our aim is to ensure that you have access to a programme and support that will enable you to become an excellent secondary school teacher in your specialist subject, in order that you can ignite in pupils a love of learning and a passion for your subject.
How to Become a Secondary Teacher
Our programme, which leads to the award of PGCE alongside QTS, is made up of various components: Professional Studies Sessions, Subject Pedagogy, School Based Tasks, Masters Level Assignments and Classroom Practise.
All are designed to give you the knowledge, skills and experience you require to become a highly effective teacher. Two enhanced training opportunities, one in a special school and one in a primary school serve to deepen your understanding of the educational journey and experience of children.
Classroom Practice
This is the major component of the programme. You will be in school after two weeks, but the induction process is a gradual one. Following a short SCITT induction, where we ensure you are prepared for those first encounters with pupils, you will begin your school induction.
You will work alongside your mentor, initially observing, working with small groups of pupils and engaging in collaborative lesson planning until you are confident to take that first step and teach you own class.
Programme Leader - Mike Simmons
Appointed the position of Secondary Programme Leader in 2018 at the John Taylor SCITT, Mike now has the overall responsibility of those on our Secondary Programme across all the subjects we offer. Working with trainees in their Initial Teacher Training year in 2011 and leading both School Direct and SCITT courses since 2014, Mike works tirelessly to ensure that trainees have an exceptional training experience and qualify fully prepared for the next steps of their teaching career.
Qualifying as a Geography teacher in 2009, Mike progressed into Secondary school senior leadership, specialising in Early Career Teacher development. During this time, he supported and developed many Geography Departments across the Midlands.
Alongside teaching, Mike gained an MEd in Teaching Studies and, he has since been published several times in contemporary Geographical Education journals and resources. To further his passion, Mike regularly leads sessions at national conferences for the Geographical Association and contributes to their work, as an organisation, in his roles across different committees and special interest groups.
Training Day
Trainees come together every Friday at the John Taylor High School Training Centre for Professional Studies followed by subject specific sessions. Equally important is the opportunity on this day for trainees to network, share experiences and support each other.
Trainee Support
Trainee support is of paramount importance to us. In addition to the central SCITT Team, your subject leader will be a key point of contact, delivering training, visiting you in school, monitoring your progress and supporting you with those all important job applications and interviews.
In school, an assigned subject mentor will be your main support together with a school professional mentor, normally a member of the school leadership team.
Additional Support for Career Changers
We are partnered with Now Teach who support people coming into teaching with experience in other industries. Joining their national network gives access to bespoke coaching and support to help career changers thrive in their new profession. If you decide to train to teach with The John Taylor SCITT, continued support and developmental opportunities are offered through this partnership.
Download the leaflet or contact Rachael for more information about Now Teach.
