In this blog, one of our current Primary Teacher Trainees, Brandon Clark, shares their first impressions of life on the John Taylor SCITT programme. From the excitement of applying and interviewing to the realities of the first few weeks in school, they offer an honest and personal insight into what it’s really like to begin a journey into primary teaching with the JTSCITT.
From the first moment I encountered the SCITT, navigating through the GOV.UK teacher training course portal, I instinctively felt that undertaking a course with The John Taylor MAT was going to be natural, and inevitable.
After seeking advice on the differing types of courses (i.e. PGCEs, and SCITT programmes), from my Teacher Training Adviser* (shout out to Kirsty, my wonderful Adviser!), I applied to The John Taylor SCITT – alongside 1 other SCITT and 2 PGCE courses, provided by Universities.
Of all four courses, JT were the first to get in touch (the next day!), and kindly invited me to an interview. I was ecstatic to have not only succesfully completed the interview, last November, but to also receive an offer to study with the SCITT on the same day!
*The Teacher Training Adviser (TTA) that I used was free. Free TTAs are provided by the Government, for all people wanting free, impartial advice/questions answered on Initial Teacher Training courses, and for applicants going through the application/interview process.
Click below if you would like to apply to have your own TTA, or just want to get more information:
On our first day, it immediately felt like all SCITT Trainees were adopted into a very extended, educational family. We were made to feel welcome, and at home immediately, welcomed by all the different SCITT staff, from Lou and Vic, to the two Mikes (Simmons and Donoghue!).
I have developed excellent relationships with all the staff involved with the SCITT, my two Mentors (known as Home [first] School Mentor and Second School Mentor respectively), my Specialist Mentor, and all school staff I have met/worked with. Moreover, I have formed strong, close relationships with my fellow Trainees, all of whom have come to the SCITT from different walks of life.
Overtime, we have also been introduced to people within/external to the JT Mat, whether that be Min Bousfield from John Taylor High School, Dave Adams from Shobnall Primary & Nursery School (whom I had met twice before!), or Susan Clamp from Outwoods Primary Academy.
The SCITT has felt – even in the introductory, Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) 1, and ‘Orientation’ periods – full-on and intense, but immensely rewarding and worthwhile.
Even as I am writing this at the end of Week Five, I have already completed so much work, observed lots of good teaching/pedagogical practice, and been given ample opportunities to implement my own knowledge and understanding of best teaching practice, in a live school setting.
I have even helped run three mini-school trips, around my Home School’s local area, teaching pupils about the roles that different members of the local community play, and the importance of different amenities, such as the local Co-op, salon, and charity shop.
So far, I have taken whole-class registers independently, and taught a part of multiple Maths lessons. Next week, I will be teaching two whole Phonics lessons, alongside a whole hour of Maths, to Year 1 (the latter of which contains a very exciting practical activity!). I will also be visiting my Second School for the second time, getting to know more about – and forming strong relationships with – my lovely Year 3 class!
Definitely do apply for a place on a SCITT programme, and jump in with both feet! Every trainee will make mistakes, and with The John Taylor SCITT, you are not penalised if you do. Instead, you are supported and guided with ways/methods to enhance your teaching practice.
In this blog, Mike Simmons, JTSCITT Director, discusses the importance of mentor meetings and having regular guidance from a skilled teacher to help challenge and celebrate you during your training.
In this blog, one of our trainees reflects on their first term as trainee teacher – sharing more on how they’ve grown in confidence, managed behaviour and how they’re building foundation for the next stage.
In this blog, Mike Simmons, JTSCITT Director, discusses the importance of lesson observation and getting constructive feedback during your teacher training.
In this blog, one of our trainees reflects on their first term as a trainee teacher, sharing insights from training to classroom experience.
