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Alumni Blog

We caught up with some of our SCITT Alumni recently, and really proud to hear how well they are doing in their careers, and loving teaching.  We asked them to reflect on their time as a SCITT trainee and what advice they could share with anyone thinking about teaching, or those just about to head into their Early Career Teacher year.

Each week we will be sharing their stories …

This week Cat, a Maths Trainee from 2018.  Cat is a Maths Teacher, at the Nottingham Emmanuel School

Why did you choose to train with Bluecoat SCITT?

After graduating, I worked in finance for 5 years as a Paraplanner. I had always wanted to be a teacher and decided 10 years on from leaving school it was the right time for me. I didn’t want to go back to University for my teacher training as I wanted to be with people my own age. I had always been told the teacher training year is the toughest year ever and when I went to a couple of schools for work experience a few teachers recommended the SCITT with Bluecoat. I decided this was the SCITT for me when I went for my interview.

What was highlight of your training year?

Friday SCITT sessions. Seeing other trainee teachers and letting off steam was a lovely way to end the week  and learning new skills with the people that were learning to be teachers too!

How did your teacher training prepare you for a career in teaching?

Throughout my training year the support was incredible. The 2 mentors I had were very supportive, the 2 schools I trained at made me feel very welcome and the continued support  from SCITT was appreciated so much.

Do you have any advice for future SCITT trainees?

In your training year please keep a diary and stay as organised as possible! Make lists. What has to be done first? What isn’t a priority today? What can be done tomorrow? There’s so much to juggle especially with assignments pending but if you can keep yourself organised then you can focus your time on learning to be the best teacher you can.

Last time Rob, a History Trainee from 2018.  Rob is now Key Stage 4 Achievement Leader at Bluecoat Beechdale Academy

Why did you choose to train with Bluecoat SCITT?

I had worked in the Archway Trust for the previous five years. As a result, I knew the quality of the provision would be high and that I would give myself an opportunity to impress and secure a role within the Trust at the end of my training year.

What was highlight of your training year?

My highlight was the subject specific sessions we did every Friday afternoon. We had a brilliant group of Humanities trainees and our sessions were always fun and engaging. I was also lucky enough to be named “SCITT Trainee of the Year” at the Archway Learning Trust Award’s Evening.

How did your teacher training prepare you for a career in teaching?

Looking back, my favourite aspect of my training year was being afforded the time to plan, develop and refine engaging and purposeful lessons which demonstrated my creativity. This was also a collaborative process, as we were able to learn the theory behind teaching in the Friday morning sessions before running our ideas past our peers throughout the day.

Do you have any advice for future SCITT trainees?

Say “yes” to as many opportunities that come your way in your training year. Enthusiasm goes a long way and you never know what you might discover about your own abilities.  Teacher training at Bluecoat SCITT kick-started my career and helped me discover a passion for teaching young people

Wasim’s journey, a Biology Trainee from 2015.  Wasim is now Head of Science at Bluecoat Wollaton Academy

Why did you choose to train with Bluecoat SCITT?

I primarily chose to train with Bluecoat SCITT because I am an ex-student and was aware of the wealth of expertise and support that I would receive from colleagues as a trainee teacher. The SCITT team and the wider staff body at my main placement school were always willing to help; nothing was ever too much for them all.

What was highlight of your training year?

The highlight of the training year was the welcome that I received from both the staff and the students. Student conduct in lessons and their passion to learn was infectious. As a trainee teacher, one of the most heart-warming highlights was students expressing their appreciation through ‘teacher appreciation cards’.

How did your teacher training prepare you for a career in teaching?

The teacher training year prepared me for a career in teaching as the SCITT based training sessions complimented the day to day requirements of a classroom teacher and ensured that I was well supported, trained and established to carry out the role successfully. Furthermore, the expertise and advice from the department was invaluable in shaping my teaching journey. Not forgetting the support from my fellow SCITT trainees was also significant in ensuring we are able to discuss and reflect on our experiences in order to move our teaching practice forward.

Do you have any advice for future SCITT trainees?

The advice that I would give to any future SCITT trainees is to ask for help, people will always be willing to support you. Finally, do remember to build in time at the end of a busy school day to reflect on your day and teaching practice in order to move forward.

Contact Us

Bluecoat SCITT Alliance
Maid Marian Way (accessed via Castle Road)
Nottingham
NG1 6AB

E-mail: itt@bluecoat.uk.com
Tel: 0115 900 7230

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