What's your background?
I graduated from University with a degree in History in 2023. Throughout my second year at university, I completed a work placement program where I returned to my High School to gain experience working in schools. After this, I joined an Agency in my third year where I became a TA and a Supply Cover supervisor across Cheshire and Staffordshire.
Why did you decide to go into teaching?
Growing up I was a dancer and I was privileged enough to get put through my dance teaching qualifications with my dance school. I loved teaching dance to children of all different ages and seeing their passion and desire to work hard. When I attended University I knew I wanted to go into teaching and had a deep passion for History, this confirmed that I wanted to pursue this as my career. In the future, I hope to teach abroad and volunteer around the world to support children in education.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
I thoroughly enjoy and love my subject and getting to teach and share this passion with students in the room. To me history is the future and I get to inspire the next generation. The school environment is filled with people who share those same ideas and want to work with young lives and have an impact on them. Every day is something different and it always keeps you on your toes.
Why did you choose the School Centred Initial Teacher Training route and specifically the Cheshire East SCITT?
Having applied for two SCITT’S and the standard PGCE course at a university, I felt as though I would succeed the most at Cheshire East SCITT. Straight from the Interview, I knew that they would be able to offer me the best training experience by working in two contrasting schools where I could develop my skills. It was also clear there was a very good support network by the team and the subject mentors/experts available. I knew that from day one I would be able to immerse myself into school life and begin my training straight away.
Do you have a job for next year and what are you looking forward to?
Although I will be leaving Cheshire for my job in Staffordshire and I won’t do my ECT training with Holmes Chapel, I am very much looking forward to starting my new journey as a Teacher of Humanities. All of SCITT team has been very supportive in my decision to start my career in Staffordshire. I can’t wait to have my own classes and get to teach cross curricular subjects to continue developing my set of skills.
What were the three best things about the programme?
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I have got to spend the most amount of time in both my placement schools, especially in Placement A where we started on the INSET day before the students came back to school after summer. This was so beneficial as it helped me find my feet and become more familiar with the school and meet my professional mentor and subject mentor before the start of the term. Spending plenty of time in school allowed me to make as much progress as possible.
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Both of my mentors from Placement A and B have been extremely helpful and supportive. They were always willing to help and went above and beyond to ensure my feedback was constructive and effective to allow me to make progress. Alongside this, my subject expert was the biggest support system throughout the year. They were so supportive in the decisions I made and not only supported me in the classroom, but also as a person on a journey of growth.
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This year I have had the greatest opportunity to work and meet the most amazing people who I will carry with me throughout my career. Both other inspiring teachers, mentors and guest speakers, as well as other staff members in my placement schools and the department at SCITT. They have all played a huge role in my training and I couldn't be more grateful.