What’s your background?
I had been a software developer for the better part of a decade after graduating from Bangor University working with a variety of companies ranging from vehicular sales to medicine. I briefly volunteered for the Sea Cadets which was an interesting experience however it wasn't for me due to the content.
Why did you decide to go into teaching?
Roughly ten years I decided I wanted to teach but I didn't feel ready enough as I still needed to complete my qualifications and I wanted industry experience. My College tutor was a wonderful and inspirational person who recognised my skills and supported me, this allowed me to grow and think about what I wanted from my future. Without her I wouldn't be where I am now.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Being able to watch people grow, develop their own interests and drive. Making their own plans for the future. Plus, a lot of students are hilarious; it's difficult to have bad days often.
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Why did you choose the School Centred Initial Teacher Training route and specifically the Cheshire East SCITT?
Opposing University-led Teacher Training I liked that I was able to go straight into the deep end and spend the majority of my time in school rather than in University as it gives you the full experience of what it would be like in a permanent teaching position.
Do you have a job for next year and what are you looking forward to?
I will be teaching at Malbank School & Sixth-Form College where Lorraine spent a large part of her career and where my Subject Expert taught. It's a wonderful school that seems to have deep roots for many teachers in Cheshire East. I am most definitely looking forward to teaching there.
What were the three best things about the programme?
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Lorraine, Lilian and Annabel.
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Getting to know students. I started the training feeling very unsure about myself and lacked confidence but sure enough to have students there, getting to know them and supporting them instantly made me feel like I was making the right decision and in turn gave me confidence.
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The variety of people that you end up working with, every week there is at least one training session where amazing current/former teachers teach you something new. At the same time I have worked with some of the top teachers in the country in terms of exam board moderators and experts.