Kingsbridge SCITT

This week, I began my training as a teacher through the School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) program. Here's a glimpse of my first week. 

Why I Wanted to Train as a Teacher: 

For as long as I can remember, I've been passionate about education. I wanted to be the kind of teacher who fosters not just academic growth but also personal development and a love for learning. I believe that education is a powerful tool for societal change, and I wanted to be part of that transformation. 

My first week: 

My first week at SCHS was a whirlwind of activities. We delved into various areas during the inset days. I learned about lesson planning, classroom management, inclusive teaching (needs of specific SEN children) and understanding the curriculum. We did some team teaching and a small practical on Thursday afternoon with year 11,  Additionally, I received guidance on safeguarding and child protection. 

Biggest Challenge and How I Overcame It:  

One of the most significant challenges I faced during the week was the realization that teaching is a completely different and new profession for me. Leaving my previous career for this new, exciting, academic profession has been an eye opener so far. I am still come to terms with my new uniform and the uniform policies at school, but have learnt that being a male teacher comes with it’s own expectations of this. I have spent some time this week looking at the national curriculum and how this is followed in the DT classroom via project booklets and guidelines.  

As the week progressed, my confidence grew. I found that my passion for teaching and the support system provided by SCITT helped me navigate these challenges effectively. By the end of the week, I felt a sense of accomplishment and excitement about my journey ahead, especially after our induction session at Kingsbridge on Friday. This allowed all of the trainees to discuss things we hadn’t had chance to all week, but also to share ideas, provide feedback, and learn from each other's experiences so far. 

Why I Recommend a SCITT-Based Route (from my experience so far):  

The SCITT route has already proven to be an excellent choice for me. It's a hands-on, school-based training program that allows trainee teachers to immerse themselves in real classroom environments from day one. This practical experience, especially for myself training in DT, ensures that you're well-prepared for the challenges and joys of teaching. 

Moreover, the SCITT program emphasizes collaboration and a strong sense of community among trainee teachers. We learn from experienced educators and from each other, creating a dynamic and enriching learning environment. I feel I have been extremely lucky with my mentor as she is 2nd in Faculty at SCHS as well as the Head of Teaching and Learning. She has the positive attitude that I desire about teaching and it is noticeable that she absolutely loves her role, I look forward to the next few terms ahead learning from her. 

In conclusion, my first week at SCITT has reaffirmed my passion for teaching and my belief in this training route. It's the beginning of a fulfilling journey, and I can't wait to see how I grow as a teacher over the coming months. The challenges are real, but so is the reward of knowing that I have the opportunity to inspire and shape the future through education.