Coming onto the Leicester and Leicestershire Primary SCITT, I was looking forward to build on the knowledge and skillset I had obtained from my degree and was keen to take an active role in the day-to-day experiences of a classroom setting; the first month in has encompassed all this and much much more.
As a trainee, I have not only received extensive support from a range of key individuals such as the subject specialists, my placement mentor and the amazing team that run the programme but also from the collaborative relationships and friendships that I have built with other trainees, all of which were facilitated and nurtured through the induction process.
The SCITT Team have also been extremely supportive in terms of our well being by carrying out emotional check-in’s and always having time for a 1 to 1 discussion if needed. The expertise shared by the subject facilitators, who lead both the core and foundation curricular areas in centre-based training sessions, has supported my understanding of core curriculum frameworks and given me the foundations to question, analyse and critically reflect on classroom practice which has been essential to my development in these first few weeks.
Having started my placement, it has become apparent how the theoretical aspects and research-informed evidence which is discussed at the centre directly relate and can be applied to the practicalities of the classroom. This has really supported me in un-picking and deconstructing my mentor’s teaching practice and observe it from multiple lens and perspectives.
I really enjoyed the Intensive Training and Practice week on Behaviour Management which was a very beneficial experience where we were able to see teachers at work and discuss with leadership teams the strategies that are implemented and embedded in their school ethos; this was also a fantastic opportunity to create professional connections with schools and understand the ways in which they work through a direct focus on a specific element of the SCITT curriculum.
The first few weeks have been challenging, they have been intense and have definitely been time consuming, but being organised, prepared and being open to feedback has helped me to overcome these challenges. For me, joining the SCITT has been one of the best decisions I have made, and I am really looking forward to what the rest of the year brings!
Abdullah 2023/24
Other comments from trainees 2024/25
- The Leicester and Leicestershire SCITT mentors are supportive and have helped me become a better practitioner.
- The SCITT gives you an in-depth understanding of learning theories and how to apply them in the classroom. This enables you to reflect on your observations of teaching and your own teaching practice. The course allows you to work with various experienced professionals that impart their knowledge and genuinely want to help trainees improve and succeed in the course.
- There is an amazing sense of camaraderie amongst the trainees, all learning and progressing on the same journey and excited to be making a positive difference in the lives of young people. The training is provided by the most experienced and passionate individuals, who share not only their expertise, but their infectious enthusiasm as well! The SCITT course is both challenging and rewarding, designed to make sure that we will become the best teachers we can be. I highly recommend it to anyone considering training to be a teacher.
- Completing my teacher training through SCITT has really helped me put theory into practice through centre-based training and then going into school. The feedback is helpful, supported and individualised to progress throughout the course.
- SCITT offers high-quality training, with extensive hands-on classroom experience and support from mentors, lead mentors, and subject leads. It's a good course to choose, especially for those who don't have a lot of experience teaching, the SCITT course prepares you well for the classroom.
- The SCITT has really helped build my confidence as a teacher. The practical experiences have really developed my skills as a teacher and have enabled me to see pedagogical theory applied in the classroom. The hands on experience has really helped me understand what it is to be a teacher and an excellent teacher.
- The staff on the course are very supportive, passionate and knowledgeable. I like the fact that centre based training is very discussion and reflection based.
- It is very beneficial as you are exposed to being within the school environment and helps you to learn on the job from experienced teachers.
- The SCITT is a great way to take the next step into teaching, it incorporates both practicality through placements in schools and centre-based training which helps develop knowledge and understanding.
- SCITT ensures that there is a wide range of training provided on all areas of the curriculum which allows me to feel prepared to go into my placement settings and teach any subject with confidence which is something that I will take into my career as a teacher.