Ahmed Abbas: Primary SCITT Trainee 2021/22
"I am currently at Dore Primary School in a Year 6 class and loving every single day!"
Ahmed Abbas, primary SCITT trainee 2021/22
Today we are chatting to Ahmed, who is currently training to become a primary teacher. Ahmed fills us in on his career to date and his experience of the first term of teacher training with the Sheffield SCITT.
I have a degree in history. I am currently at Dore Primary School in a Year 6 class and loving every single day! I have been teaching abroad for almost ten years, Turkey and China. I decided that when I returned to the U.K. I wanted to become a qualified teacher as this is what I love to do.
“I highly recommend the SCITT to anyone who is seriously considering the teaching profession. You learn so much and you are in the perfect place to be nurtured and improve every day. ”
What qualities do you have that you think will help you in the teaching profession?
You need to be patient and understanding. Accept every child that walks into your classroom, bring the joy of learning to the children in your classroom. A great teacher also needs to be a lifelong learner, someone who is always willing to learn themselves and improve.
Did you get any school experience before starting, if so, how did you go about securing some teaching experience?
Previously I was working as a teacher in Turkey and China for almost ten years, as well as some experience as a cover supervisor in the U.K.
How has your first term of teacher training been?
My first term has been fantastic. I have learnt a lot and I feel at home in the classroom. There is a sense of excitement prior to teaching the lesson with some nerves mixed in since I am still learning the ropes. Regardless I have loved the experience.
What responsibilities and tasks have you taken part in at your placement school?
I have been happy to do whatever has been asked of me, we have to be flexible. I taught many classes, taken the register, afternoon lessons. Recently, I taught the whole morning which was a great feeling. One that I want to repeat every day.
What are your favourite aspects of the course so far?
Being in the classroom and being able to apply the theory given to us during the SCITT sessions almost immediately. That way it is fresh in your mind and you can discuss any ideas or questions you might have with your mentor who is always happy to help.
Have you found the SCITT to be supportive and welcoming?
Everyone at my placement SCITT has been welcoming and friendly. The SCITT speakers and organisers have also been very professional and extremely helpful.
What are your aspirations for the future once you are a qualified teacher?
To have my own classroom as soon as possible and teach them every day. For my medium term around 3-5 years, it would be to work my way up in a school into a management position.
Has anything surprised you since starting in the classroom?
It has been a pleasant surprise to witness how much mental health is discussed with the children which is something that previous generations of school children were sadly lacking.
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