Holly Lyall: Primary SCITT Trainee 2021/22
"I am excited to continue improving my skills, and aim to be the best role model and teacher I can possibly be. I strive to ensure my future students have the ability to do whatever they choose with their future "
Holly Lyall, Primary SCITT trainee.
I'm a drama and theatre studies post graduate. I decided to study primary SCITT, and I have been teaching a year 4 class. I completed my first placement at a beautiful school called Our Lady Of Sorrows.
I was always undecided between teaching and becoming a police officer, I love helping people. I decided to choose teaching as I love working with children and seeing their faces light up when they learn something new or find a new passion. Teachers can encourage children to find what they love, be kind and be motivated. I want to be the best role model for the future generations as possible.
What qualities do you have that you think will help you in the teaching profession?
I am a kind and caring person and have great listening skills. I find that these are amazing qualities in a teacher, as listening to the children is one of the most important things a teacher can do. Genuinely listening to the children ensures they feel valued and important, BECAUSE THEY ARE. My patience and enthusiasm are also important qualities. My enthusiasm often engages the children and sparks interest.
Did you get any school experience before starting, if so, how did you go about securing some teaching experience?
I had a small amount of experience in a special needs school. I completed my work experience through choosing it as a university module. It was a wonderful school, I decided to stay after my work experience finished and volunteer when I wasn’t at university. Sadly, as exams came around I had to leave. Only a few days into my work experience I knew that teaching was what I wanted to do, I felt at home and enjoyed even the more challenging aspects.
“My first term of teaching has been incredible. I cannot find the words to describe how much I have enjoyed working in the amazing school I was placed in. I am excited for each and every day and what opportunities it might bring for me as a trainee and also for the children. I cannot wait for my next term of teaching and every term after that. Teaching is a rewarding job, and I feel I am learning more about teaching every second of every day. ”
What responsibilities and tasks have you taken part in at your placement school?
In my placement school I have taken responsibility for certain classes in the week, these lessons were co-planned to ensure I have support but can put my own spin on the lesson. I have also read with the children individually to develop their reading skills. I have specifically enjoyed this as I can see a genuine improvement in their reading. I have also taken part in many activity days, well being sessions and playtimes. In this time I have been able to get to know their personalities and build a relationship with them which also helps in the classroom.
What are your favourite aspects of the course so far?
Seeing the impact you are having on the children no matter how small. Some children may be more engaged with your support, or feel more comfortable to talk to you, seeing that you are making an impact in the child's day makes a difficult day worth it.
Have you found the SCITT to be supportive and welcoming?
I think the SCITT has been hugely supportive. The mentors are amazing, my mentor always ensures I can ask any question no matter how small and feel reassured that she will support me in any way she can. I cannot thank her enough for her amazing mentoring.
What are your aspirations for the future, once you are a qualified teacher?
I am excited to continue improving my skills, and aim to be the best role model and teacher I can possibly be. I strive to ensure my future students have the ability to do whatever they choose with their future.
Has anything surprised you since starting in the classroom?
I have been surprised at how quickly a relationship can be formed. The children I have worked with have been fantastic and even the smallest progress has made me feel proud. Also, the amount of home made cards and pictures I have received has warmed my heart, I am not sure at what point teachers stop keeping everything, I am running out of space to keep them all!
I would highly recommend anyone to take a SCITT route into teaching, the experiences and how much I have learnt and grown as a teacher is unbeatable.
If you are considering a career change and would like to know more about our training, please join us at our next Get into Teaching open event.
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