Louise Webster - Secondary SCITT trainee 2019/2020
"Being a school centred route meant that we had made the most of our time in school so were well prepared for interviews".
We chat to Louise Webster, a secondary teacher trainee at The Sheffield SCITT about her recent success in securing her first teaching job!
Despite the current climate of Covid - 19 and the uncertainty it brings, Louise was interviewed over the video chat platform Zoom last week and secured her first teaching job as an NQT.
Here at The Sheffield SCITT we are very excited for her and confident in that she will make an extraordinary teacher!
We have asked her all about her experience of her training year with The Sheffield SCITT and for any advice she would have for future trainee teachers.
“Be proactive in your placement schools and make the most out of your time there. Organise observations in lessons of a different subject or be involved in an extracurricular club or attend school events e.g. showcases. There is so much more to school life than just what goes on in the classroom. ”
Which school have you secured a job?
All Saints Catholic High School
What subject will you teach?
Science, Biology specialism.
When did you start to apply for jobs?
Mid January.
How have you found your training year with The Sheffield SCITT?
I have really enjoyed it! I have loved how immersed in school life we are on the SCITT. Instead of feeling like a placement student, I have felt very much part of the staff body and the community in both of my placement schools. Being in school right from the start of September enables you to really make the most out of the experience and learn from experienced colleagues. Everyone at the SCITT is incredibly supportive and the nature of the programme means that it is flexible and tailored to suit your own needs as a trainee.
Personal highlights?
Our weekly hub sessions have been really beneficial, not only in terms of developing our knowledge and skills but also as a weekly check in with all the other trainees. It’s great to see how everyone else is getting on in their placements and pick up hints and tips from each other.
What did you find most challenging?
Keeping on top of the work load is tricky, there is always so much to do. But once you become more confident planning lessons you become quicker at planning and learn to prioritise the most important tasks to focus on.
Any tips for future teacher trainees?
Be proactive in your placement schools and make the most out of your time there. Organise observations in lessons of a different subject or be involved in an extracurricular club or attend school events e.g. showcases. There is so much more to school life than just what goes on in the classroom.
Did the training put you in good stead for applying for teaching positions and going to interviews?
Yes, definitely. We had hub sessions on interviews/applications in early Jan which was just before most people were starting to think about jobs. Due to the strong relationships with our mentors we had a lot of support in writing applications too. Also, being a school centred route meant that we had made the most of our time in school so were well prepared for interviews.
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