Notre Dame has a rich history in training teachers.
Alastair Gittner has recently been appointed as the Secondary strategic lead and has thirty years experience in education and nearly as many years of involvement in teacher training. He has had roles in senior school leadership and educational research and leads the research informed practice side of our SCITT.
Please get in touch if you would like a further discussion on your qualifications and which subjects might be best for you.
The Sheffield SCITT approach
Our approach is based on what our partnership Headteachers are looking for in their Newly Qualified Teachers. They far prefer teachers who have spent the whole year in school experiencing the full calendar cycle of the school year and being involved in every aspect of the professional teacher’s role in their schools. They find teachers trained by serving outstanding teachers this way are better prepared for the rigours of qualified teaching, and progress more quickly in their careers in their schools. It is their preferred route for recruiting their Early Career Teachers. All of our partner schools, both Primary and Secondary have recruited Early Career Teachers from the Sheffield SCITT. You can choose either a QTS (Qualifies Teacher Status) only route or opt to study for a masters level PGCE alongside QTS.
You will work for a year mostly in one school gaining more experience and responsibility in the classroom and being trained by serving outstanding teachers. You will spend a short time teaching in at least one other school too. The course will entail 4 days per week in school. During your time in school you will be guided by an experienced mentor. One day per week you will join other teacher trainees for ‘hub days’. Here you will be trained on aspects such as how to walk and talk like a teacher, plan lessons effectively, behaviour management and how to really stretch and challenge students. You will spend September to December in your ‘Home School’. From January to Easter you will have the opportunity to experience life in a contrasting school. From Easter to the end of the programme you will return to your initial school.
Hub Days
As part of your training package, one day per week will be spent at your lead school.
For example if you're a secondary trainee in Sheffield you will go to Notre Dame every Wednesday. There you will receive training on all aspects of teaching and learning. The very next day you get to go back into schools to try out your new skills.
Upcoming Open Events
Virtual Open Event
Watch our Secondary Virtual Open Event to find out more about training to teach with the Sheffield SCITT.
We talk you through the programme we offer, provide helpful tips for interview and answer any questions you have.