"When the time comes to choose your teacher training course, it can be an absolute mind-boggle! So why did I choose a school-centred initital teacher training course (SCITT) with Norfolk Teacher Training Centre (NTTC)? Well, I'll tell you..."
It's no lie that initially searching for your perfect teacher training provider can be a complete mind-boggle! I remember searching online on UCAS, and being overwhelmed by the many different types of course - PGCE, SCITT, Schools Direct, etc - and then deciphering which schools these were being offered at near me, or whether I might move away if the course was right. Quite frequently, this is how I looked at my computer...
Although I had always wanted to be a teacher from the small age of 3 (I know totally cliche, but also totally true!), I didn't know what these terms meant. The only one I had come across before was PGCE, and therefore thought it was essential to take a PGCE course to
become the fully qualified teacher I had always wanted to be. But it was not...
I enlisted the help of my cousin, a fellow teacher, who's advice was invaluable. She explained the meaning of course names and titles, qualification types, and course outcomes, and from this discovered what was best for me. Secondary education was always my preferred option. As much as I loved my experiences of primary education in some lovely local schools, I felt that for Drama, secondary education would be more beneficial. I distinctly remember a Year Two pupil looking at me completely confused when I said I want to be a Drama Teacher. They were completely unaware of the word 'Drama' and at that moment, after three years of solidly studying the subject I love at univeristy, I wanted to teach my specialism day-by-day, term after term, year on year.
My main choice lied with whether I wanted a more 'hands-on' experience straight away after starting the course, or whether I wanted to lead a more 'teached' route. The SCITT offered a one-week induction, and then a launch straight into school, gradually building to a full timetable as the weeks progressed (and trust me they fly by!). This option allowed me to have a practical role rather quickly, which after three years of sitting in lectures and seminars at univeristy seemed inviting and refreshing. However, the PGCE offered a lengthier induction in which I would be taught various theories of teaching and education, strategies and subject knowledge, which some suggest offer a more solid foundation for then starting school several weeks later. Throughout my placements I have worked alongside both PGCE and SCITT trainees, and have drawn the conclusion that you choose what is best for YOU. I could spend a lot of this blog talking about the pros and cons of each route, but I would only be able to judge that through my experiences, wants and future aims. Instead, I'm going to tell you what I looked for in a teacher training course and why the Norfolk Teacher Training Centre (NTTC) ticked all my boxes!
I always knew I wanted to live locally for my teacher training year, which restricted my location when searching for course. Also, Drama is not offered by all teacher training companies so this also cast my net tighter. When I came across NTTC's course, these were the course elements that got my attention, and I started to realise out of my three UCAS options, this was the course I most wanted to be part of!
1. A practical experience of teaching early into the course - as I had wanted to teach for so many years (my poor family! It's all I ever talked about!), I wanted to get started quickly, whilst also being prepared.
2. A one-week intensive course induction - a perfect opportunity to bond with fellow trainees, recieve core knowledge and a solid preparation for the challenging weeks to come.
3. PD Fridays - each week we attended college on Friday's. Each day consisted of two informative sessions of training for professional development (similar to the information you would recieve in a PGCE's longer induction period). I loved this because it felt like it maximised my time in school, which was my favourite place to be.
4. A supportive network - when I attended the information evening, I met the course leaders personally who were friendly, approachable and supportive - the three qualities you are definitley grateful for in your training year. I also got to speak to previous graduates, recieving an honest review of the course.
Now I am a NQT, I am extremely pleased with the route I took. I enjoyed supplying the evidence for achieveing the teaching standards, I loved spending Friday's learning greatly surrounded by fellow trainees who are now my close friends, and I finally achieved the qualification I had always wanted to begin my dream career. Ultimately it is all about YOU. Of course, when you feel clueless, you will draw on other people's knowledge as I did, but make sure YOU make that choice. Push yourself, get to the end of the course, and look forward to being part of a career that can make great changes to many young people.
So, are you applying right now? Or, have you got any advice for this years applicants? Get in touch? Comment below, tweet @MissBBlogs19 or find on us Facebook @MissBBlogs19!
If you want to check out NTTC's website, here it is: https://www.norfolkttc.org.uk
Also get on twitter, create conversations, there's so much help out there!
Be YOU. Teach WELL. Make CHANGE.
Miss B :)