Notre Dame’s annual event for trainee teachers took place on April 20, when we welcomed 29 visitors from Leeds SCITT.
School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) Leeds was established in 2004, and aims to provide its students with in-class training; support from tutors, schools, and other trainees; and an excellent employment rate. For many years, Notre Dame has invited SCITT trainees to college to provide them with a chance to see what it’s like to teach in a sixth form. For some, this also gives them the opportunity to experience a faith institution, as their placement schools may be secular.
When the trainees arrived, they received a warm welcome from our Principal, then attended a short service in the chapel. Next on the agenda was a lesson observation in their specialist subject area, followed by participation in sessions explaining the pastoral support and curriculum offered by Notre Dame, and the differences between sixth form and high school teaching. The trainees then met one of our early career teachers, before taking part in a scenario activity where they discussed their likely responses to potential issues in a sixth form.
Assistant Principal Lucy Johnson said, “The feedback from the trainees was overwhelmingly positive, and many are hoping to come back for a full-week placement in June. Feedback from our staff was also highly positive as they thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet trainee teachers, to share both their own experience and the trainees’ enthusiasm about entering the profession.”
Leeds SCITT Director Sinead Miley, added, “The day was fantastic and such an invaluable experience for our trainees. Thank you to all at Notre Dame for making this possible, and a big thank you to the early career teachers, who were real ambassadors for the college and clearly love their job. A very big thank you to Justine Barlow, for taking time out of her very busy schedule to meet and deliver a such a useful and informative session to the Trainees.”
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