ITT Profiles

Why did you choose the School Direct route?

As my subject is creative I didn't see the benefit of being at university for most of my time. I wanted to be a part of the school straight away and be treated like a member of staff. The School Direct route has enabled me to work first hand with talented and interested students within my own and many other subjects across the curriculum.

What have you thought about the training at The Three Rivers Teaching School?

I feel very lucky to have been part of The Three Rivers Teaching School. To learn how to teach in an outstanding school is a challenging and very rewarding experience. The ethos of the school is one that I personally resonate with and the area the school is set in makes the journey each day an enjoyable one.

Would you recommend anyone thinking about teaching to train with The Three Rivers Teaching School?

Absolutely! I have loved every second of being part of the teaching school. The reputation of the school speaks for itself!

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about going into teaching?

Firstly I would advise them to look into which route suits their needs. Do they want to be more school centred or university led. Then I would research the schools. Look for positive feedback from old trainees and the website. Then I would say do your QTS tests as soon as possible. These can be challenging when you have little time to revise. Lastly, I would say take some time to yourself before you start the course and to think what you actually want to get out of it.

What made you want to change your career and become a teacher?

I had previously worked in the university sector and had always been drawn to any opportunity to work with young people. Having had a few quite unfulfilling jobs, I decided to become a teacher as it felt like the chance to make an active difference and use my subject knowledge from university.

What have you thought about the training at The Three Rivers Teaching School Alliance?

The training here has been fantastic. It was so useful to be in school from day one, observing teachers meeting their own classes for the first time. The training sessions have been thorough, relevant and very engaging. The programme is also very well organised- I definitely recommend it.

What has been the most rewarding part of this year?

 The relationships built with students over time. It is amazing how quickly you form a bond with the students you teach. Hearing them thank you or say they will miss being taught by you at the end of placement is such a lovely feeling.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about going into teaching?

Try to get some experience in a school and see if you can do some volunteering with young people.

What made you want to change your career and become a teacher?

I felt demotivated and unchallenged in my previous role, and wanted more out of work. Teaching attracted me given its fast pace and challenge as well as it's reward.

Why did you want to come into teaching?

I wanted to utilise my Biology based degree in some sort of way as up to this point, my jobs had had no link to the subject. I've always been passionate about science, and this, coupled with the fact that i had enjoyed working with children in previous roles, pushed me towards teaching.

Why did you choose the School Direct route?

Schools Direct allowed for increased time in a school setting compared to the Core PGCE route. Recommendations from family friends was also a factor in my decision.

What have you thought about the training at The Three Rivers Teaching School?

I felt lucky to train with the 3Rivers. Staff and mentors were extremely supportive. There were excellent opportunities for training provided and i felt fully supported throughout.

What has been the most challenging part of this year?

I think the most challenging aspect is getting the balance between work and home life. This was particularly difficult for me as early on in my training my son was born. Teacher training takes up a lot of your time. It's important to remember that you need to make time for yourself so that it doesn't effect your ability in school.

What has been the most rewarding part of this year?

Of course finishing the course as well as securing a full time permanent position.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about going into teaching?

If your passionate about your subject, love working with children and want to be challenged at work then teaching is definitely a possibility for you. Its tough, time consuming and no day is the same as the last, but the rewards definitely make it worth while.

Why did you want to come into teaching?

I always wanted to teach, and tutored during my time at high school and university, and found it incredibly rewarding to help teach and inspire students. After teaching abroad, I decided that I wanted to pursue teaching as a full time career.

Why did you choose the School Direct route?

Why did you want to come into teaching?

To find a career that helps others.

Why did you choose the School Direct route?

School Direct is structured brilliantly - a gradual handing-over of the role of classroom teacher from your mentor to yourself. By the end of ITT you are fully immersed in the role and really prepared for the challenges of your NQT year.

What has been the most rewarding part of this year?

Developing relationships with my pupils. Following a particular class for most of the school year lets you see the progress the children make over that time.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about going into teaching?

I would tell anyone who wants to go into teaching that they must throw themselves into it and always learn from everything that they do.  It is a constant learning journey and you must embrace all the feedback given. I would recommend taking the School Direct route too as you will experience the life of a teacher from the very first day of training.

Why did you want to come into teaching?

I was first inspired to become a teacher based on my time at School. My two Drama teachers made every Drama lesson engaging and a pleasure to attend. I witnessed them create amazing bonds with students as well as guiding them through their GCSE and A-Levels with excellent results. In having the opportunity to be taught by two amazing teachers then inspired me go down the teaching route. I want to inspire students like they did during my time in school.

Why did you choose the School Direct route?

The School Direct route allows you to work within a school environment almost every day which massively appealed to me. I think learning 'on the job' will benefit you so much more than simply attending university. I was able to teach classes independently, mark essays and guide students through their GCSE and A -Levels, something I wouldn't be able to do if I was not on the School Direct route.

What has been the most rewarding part of this year?

Gaining 'outstanding' in my lesson observations. This demonstrates my passion about teaching and my love of the subject I teach. The other most rewarding part of this year has been the relationships I have created with the students. This has made my year so much more enjoyable resulting in behaviour management not being a problem either.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about going into teaching?

Only go into teaching if you are passionate about your subject and the teaching industry overall. Every day is different and there are many stressful moments to the job. You will need perseverance and will power to get through it. You will also need to work well with young children and be able to create positive relationships.

Why did you want to come into teaching?

I had taught previously in an international context. I had always wanted to get back into teaching as I loved the fast paced environment that you get in secondary school. No two days are ever the same but you can always come out with positives.

What has been the most challenging part of this year?

Managing workload as a single parent has been tough. The first university assignment was due during the first teaching practice which turned out to be quite stressful.

Would you recommend anyone thinking about teaching to train with The Three Rivers Teaching School?

Yes. It's generally a well-run programme and you will be given the level of support that you need.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about going into teaching?

Only come into the profession if you feel passionately about not only your subject area but also working with young people. The training is all-consuming at times and if you aren't passionate you may wonder why you are putting yourself through it!