Here’s what some of our trainee teachers say…
John
Why did you decide to train to teach?
“I had been a research scientist for over 30 years and I decided I needed to change career especially as my job had taken me down an IT route away from the science I enjoyed most. I have always enjoyed delivering public understanding of science in my professional capacity and also as part of my outside work interests.
I had considered training to teach previously but the timing wasn’t quite right and I wasn’t sure I could afford it.
The offer of a scholarship from the Institute of Physics to train to teach meant I had the opportunity to use my experience, knowledge and passion for science to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
And to help all students that study science to understand and appreciate the world around them better.”
Why did you choose the Downland Alliance?
“I chose the Downland Alliance as of the three providers I applied for they were the friendliest and most helpful during the application process.
Also they offered the opportunity to start in my host school from the first day of term which meant I could get experience of being in a school and teaching straight away.
My host school and training location were convenient for where I live!”
What’s been the highlight of your training so far?
“Meeting the students and getting to know them. They feel like my classes now and I will be sad to leave them when I go on my second placement. I especially enjoy the teaching and the lightbulb moments that happen in the lessons are very rewarding.”
What has been most difficult for you?
“Gaining trust and respect from my tutor group has been challenging. Delivering the Personal Development Program curriculum can be quite difficult at times..”
Julie
Why did you decide to train to teach?
I’ve always enjoyed studying and learning. After selling my business, I decided I’d like to pursue a career in education to be able to continue with my own love of learning and also being able to use that to inspire students.
Why did you choose the Downland Alliance?
I wanted to train in a school local to me. I did some work experience across various schools and also attended an open evening with the Downland Alliance. I found the team at Downland Alliance were extremely welcoming and supportive as well as having some great schools in the partnership.
What’s been the highlight of your training so far?
Teaching my first lesson! It was an amazing feeling to teach a lesson and have a classroom full of students learn and enjoy themselves.
What has been most difficult for you?
Adjusting to the very strict timetables that you have to follow in schools – it is quite different to business where there is a lot more flexibility about when things get done. If you have a lesson to teach at 9am in the morning, then it will happen whether you are ready or not!
Liberty
Why did you decide to train to teach?
I always enjoyed primary and secondary school as a student and I could never pinpoint why that was. As I moved into my GCSE’s and A-level’s I soon realised that it was the teachers who were responsible for my positive experience. My teachers were always encouraging of my success and constantly pushed me to achieve the very best that I could.
What were you doing before you applied to teacher training?
I finished my English Literature degree and began my training the following September.
Why did you choose the Downland Alliance?
I chose to study with the Downland Alliance as it had been advertised during my Sixth Form years and I had spoken to a Modern Foreign Languages trainee who was about to complete the course and expressed his passion for his subject and for he training course.
What’s been the highlight of your training so far?
The highlight of my training so far has been a lightbulb moment in a student who found the task difficult at first, yet through consistent and varied help and practice, I was able to help the students to understand the concept. Their facial expression and their relief when the realisation hit them was truly inspiring and worthwhile to see.
What has been most difficult for you?
For me, the most difficult part is going home at the end of the day and trying not to worry about students that you have seen or spoken to in the day.