Case Studies

Teacher Training through a SCITT - Lydia (School Centred Initial Teacher Training)

Trainees who undertake a SCITT programme, are typically based in a school 4 days a week from September to July, with a second placement experience during the spring or summer term. Their training provision, academic study and PGCE assignments are planned throughout the year and run alongside teaching practice.

Lydia chose to train through a SCITT. Here’s why.

Why did you choose a career in teaching?

After completing her degree, Lydia spent some time as an actor, but had always planned a career in teaching, not only because she wanted to make a positive difference to children’s lives, but also because she recognised the stability and longevity of career that teaching provided.

Why did you choose to train through a SCITT programme?

Lydia chose a small SCITT and was clear that she felt well supported throughout the year. The SCITT team were easily accessible and strong relationships were formed. In the initial stages of applying, she was able to have a personal conversation with the SCITT director who provided detailed information about the course and gave advice and reassurance regarding how the course would fit with her personal circumstances. Lydia felt able to make informed decisions following this.

As part of the SCITT programme, Lydia was based in the same school for most of the year. She felt a strong sense of belonging because of this, being involved in wider school activities and being treated as a member of staff. The experience gave her an appreciation of what working full-time in a school was like. Lydia built strong, professional relationships with staff and children, and she was ultimately employed by her ‘core’ school.

Most importantly, Lydia felt the SCITT programme prepared her well for starting her first teaching job.

What were the challenges of training through the SCITT programme?

Lydia emphasised that the course is intense, and expectations are high.

Being organised is key as the components – academic learning, teaching practice and PGCE assignments all run simultaneously. It’s important to be self-motivated to keep up with the work and make the most of the learning opportunities.

Was finance a consideration when applying for the SCITT?

Yes, finance was a consideration. As with all ITT training courses fees apply. There are no bursaries for the Primary pathway which Lydia had applied for.

The personal conversation Lydia had had with the SCITT Director had supported her to understand that this was a finite amount of time and that there was £30,000 starting salary once training was completed.

What advice would you give anyone considering applying to a SCITT programme?

Lydia says:

Know what you are getting into. This is for teaching in general but also be clear about the structure of the SCITT course and whether the structure will work for your personal circumstances.
Get some experience working in a school, either in a paid or voluntary role.
Understand the commitment that is needed for the training and beyond.

If your school wants to get more involved in ITT by hosting placements and working with an accredited ITE provider, you can access 19 providers across the West Midlands by completing our Get Involved tool: ITT Partnerships | Get Involved

Career Changer – William MacGregor Primary School

Changing careers is a major life step. It can be reassuring for candidates to know they will be supported and trained through the transition.

After my psychology degree at university, I became an occupational therapy assistant working with the elderly. It was in this job that I realised I wanted to help aid people at the start of their life journey and inspire the next generation to achieve their full potential and be the best they can be.

I therefore joined Arthur Terry SCITT in September 2021 to train as a primary school teacher. Having only had experience of working with primary-aged children through volunteering during my own school years with scouting and local primary schools, this meant that by jumping straight into the teaching profession was a big risk, but one that I am so glad I have taken.

The training year was jam-packed, full of on-the-job learning, which I think is the best way to learn. Being thrown straight into teaching a class was daunting but with the expertise of my amazing learning coach, I learnt so much more than I could have imagined. Through weekly observations, feedback sessions and specific targets set each week, me and my learning coach were able to reflect and this enabled me to keep improving to be the best I could be. This weekly reflection continued into my 2 years of ECT (early career teacher) where I was lucky enough to continue my development journey with the same learning coach who I owe so much of my knowledge to.

I am now in my third year of my teaching journey, having taught in Year 4 and Year 6. I have definitely been through tough times and long hours with the classes I have taught, but I have also experienced the rewarding highs of seeing your class enjoy learning and be proud of themselves for the things they have achieved. Seeing the smiles and joy on children’s faces everyday, and the laughs and giggles between friends, really does make your day and is what teaching is all about. I have also had the opportunity to incorporate my love of music into my profession, leading choirs and music opportunities within school, something that again always puts a smile on my face.

One thing that has really helped push me through the teaching profession is the amazing group of staff I work with who are always on hand to support and share experiences with. Only teachers really understand what it is like to live the life of a teacher and having colleagues you know you can rely on everyday that have the same life values really does make a huge positive difference in a profession that is so full-on.

Teaching is a vocation and does require lots of time and energy from you, but ultimately the little positive moments the children provide you with every single day are what the profession is all about.