Success Stories
Meet Kelly: Primary School Direct Trainee 2015/16
My name is Kelly and I was a School Direct trainee with Forest Way Teaching School Alliance in 2015/16. I knew immediately after my interview that this was the alliance for me. The FWTSA interview as a whole stood out from my other interviews, everyone was very approachable and I came away feeling valued and respected - more of potential trainee rather than ‘just another student’.
Once I accepted my place on the programme, we were then given several opportunities to meet with the alliance leaders and fellow colleagues, and were provided with lots of information about what to expect and guidance on how to prepare over the summer. This allowed us to really hit the ground running when we started our first placement.
Once I accepted my place on the programme, we were then given several opportunities to meet with the alliance leaders and fellow colleagues, and were provided with lots of information about what to expect and guidance on how to prepare over the summer. This allowed us to really hit the ground running when we started our first placement.
A few months into the course and I was very happy with my decision to train with FWTSA. Alongside our fortnightly HUB training we also had the opportunity to discuss any queries or worries. I built some fantastic relationships with peers and leaders and we all keep in regular contact which is very comforting to know help is just a phone call away! I therefore would really recommend FWTSA to any future trainees looking to complete a school’s direct programme.
All of the training I received at the hub was hugely valuable in informing my pedagogy. The regular sessions were also adapted to meet our needs, for example when we had concerns around assignments due, when we felt we needed more support with assessment and when we just wanted some much valued circle time! The FWTSA are very well resourced and have a wide range of contacts.
All of the training I received at the hub was hugely valuable in informing my pedagogy. The regular sessions were also adapted to meet our needs, for example when we had concerns around assignments due, when we felt we needed more support with assessment and when we just wanted some much valued circle time! The FWTSA are very well resourced and have a wide range of contacts.
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After completing the school direct programme with the FWTSA, I had a whirlwind of emotions. I began the course feeling passionate about childhood education but apprehensive as to whether I would ever be confident to teach my own class. Yet there I was, about to start my first teaching post at a school within the Alliance, and I could not have been more excited! I felt I had been equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to effectively teach children and secure good progress and a huge contributing factor to this was the support and training I had received from FWTSA.
I have since completed my NQT year with Induction and a comprehensive CPD programme provided by FWTSA. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the FWTSA, it has been a challenging yet very rewarding journey. |
NQT trainees certificate presentatation
Class of 2016/17 |
Meet Elita: Secondary School Direct Trainee 2016/17
My name is Elita and I was a Secondary School Direct trainee with FWTSA last year. The communications I had with FWTSA compared to other providers after applying for PGCE courses could not have been more different. From the very beginning, the whole process was so professional and convinced me that this was the alliance I wanted to be a part of. The interview was extremely detailed and thorough but the alliance leaders and other staff involved instantly put me at ease. The thoroughness of the interview in hindsight was fantastic and prepared me in advance for the rigours of interviews for teaching posts.
When I was offered a place on the course I immediately withdrew my applications from other training providers and made FWTSA my firm choice.
The training I received was second to none. Anything that you can think of that could link to teaching was covered in the training and was always relevant to the timing of the course and enabled me as a trainee to take the new skills I had learnt back to school to put into practice. Alongside the training was the support from the course leaders, from academic support to personal support. If there was ever an issue you needed addressing, emails were always responded to extremely promptly and alleviated any worries.
The training I received was second to none. Anything that you can think of that could link to teaching was covered in the training and was always relevant to the timing of the course and enabled me as a trainee to take the new skills I had learnt back to school to put into practice. Alongside the training was the support from the course leaders, from academic support to personal support. If there was ever an issue you needed addressing, emails were always responded to extremely promptly and alleviated any worries.
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Training days have a fantastic atmosphere and you are always surrounded by peers and professionals who share your interests and can also answer any questions and share their successes, stories and resources. It is such a useful network to be a part of from day one.
I have been lucky enough to be permanently employed in the school I was placed in for my training and could not be happier. I will now receive FWTSA training throughout my NQT year and beyond and this is undoubtedly a huge advantage to me, my career and the students that I will teach. I stand by my decision to train with Forest Way Teaching School Alliance and frequently recommend it to anyone who is considering a career in teaching. I can't thank FWTSA enough! |
Elita at the School Direct
Celebration Event - June 2017 |
