Meet Kelly: One of our School Direct Trainees 2015/16

My name is Kelly and I am a present trainee in the Forest Way Teaching School Alliance. After first meeting with the alliance leaders at my interview, I knew immediately that this alliance was the alliance for me. We were pleasantly greeted with a warm welcome and everyone there was very approachable which made me feel instantly at ease. The FWTSA interview as a whole stood out from my other interviews as I came away feeling valued and respected - more of potential trainee rather than ‘just another student’.

After accepting the place on the programme, we were then given several opportunities to meet with the alliance leaders and fellow colleagues. Here, we were provided with lots of information about what to expect about the upcoming year, along with extra guidance on how to prepare for this over the summer. This allowed us to really hit the ground running when we started our first placement.
Now, a couple of months into the course, I still could not be happier with my decision to train with FWTSA. I really look forward to meeting with everyone on alternative Wednesday’s. whereby alongside training, we have the opportunity to discuss any queries or worries we may have, all in a relaxed and open atmosphere (with lots of cups of tea!). I have already built some fantastic relationships with peers and leaders and whilst we do not see each other daily, 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.
After completing the school direct programme with the FWTSA, I feel 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, here I am about to start my first teaching post and I could not be more excited! I feel I have been equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to effectively teach children and secure good progress. I question whether I would feel as confident in my practice if had chosen another alliance, as I feel a huge contributing factor to this has been the support and training I have received from the FWTSA. All of the training I have received at the hub has been 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.  The schools within the alliance work very closely together, they hold several meetings and even collaborative trips. Therefore, I have been able to experience a range of schools whilst still being at my main placement. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the FWTSA, it has been challenging yet very rewarding year. Since securing employment with one of the Alliance schools,  I now look forward to starting the NQT programme with FWTSA next year!.

What our School Direct Students say....

We think our School Direct Course is a great way to learn to teach, but don't just take our word for it...

Here's what some of our 2015/16 students said in their evaluations at the end of term;
"Brilliant course with great depth and breath of coverage in content. I have been made to feel challenged as a professional, but also extremely supported and encouraged to achieve all I can."
Kelly
"I have loved this year. It has given me opportunities which have made me a much stronger person. The quality of lectures and workshops has been amazing and the friends and memories that have been made will stay with me forever."
Emily
"I couldn't have asked for more support and guidance this year. We have received amazing training from a range of experienced professionals.  This year has been so rewarding and I've loved the most challenging (and best) journey so far."
Alex
"This has been the most challenging yet most rewarding year and I couldn't have done it without the support of Rachel and peers within the Alliance. I have grown in confidence over the year and developed into the teacher I aspired to be. I cannot thank the teaching alliance enough for allowing me this opportunity."
Kaylie
At the end of the year we like to celebrate your success in style - with cake!
And the Christmas Party - with jumpers of course!
Like our Facebook page to see what our trainees are doing through the year.