I opted for the School Direct training course so that I could gain valuable insights into daily school life, to enhance my overall teacher skills and to maximise my learning experience. This has been an extraordinarily challenging year due to COVID-19 and has meant that I have had to adapt the way I thought I would be teaching. I have worked closely with the P.E. team to create innovative ways of ensuring the students are active and enjoying sport, physical activity and dance. Even in these times, with the support of Newman University and the wonderful training I have received from my mentor at St Paul’s School for Girls, I do not feel like I have missed out on anything and have instead gained skills I wouldn’t have normally.

From September, I have worked directly with the students with the support of my knowledgeable mentor. This meant that I was able to plan effective dance and P.E. lessons based on the students I was teaching and have grown in confidence from the beginning of the course. Throughout the year, my mentor and I met to discuss and reflect key developmental points which was vital in enabling me to understand personal progression throughout the entirety of the course.

I was nervous about writing my first academic assignment as I had not studied at University for 9 years however the support I received from my academic tutor was fantastic and she gave me the confidence to write and understand how what I was writing would lead to me developing my skills as a teacher.

During my training, I have had the opportunity to observe outstanding practice from colleagues in other subject areas. This enhanced my ability to understand and practice pupil management using school specific behavioural policies, to differentiate tasks to engage all learners. Having the chance to be with a form group has provided me valuable pastoral care experience and has meant I have got to know the

Since my first day at St Paul’s School for Girls, it has felt like a second home. The sense of support and community from each and every staff member has been overwhelming and I cannot wait to start my teaching career here.

However, what makes this school a truly outstanding one is its relationship between teachers and students. Pupils have a lot of trust and confidence in their teachers, which results in great academic success. As pupils are supported at every stage of their studies, they become independent and resilient learners. Therefore, I am not surprised that the school’s mantra is as follows: ‘I am a St Paul’s girl; there’s nothing I cannot achieve.’

The structure of the course has allowed me to make some positive developments early on in my training. Monday to Thursday is spent at school and so far this has enabled me to gain a sound understanding of the day to day running of the school. I have been placed with a form group and this has allowed me to understand the pastoral support that is essential within the school environment. During this time I have also played an active role in KS3 and KS4 history lessons.

Consistently being at school for four days a week since September has allowed me to immerse myself in these lessons and to become a part of the history department. This has eased the transition when taking lesson starters as from the first day of school students have looked at me as another member of staff. Every Friday I am at Warwick University and this has allowed me to develop my pedagogical knowledge. It has also allowed me to engage with other history teacher trainees. These sessions where I am able to compare and contrast my experiences with other students has been an invaluable support network. It has allowed me to review my early teaching practices and to learn from the experiences of other trainees. The tips shared at university has been another major key when developing my own teaching philosophy.

Overall I would highly recommend the school direct route as already I can recognise how supportive the teaching school, the university and the base school is. I have been lucky enough to be placed in a school that has an outstanding history department that are willing to take the time to support me. After my first month in this course I am extremely excited to carry on with my training year and to watch my career as a history teacher develop.

The pupils at St Paul’s are wonderful: they are willing to try new things; dedicated to their learning; and respectful and polite. As a trainee, this has allowed me to try new teaching techniques with success and to learn positive behaviour management with pupils who are eager to succeed.

The academic side of the course, fulfilled by the University of Warwick, has allowed me to explore the theory behind my teaching practice, as well as delving into the long history of the teaching profession. As an English trainee, the subject knowledge of the specialists at Warwick has enhanced my own knowledge and given me ideas on the best ways to teach some of the abstract and complex topics of English. Having had excellent academic mentors at Warwick, I plan to complete my Masters in Professional Education in the near future, allowing me to continue learning and developing as an educator.

I would unreservedly recommend pursuing teacher training with St Paul’s School for Girls: the warm atmosphere, dedicated staff, and enthusiastic pupils make it the ideal environment for trainee teachers to learn how to become the best teacher they can be.