Gabby Lovell - SCITT Primary Trainee

“I absolutely love the course and everything it offers but I think my favourite aspect is having the hands-on experience within a classroom acting as the class teacher, delivering lessons, and seeing the impact this can have on the children.”

Gabby Harris, Primary SCITT Trainee

Have you always wanted to become a teacher? What made you decide you wanted to get into teaching?

Yes, I have always wanted to be a teacher and I felt now was the right time. After having other professional roles and having my son, I quickly realised that my dream to become a teacher still remained and I am so happy I am in the process of achieving my goal.  

What is one thing you wish you knew before starting your teacher training?

I knew from previous experience that building relationships with children was important but when you take on the role of a teacher these relationships are crucial, and I did not realise the impact this has before starting the course.  

What responsibilities/tasks have you taken on so far in your training?

I have taken on many tasks and responsibilities. From doing the little (but still important) things such as the register and transitions to now planning and delivering lessons, observing expert practitioners, attending staff meetings, and becoming a part of the school you are placed in.  

What are you most looking forward to in your teaching career?

I am most looking forward to being able to implement the things I have learnt throughout the course into my classroom, in my own way.  

Favourite aspects of the course so far?

I absolutely love the course and everything it offers but I think my favourite aspect is having the hands-on experience within a classroom acting as the class teacher, delivering lessons, and seeing the impact this can have on the children.  

Best piece of advice for anyone hesitant about training to teach with the Sheffield SCITT?

Just do it! It is a big decision but one that is definitely worth it, and you will not regret it. 

How was your interview process?

The interview process was easy and actually quite enjoyable. The nerves I had before the interview were settled near enough instantly as the staff are so lovely and really put you at ease, allowing you to be yourself. 

What were you most nervous about when joining the Sheffield SCITT?

I was nervous about the thought of being observed and what kind of feedback I would receive. The observations are really helpful and do help you progress each week and the feedback is always useful and focuses on the positives. This ultimately will make you a better teacher.  

What kind of planning/preparing did you do before your training year started? Did you do any reading/researching, school experience etc? 

I spoke to people who had done school centred initial teacher training before and read the testaments from previous students on the Sheffield SCITT website to give me an insight in to the course. I also did some research through the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) website which is a fantastic website for anyone in the teaching profession. I found it useful to educate myself on safeguarding as I know this is a major part of working with children. I have had previous experience in schools in previous employment but many years ago. 

How do you balance your training/work with your day-to-day life outside of teaching?

As a trainee teacher you do get PPA time. I use this time effectively and this is where I complete the proformas each week and plan my lessons I will be delivering. I also try and get as much done as I can whilst in school so my time outside of school can be spent with my family and friends. This does mean arriving before the children and sometimes staying later after the children leave but this is a small price to pay for such a rewarding role. 

How do you feel you have improved since starting in September?

I started off a little bit anxious as to how I would be able to articulate the curriculum in an effective way to plan lessons but from the hub sessions and support from mentors this is something I now feel confident with. I also feel confident managing a classroom full of children which is something I would not have been able to do in September.  

What kinds of support systems (if any) have you put in place for your training year?

The support you get throughout this course is amazing! You have a lead mentor and a mentor within the school you are in which are so supportive, and nothing is too much to ask. On top of this, every member of staff involved in the Sheffield SCITT would help you in any way they can.  

How have you been managing your workload? Especially when PGCE assignments are due. Do you have any tips/tricks?

The way I have done it is spending the half term break working on the assignments to try and get as much done as I can and then spending 30 minutes to an hour every day continuing with this until it is done. This allowed me to spend the Christmas holidays off with no assignment work.  

How do you find the hub days? Is there anything in particular you enjoy?

The hub sessions are great! You get to learn the theory behind teaching, and it helps you learn how to do vital things such as planning and behaviour management and gives you hints and tips along the way which you can utilise in your own classroom and practice. It is also nice to see the other students and catch up on how their placements are going and what they have been doing. 

Has anything surprised you since starting in the classroom?

I have been surprised by how the classrooms in my 2 different placements are run and how the teachers differ. Both work and both teachers are amazing so it shows that you make it work in your own way which has been nice to experience and has given me confidence going forward knowing that I will be able to run my classroom in my way.