Interview with Ellie, Secondary PE Trainee

“My favourite things about the course are that we are in the placement schools all the time, which helps to build relationships with the students”

Read more about Ellie’s journey with The Sheffield SCITT below.

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

I have also wanted to be a teacher but my secondary school PE teacher made me want to become one and helped me decide the subject and year groups. 

Do you have any application tips?

Be yourself!

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

I have had experience working in different schools and different areas ranges. I also helped at my dancing for a few years and started teaching there recently which has helped me! 

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

Meeting everyone, but everyone was so friendly and welcoming! 

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

Each week my responsibilities increase more and more! I have taken on the schools dance club for KS3 and KS4 and creating routines and performances for competitions and school events. 

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

I am a lot more confident in teaching now and have developed so many new skills that my placement school has taught me! 

Favourite aspects of the course so far?

My favourite things about the course are that we are in the placement schools all the time, which helps to build relationships with the students, mentors and host teachers. The hub days are also really insightful and help me to develop as a trainee teacher. 

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

Make a schedule of the day you want to work and have off, this helps me to let myself switch off and have a rest as it’s necessary to do so.

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

Make schedule for when you want to do your lesson planning, research and assignments.

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

I am looking forward to helping students develop through physical education, helping with extra curriculum and becoming a role model for the students. 

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

Do it! Being a role model to the students and helping them develop is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done!