Ellie Drinkhill: Primary SCITT Trainee 2021/22
"I love being able to put hub sessions into practice the very next day. The interactive nature of the course provides a unique hands-on experience which ensures progress is made daily. I have also had two fantastic, supportive mentors during my SCITT training year."
Ellie Drinkhill, Primary SCITT trainee.
I am currently on the Primary (5-11) course. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Manchester in Biomedical Sciences in 2021. Although not the usual trajectory, teaching has given me the opportunity to utilise my problem solving and teamwork skills acquired in my undergraduate degree. It was during my final year at university that I enrolled onto the Sheffield SCITT. I spent the Autumn Term in my home placement in Year 6 at St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School. I then completed my Spring Term placement in Year 1 at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in High Green. I am currently completing my final placement in my home school placement.
What made you decide to train to become a teacher?
My mum is a Head Teacher and my dad is a lecturer. Therefore, I spent a lot of my childhood in my mum’s office after school, in the staffroom eating biscuits, or in the classroom talking with my teachers. Ever since, I have dreamt of having a classroom of my own!
What qualities do you have that you think will help you in the teaching profession?
I am extremely passionate and dedicated, and I believe that I am a caring and approachable person that children feel they can speak to. This helps to create a positive, welcoming classroom environment.
“ Although challenging at times, this year has been the most rewarding year of my life. I have felt well supported in every step and I feel very prepared for my journey as an ECT in September.”
What are your favourite aspects of the course?
I love being able to put hub sessions into practice the very next day. The interactive nature of the course provides a unique hands-on experience which ensures progress is made daily. I have also had two fantastic, supportive mentors during my SCITT training year. Observing and working alongside these outstanding practitioners has been a real highlight of my journey.
Have you found the Sheffield SCITT to be supportive and welcoming?
I would highly recommend the Sheffield SCITT to anybody interested in Teacher Training. Tricia Redfern, the core SCITT lead, has been incredibly supportive and encouraging throughout my SCITT training year. The weekly Hub sessions also provide an opportunity to get to know other trainees on the course. Although challenging at times, this year has been the most rewarding year of my life. I have felt well supported in every step and I feel very prepared for my journey as an ECT in September.
What are your aspirations for the future, once you are a qualified teacher?
Once I become a qualified teacher, I am looking forward to having my own classroom and immersing myself into every aspect of school life. I look forward to my own professional development, so I would be open to any opportunities that may come my way. I am particularly interested in further professional development in Mathematics!
Has anything surprised you since starting in the classroom?
I am extremely surprised with how quickly you build relationships with the children. As a teacher, I feel so lucky to be able to watch the children I work with learn and grow. However, this makes saying goodbye when leaving a placement very challenging!
If you are considering a career change and would like to know more about our teacher training courses, please join us at our next Get into Teaching open event
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