Libby Tipton: Primary SCITT Trainee 2021/22
"I would highly recommend the Sheffield SCITT to anyone. While challenging at times, it has been the most rewarding year of my life and I feel prepared to begin my journey as an ECT."
Libby Tipton, Primary SCITT trainee.
I am doing the primary (5-11) course. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Sheffield in Education, Culture and Childhood which gave me a great foundational understanding of teaching and learning and education globally. I spent the Autumn Term in Year 1 at St Catherine’s and since January, I’ve been based Year 4 at the wonderful St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in High Green.
What made you decide to train to become a teacher?
As a child, I loved learning and always envision myself as a teacher. Throughout my time at school and university I worked as a tutor and spent lots of time volunteering at kids’ summer camps and teaching dance and musical theatre. I thoroughly enjoyed all of these opportunities and knew that I wanted to continue working with children in my career.
What qualities do you have that you think will help you in the teaching profession?
I am extremely enthusiastic about learning which helps to create a positive, welcoming classroom environment for all of the children. I have found that patience and perseverance is such an important quality in teaching both in and out of the classroom; sometimes, things don’t go to plan but I feel privileged to have such an important role in children’s lives and just knowing that is a great reminder during times of perseverance. I am also incredibly organised, the amount of post-it notes, coloured pens, and lists I have got through this year is rather impressive!
“I have loved how the weekly hub sessions run alongside our teaching timetable – I feel confident in teaching such a variety of subjects and have had some excellent input on teaching, learning and behaviour management.”
Did you get any school experience before starting, if so, how did you go about securing some teaching experience?
Through my previous job at Explore Learning, I was able to lead some classroom workshops in local schools which gave me a brilliant insight into classroom practice and environment. I’d also completed work experience in a Y3 class while I was at secondary school.
How has your first term of teacher training been?
Teacher training is difficult, but it is endlessly rewarding. During this year, I have learned so many different skills by being in the classroom every day, such as different effective behaviour management techniques and a range of assessment approaches. The HUB sessions have allowed me to accumulate a great deal of knowledge regarding the theory surrounding teaching and learning, and I have then been able to apply this within the classroom.
What responsibilities and tasks have you taken part in at your placement school?
The SCITT course is amazing in the way that your responsibilities and teaching time gradually build throughout the year. In Autumn term for example, I had my own phonics group and taught a couple of lessons a week. Now we are in TP3 and I am nearing the end of my training year, I am responsible for the planning, teaching, marking, and display work for the majority of the subjects. I’ve taken part in parents evening, staff meetings, school trips, the list goes on - so I really have an insight into what life as an ECT will be like!
What are your favourite aspects of the course so far?
I have loved how the weekly hub sessions run alongside our teaching timetable – I feel confident in teaching such a variety of subjects and have had some excellent input on teaching, learning and behaviour management. We also get to regularly connect with other trainees and support each other. Weekly mentor meetings are also a great time to discuss development and see how targets are being met each week.
Have you found the SCITT to be supportive and welcoming?
Absolutely! Tricia, the core lead, has been incredibly supportive and encouraging with regards to both our teaching experience and own wellbeing. The organisation of the course means that we also have a lead mentor who is able to support with any concerns. My mentor at St Mary’s (Angela Taheem) is absolutely fantastic and I honestly could not have asked for a better mentor – teacher training does not come without its difficulties and having a supportive team is so important.
What are your aspirations for the future, once you are a qualified teacher?
The prospect of having my own class really excites me, I’ve learnt so much this year and cannot wait to put it into practice and invest in my own development. My mentor is also subject leader for maths and geography, and therefore I’ve been able to explore the opportunities in curriculum development which I would definitely pursue in the future.
Has anything surprised you since starting in the classroom?
Just how quickly you build relationships with children. As a teacher I feel so lucky to watch the children I work with grow and develop; I will really miss my Y4s when the course ends.
I would highly recommend the Sheffield SCITT to anyone. While challenging at times, it has been the most rewarding year of my life and I feel prepared to begin my journey as an ECT.
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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