Olivia Evans - Primary NQT 2020
I loved my SCITT training year! It was a tough year especially with the extra challenges we faced due to coronavirus! The weekly HUB sessions we had were useful and engaging and my SCITT mentors were there to support me throughout which was great.
Olivia Evans, Primary SCITT trainee 2019/20.
We caught up with Olivia back in July, to find out about her recent success in securing her first teaching job as an NQT and her experiences during her training year with the Sheffield SCITT.
Have you secured a job for next year, if so where and what is your role?
I have secured a job as a Year 2 class teacher in a school in Leeds. I will be moving to Leeds from Sheffield, buying a new house and starting a new job in August/September so it’s all going to be very busy!
“I had a healthy work life balance before starting teacher training and did not want to give that up during my training year. I worked hard during my teacher training whilst continuing to do what I liked to do in my spare time such as going to the gym. I learned to prioritise things better and I found that good organisation is key! ”
How did you find your training year with The Sheffield SCITT?
I loved my SCITT training year! It was a tough year especially with the extra challenges we faced due to coronavirus! The weekly HUB sessions we had were useful and engaging and my SCITT mentors were there to support me throughout which was great.
Any highlights from the year?
My highlight from the year was achieving QTS at the end of the training year and securing a job as a class teacher in a lovely Year 2 class in Leeds!
Did you feel well supported throughout the training?
Yes, I felt so supported the whole way through my training year! My mentors were there to support day to day, and if I had any other questions or issues my lead mentor or the SCITT lead were there to help too! Nothing was ever too much trouble for any of the mentors and they were always willing to help.
Would you recommend training to teach with The Sheffield SCITT to others?
Absolutely! You are in the classroom from day 1 experiencing life as a real teacher and I think this is the best way that you are ever going to learn!
During the training were you given any constructive criticism? Did you find it helped?
Throughout the SCITT training year you are observed by your mentor and they give constructive feedback to your lessons. You often have chance to reflect on your lessons afterwards too where you could pick out parts you think went well or parts that you could improve next time. Receiving constructive criticism is always helpful because it means there is something to work on for next time and this means you can get better!
Final piece of advice for any trainees?
Enjoy it! It will fly by and will soon be over. Observe different teachers during your training so you see how other teachers work and you will get a feel for what works for you and what kind of teacher you are!
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