As part of your year with us you will have access to a wide variety of professional development opportunities. All trainees have one training session a week where we all get together to discuss matters explicit to those embarking on their first year in teaching. These sessions aim to compliment and contrast with the training provided at University, delving deeper into the practical applications of the teaching theory with reference to the school setting. We cover topics ranging from behaviour for learning, using data; communication with parents; technology enhanced learning, as well as swapping experiences and ideas and discussing the academic requirements of the course. Due to the smaller numbers of trainees we accept compared to some providers we are also able to offer bespoke sessions based on the individual needs of our trainees thus helping you become the best practitioner you can be. These sessions are hosted by James Gunn as professional mentor but facilitated by a wide range of staff with specialist knowledge in the relevant area.

As part of your immersion in to school life you will also attend whole staff training and department training too. The whole staff sessions will have various topics that fit under the umbrella of the whole school teaching and learning focus for the year. These sessions will help you to feel like the valued member of a department and school that you are during your time with us.

To further your skills and knowledge you have the opportunity to take part in drop in professional development sessions that operate on a menu basis with topics being published on a term by term basis. These sessions take place for half an hour within the lunch break or after school and are facilitated by members of our staff with a particular interest or responsibility for their chosen topic. If you’re feeling brave you might even want to deliver one of these sessions yourself at some point during your time with us.