What Our Trainees Say – ntscitt.org.uk

Firstly, the quality of lectures provided throughout the course has been exemplary. The depth of knowledge, innovative teaching methods, and the passion exhibited by the lecturers have not only enriched my understanding of education but also inspired me to strive for excellence in my own teaching practice. Each lecture was meticulously planned, engaging, and relevant, which made learning both enjoyable and effective.

The placements organised as part of the training were invaluable. Being able to apply theoretical knowledge in real classroom settings, under the guidance of experienced mentors, has been the driving factor in gaining confidence and refining my teaching skills. The diverse range of placements allowed me to experience different school environments and teaching styles, broadening my perspective and adaptability as an educator.

Support from the entire team has been outstanding. Whether it was academic advice, personal guidance, or technical assistance, I always felt that help was readily available. The open-door policy and prompt responses to any queries made me feel supported and valued as a trainee. The encouragement and constructive feedback I received throughout played a crucial role in my development.

Furthermore, I must commend the kind and patient nature of every member of the team. Your genuine care and understanding created a nurturing learning environment where I felt comfortable to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow. Your approachability and empathy made a significant difference to my overall experience. Even on the days when I experienced self-doubt or wobbles, I felt immediately lifted and supported, with everyone right behind me every step of the way.

Lastly, I am grateful for the friendships and memories I have made during this year. The collaborative and inclusive atmosphere fostered by our precious SCITT allowed me to connect with like-minded peers, creating bonds that I will truly cherish for life. These relationships have been a source of support, inspiration, and pure joy.

In conclusion, my initial teacher training experience with NT SCITT has been transformative, enriching and nothing but joyful. I am deeply thankful for the opportunities, support, and experiences provided, which have prepared me well for my future career in teaching at my dream school.

I will never be able to truly thank you all enough for this experience.

Erin Taylor - 2023/2024 Graduate

I chose to train with NTSCITT because of its strong reputation and positive statements from past trainees. It was also very important to me to train local to where I lived, so the fact that all schools are within North Tyneside was very appealing.

The wealth and depth of knowledge I gained from this course was everything and more that I needed to be a successful teacher. The connections and links to subject experts, lecturers, schools, teachers and headteachers was extremely beneficial for development, as well as knowledge and advice. The support from all staff and management involved was exceptional! I felt 100% supported throughout the entire training course and knew that I could seek support, advice and guidance from anyone.

I 100% feel like I made the right choice, and I would recommend the course to anyone looking for a high-quality teacher training programme. It is a very intense year, but it is extremely rewarding and 100% worth it.

Training with NT SCITT has fully prepared me for my first teaching role. It has developed my skills, knowledge and confidence in behaviour management, SEND, pedagogy, subject knowledge, metacognition, assessment, curriculum, effective lesson planning and safeguarding. I felt confident starting my first teaching role because of this high-quality training I received.

Olivia Carr - 2022/2023 Graduate

I was fortunate to have known from a young age that I always wanted to be primary school teacher. I started my research into training to teach and the numerous routes available. The NT SCITT stood out amongst the other providers as I wanted more of a school-based approach, it was rated outstanding by Ofsted and the trainee satisfaction survey mentioned that year on year 100% of recent graduates would recommend the SCITT programme to others.

My development in my self-confidence from the start of the course to completion has been amazing. NT SCITT has brought me out of my shell and made me the teacher I am today.

I absolutely made the right choice in choosing to train with NT SCITT. Nothing is a problem for the incredibly knowledgeable experts that are based both at the SCITT base and in partnership schools. They not only teach you theories but also show you how to implement this in the classroom environment. The methods and techniques I observed and used during my school placements have been informative and influential on my practice in the classroom.

In terms of employment, there was lots of great, supportive opportunities from NT SCITT mentors and lecturers when applying for jobs. NT SCITT supported us with lectures, workshops, mock interviews, advice with regards to personal statements, all of which helped me to make the best possible application which was true to myself. I am now a first year ECT in one of NT SCITT partnership schools which I am thoroughly enjoying.

Mhairi and Kate are truly incredible mentors. Amazing, constant support from everyone involved. I will always be so grateful for everything the SCITT has done for me and how it has made me the teacher I am today. I would 100% recommend the SCITT to anyone thinking of training to become a teacher!

Zoe Butcher - 2022/2023 Graduate

I chose to train with NT SCITT as it has an outstanding reputation for being bespoke and tailoring learning to fit trainee needs. I wanted to train with a provider that could identify my individual strengths to help me stand out from the crowd. NT SCITT provides an outstanding programme that builds on trainees' prior knowledge, delivered by knowledgeable experts such as school improvement advisors and practising teachers in North Tyneside.

Trainees previous learning was carefully considered when placing each student in their placement schools, allowing the school to build on each trainee's learning. NT SCITT has a close relationship with their partnership schools as well as the school improvement service within the borough. This ensured that we received high quality, up-to-date theory and learning which fed into our practice in schools.

NT SCITT was the perfect choice for me. As a mature student and a mother, I was able to set high expectations for myself knowing that I was fully supported. I fully trusted that my journey through training was in safe hands. Not only did NT SCITT teach me the skills to become the teacher I wanted to be, but it also provided support when applying for jobs in schools. They supported me through job applications, personal statements, observations and interviews ensuring that I secured my teaching position for September.

I am now in my first year of ECT. The skills that I have gained through NT SCITT have allowed me to fulfil my role as a teacher. I thoroughly recommend NT SCITT as a provider in your journey to becoming a teacher. I took a big leap and now I'm exactly where I want to be.

Grace Burns - 2022/2023 Graduate

I chose to train with NT SCITT as it came highly recommended from past trainees. The hybrid approach between learning theory and getting the opportunity to implement and 'try out' the theory in the classroom appealed to my learning preference too.

The course really gave me a safe environment to 'have a go' and to find my feet in the school environment. I believe this has made me a more confident and well-rounded teacher.

I 100% know I made the right choice course wise. Not only did I feel part of a team at centre but also when out in schools. It was evident that people were always rooting for NT SCITT students and were keen to lend a hand, support and guide wherever possible. I also believe the credibility of the programme greatly assisted me in securing my teaching job

I feel that the contrasting school placements really prepare you for what day to day life will be like in your own classroom.

Dhemi Forster - 2022/2023 Graduate

I chose to train with NT SCITT because of the fantastic reputation that it holds. I had the option to train with other SCITT courses, but I knew that NT SCITT was the one I wanted. I knew that it has a great reputation for its brilliant training, but also that it holds a great reputation with schools around the area too.

I found that NT SCITT really focused on the trainees to be very school and classroom facing. I was able to gain really valuable insight into different schools, and how to apply theory to practice.

I feel that NT SCITT was 100% the best course for me. The staff that run the course are extremely knowledgeable and nothing is a problem to them. The training in the Langdale Centre is first class and delivered by people who really know their stuff, they not only teach you the theory, but how to apply that realistically into the classroom. The course was very job focused and ensured that everything was tailored to help to get you a job at the end of the course.

I have taken the experience from my three placements and really put this into practice in my own classroom. I think that the course really helped me to become the teacher that I am today. I've taken little bits and ideas from different placements and applied it into my own teaching and classroom.

NT SCITT was undoubtedly the best decision that I have made, I worked for almost 10 years in a job that I felt unfulfilled in, and now I have my own class of 20+ children and couldn't be happier that I took the jump to move into teaching. The staff at NT SCITT are so helpful and hands on to ensure that you get as much as you can from the course to be able to apply this into your own classroom. I couldn't recommend enough for people to go through the NT SCITT course if people are considering a SCITT route of teaching.

Alex Barber - 2021/2022 Graduate

I chose to train with NT SCITT because I was inspired by a friend who had completed the course, detailing how incredible the process was and how supported you are by the dedicated team of staff running the program.

I loved the amount of time we were given in school to experience first-hand the profession and receiving detailed feedback on how to improve my practice and better educate the children in each class.

I 100% believe I have made the correct choice to begin my teaching career, NT SCITT provided me with the best information and most up to date information about education in primary schools following the National Curriculum.

My training has allowed me to try many different techniques in regards to behaviour, attention, engagement and explorative play in early years.

NT SCITT is a small family who support each other throughout the entire year and beyond into your career.

Rachel Surtees - 2021/2022 Graduate

I chose to train with NT SCITT as I had heard the SCITT had a good reputation and with it being close to home, it was the perfect choice.

The course was sequenced well and unfolded at a good pace. I felt well supported throughout the year and feel my background knowledge was well ingrained. We were given good opportunities to see teaching practice relating to a wide range of subjects too.

I definitely made the right decision to train to teach with the SCITT. The course leaders were very dedicated to making sure we were given thorough training and the lecturers had excellent advice and guidance. The smaller cohort created an additional support system.

I feel the course has helped me massively with my first job. It allowed me to discover the teacher I wanted to be and find a school which matched my skill set. I feel very lucky to have trained with NT SCITT.

Helen Rutherford - 2021/2022 Graduate

When looking at different post graduate teacher training course, NT SCITT was the one course I saw with an outstanding Ofsted rating which found the balance between centre-based learning and classroom-based learning. The amount of time spent in schools during placements on NT SCITT allows you a great chance to develop skills needed in your teaching career whilst still ensuring you have the theory-based knowledge taught at the Langdale Centre.

NT SCITT allowed me to work on my professional development whilst giving me the skills required when applying for jobs. One thing you learn quick on NT SCITT is that nothing is too much trouble for the programme leader and lecturers. Lecturers would stay back and answer any questions and had answers to everything you needed to know! One-to-one interviews with the programme leader allowed me to focus in on the key interview skills that allowed me to successfully acquire a job in a Gateshead school.

100% made the right choice course wise. Without the support from lecturers and the programme leader, I wouldn't have had the skills needed to either secure a teaching post or be an effective primary school teacher.

James Hancock - 2020/2021 Graduate

When I had decided that I wanted to become a primary school teacher, I was overwhelmed with the different routes that you could take to get into teaching. I really didn't know how I was supposed to make a decision and which route would be the best for me. I had previously heard of NT SCITT and was aware of the fantastic reputation the course had within the North East. I loved the hands on experience the course offered and felt as though the course outline (modules, placements, assignments) were well suited to me. I was also familiar with some of the excellent schools within North Tyneside and knew that NT SCITT would have great links with these schools. It was evident very early on that head teachers and governors not only within North Tyneside, but neighbouring council districts, consider the SCITT as a highly valued course as they are aware of the quality of training we receive. This is a massive bonus when it comes to applying to jobs. Having now secured a job in a North Tyneside school, it's great to feel part of the North Tyneside wider family. I couldn't be happier with the decision that I made to train with NT SCITT. I would strongly encourage anyone considering a career in primary teaching to train through NT SCITT.

I really loved the personal experience I received whilst on the NT SCITT course. You get the chance to really get to know your colleagues as well as the lecturers and everyone is exceptionally supportive. I have made friends for life whilst on the course. NT SCITT is organised phenomenally well and you always knew what was coming next - without it being too overwhelming. There was always someone there to answer your questions - no matter how trivial or silly they feel to you! Had I followed a different route into teaching without the same amount of teaching / placement time you get through NT SCITT, I don't think I'd have felt as confident as I did when it came to applying for jobs.

I 100% feel that i made the right choice course wise. Despite it being a whirlwind of a year, especially during a pandemic, I would do my NT SCITT training year again in a heartbeat. I knew straight away that NT SCITT was the course for me and all professionals on the course helped you to feel confident and supported throughout. Everyone on the course wanted you to do well and they understand the nature of being a trainee teacher in terms of the pressure, workload and stress so there was always reassurance and encouragement to take a break. NT SCITT made an intense year feel enjoyable, reflective, fun, inspiring and worthwhile.

I am now a year 3 teacher in a fantastic school in North Tyneside and I don't think would be in this wonderful position if it wasn't for the quality of training and support I received through NT SCITT. The training felt very scaffolded from the offset. In terms of placements, I really liked that we started by observing others and I felt this was very impactful on my own practice. I can even remember things from my first placement that I now do as a teacher in my own class. As well as this, there is an extensive amount of support when it comes to applying for your first job. NT SCITT provides excellent opportunities to network and liaise with other professionals in North Tyneside such as head teachers, deputy head teachers, teachers, governors, educational psychologists, past students, as well as school improvement advisors. Overall, the quality of the NT SCITT programme is like no other.

Alex Kinnear - 2020/2021 Graduate

I chose to train with NT SCITT as I wanted to be more than just a number, I wanted to build relationships with staff and other students which would really allow for a personal and collaborative experience and environment in which to learn and grow and develop my skills and understanding.

Now as a teacher I appreciate the opportunities we had for hands on learning from real life teachers and educators both in lectures and within classroom and school settings. Coming to teacher training as career change NT SCITT made it easy to step back into learning with warm and welcoming lecturers. Blending pedagogy, subject knowledge and practical application from the very beginning has really enabled me to plan and deliver the curriculum in creative and purposeful ways.

I wouldn't change my experiences of teacher training. It is really tough, there is no denying that, it's daunting but a great challenge where I felt supported every step of the way both by NT SCITT staff and tutors as well as my colleagues on the course and in school.

The amount and breadth of experiences in classrooms, across key stages, form-entries, with schools of differing ethos and character has helped me understand not only the kind of schools I wanted to work in, but also the kind of teacher I wanted to become. Developing our reflective practice and ability to discern the qualities of outstanding teaching and to see that modelled both in our lectures and on placement have enabled me to develop in my confidence in my own class.

Schools, the curriculum and teaching has naturally changed since I was at primary school and my anxieties about grammar and maths, the knowledge of and how to teach them were tackled head on almost immediately. I have particularly been grateful for NT SCITT's approach to maths mastery and am putting into practice the very things we learnt as I plan and teach. NT SCITT really took time to acknowledge my worries and concerns and to address them with high-quality teaching and caring support every step of the way, from our first lecture to final placements, with constructive and supportive feedback from which to develop and grow.

Matt Dobson - 2020/2021 Graduate

I chose to train with NT SCITT as it had been recommended to me by many teachers I had worked with who had either completed the course themselves or had worked closely with NT SCITT and its trainee teachers. It is a highly regarded ITT within North Tyneside that works closely with many schools across the borough, which is why it was my first choice of teacher training course.

The course is very well structured and feeds you the right information as and when you need it. I loved having the opportunity to be trained by professionals and experts working within North Tyneside schools and have my placements in North Tyneside; I think this offered invaluable insights into the schools, how they work and their individual ethos' which gave trainees a real advantage when it came to applying for jobs.

Training with NT SCITT is a very personal and caring experience, the course coordinators and staff couldn't do enough for you. From helping keep your academic work on track, giving up their own time to give placement and planning advice to making sure trainee wellbeing is looked after. They really want trainees to leave the course feeling confident and well equipped to be the best teachers they can be; because they know how important high quality teachers are for our school children.

I think I definitely made the right choice course wise. I feel that my training year prepared me fully for starting my ECT years and I know that if I needed it NT SCITT staff would still be there to support me. I think once you're part of the NT SCITT family you always are.

I visited my current school for a good practice day on the NT SCITT, I had my heart set on it from this visit due to its amazing outdoor ethos and warm and encapsulating atmosphere. The staff at NT SCITT, as well as teaching staff from my placements, gave me the confidence to apply and secure a role at the school.

My experiences on the NT SCITT gave me the firm foundations I needed to start my ECT years as a Year 1 class teacher. I have utilised my placement experiences when creating my own classroom environment and routines for the children. The deep understanding of classroom management and its importance has been paramount for me in creating a productive and inviting environment where the children are well prepared and ready to learn.

NT SCITT has a big focus on the development of subject knowledge which has been integral to my success in my new role so far. Throughout my training year I built a solid base of knowledge which I can now build upon throughout my career.

If you are deciding on which route to take for your ITT you would be in the best hands possible with NT SCITT. In my experience the whole NT SCITT team, from course coordinators, tutors and lecturers, to the staff in the many wonderful partnerships schools, truly want the best for you. The course is incredibly well structured and thought out, the lecturer's passion and enthusiasm for their subjects create a unique and compelling centre based training program. Trainee wellbeing is at the centre of everything and is considered and threaded through every aspect of the course. I feel the NT SCITT is truly unique as an ITT course, it has given me real confidence in myself and a solid basis at the start of my teacher career. Thank you NT SCITT!