Thinking of becoming a teacher? Here’s seven reasons why our school direct route is for you.
By guest contributor
Nicky Stokoe
In recent times, the teaching profession has perhaps become more buoyant and attractive as ever. Job security is a much sought after since Covid-19 induced lockdown, which has caused teacher training applications to grow exponentially by 70% according to report published by
the Guardian. There are numerous reasons why more people are turning to a new career in education: teaching is an incredibly rewarding vocation; long summer holidays and regular breaks throughout the year are a desirable perk for some; and for those who have aspirations of travelling the world, a teaching qualification can offer an opportunity for gainful employment, overseas. What’s more, there will always be a high demand for qualified teachers.
It might seem obvious, but an outstanding education system cannot exist without outstanding teachers. Similarly, outstanding teachers can only exist through the provision of outstanding training and high-quality support throughout their careers; such provision is perhaps most important in those early career years when the learning curve is at its steepest. At Heckmondwike Grammar School, we believe that all teachers are entitled to a robust and enriching CPD programme to progress effectively throughout their careers. From initial teacher trainees to senior leaders, it is essential that all are able to develop and build upon their classroom practices and working habits to maintain a successful career in teaching.
If you’re reading this blog post, you may already be considering a new and fulfilling career in teaching. There are several pathways into education. Here’s seven reasons why we believe our School Direct provision is the most rewarding experience available for aspiring teachers.
1. Learn from our high-quality and experienced subject specialists.
Your mentor will be a highly qualified teacher in your chosen subject specialism with subject knowledge and exam board specification experience unrivalled by any lecture-based teaching provider. You’ll work together closely to tailor a programme specifically attuned to your strengths, challenging you to become a flourishing practitioner. You will become equipped with a toolbox of strategies, techniques and professional practices, specific to your subject, to become an outstanding teacher. You will also receive additional support from our expert colleagues across a range of other areas including SENDCo, student support and senior leadership.
2. Gain practical classroom experience from day one.
You’ll be a member of your assigned department from day one; gaining valuable, ‘on-the-job’ teaching experience the second your training begins. You will observe several subject specific teachers and learn to apply their techniques and strategies in your own classes as you develop a repertoire of professional practice that you will refine and develop over the course of the academic year.
3. Experience the culture of a school as a valued member of staff
Here at Heckmondwike Grammar School we treat all of our trainee’s as our own colleagues. You will adhere to the school’s principle values of respect, responsibility and excellence in everything you do and experience what it’s like to contribute to a staff team of expert colleagues.
4. Push high achieving children to the limits of their ability
Heckmondwike Grammar is a high achieving school composed by high ability children who are inspired by outstanding teachers and support staff. Our results are recognised as the highest in the Kirklees and Calderdale area. In Parent Power, The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2020, Heckmondwike Grammar School made it into the top ten state secondary schools in the North of England based on GCSE performance. Amongst our sixth form graduates, 35% of university destinations are at research-led Russell Group universities and 3% are now studying at Oxford or Cambridge universities – around three times the estimated English state-sector average in both cases. How far can you push our students in becoming the leaders of tomorrow?
5. Experience working within a diverse and contrasting school
Every school is different and comes equipped with its own policies, procedures and challenges. That’s why we ensure you gain experience in a partnering, contrasting school. This will provide you with teaching and learning encounters that will better prepare you for your first teaching position. It will also allow you to reflect upon and determine the type of school you want to teach at; a centre that meets your aspirations and ambitions when you become a fully qualified teacher in the future.
6. Engage in a CPD programme composed and delivered by thought leaders.
Your career professional development (CPD) is led by a team of our teaching specialists who are responsible for our school wide CPD to drive school performance and improvement. Our expert team will provide you with up-to-date theory, thinking and high-quality evidence surrounding pedagogy, behaviour management, classroom practice, curriculum and professional behaviour. We ensure you receive the right training, by the right people, at the right time in your development.
7. Funding is available to support you throughout your training
postgraduate loans are available to support tuition and living costs for home students. In some cases, you may be eligible to receive a non-repayable bursary of up to £26,000 depending upon your chosen subject area and relevant degree qualifications.
More about Heckmondwike Grammar School and School Direct
Heckmondwike Grammar School is a leading training provider with decades of experience in mentoring and producing outstanding teacher trainees. Our mentors comprise of proficient teachers who lead a robust and enriching training programme across a wide range of subjects. We work with the Kirklees and Calderdale SCITT as our accredited provider for the qualified teacher status (QTS) award. Together we work in partnership with the University of Huddersfield to offer the option of a post-graduate certificate in education (PGCE).
Want to learn more?
If you’re looking to start a new and exciting career in teaching, contact us, today, and let us share why we’re the right training provider for you. Alternatively, you can visit the ‘teach with us’ section of the Heckmondwike Grammar School website for more details.
https://www.heckgrammar.co.uk/school-direct/
Nicky Stokoe
ITT Coordinator at Heckmondwike Grammar School
[email protected]