02. 10. 2024

Grad2Teach September News Round-up

Update for Phase One and AOR Trainees

A Strong Start to your Teacher Training

A big congratulations to all of our trainees who have successfully completed their onboarding tasks and our Safeguarding and Professional Values course! Your dedication and hard work during this initial phase are commendable and have set a strong foundation for your journey ahead.

Behaviour Management and Lesson Planning Resources

In the next few weeks (weeks 5-8), you will be starting your Behaviour Management and Lesson Planning Module. This will be an opportunity to deepen your understanding of essential teaching strategies and develop the skills necessary to create a positive and effective learning environment for your pupils.

To help you prepare for this upcoming module, we thought it would be beneficial to share some related resources to enhance your learning experience. They include articles, videos, and practical guides focused on behaviour management techniques and effective lesson planning strategies.

We encourage you to take a bit of time to explore these resources as they will support your professional development as budding educators:

 

Update for Phase Two (PGCE) Trainees

Grad2Teach Training in September

Two workshops are scheduled this term for our PGCE trainees. The first, focused on assignment writing, is open to those in their first or second terms. The second workshop will cover Assignment 3 and the Viva, and is intended for trainees in their final PGCE term. If you'd like to attend, but are unsure how, you should already be added to a relevant 'Whatsapp' group. If you are not, please call our Course Manager Alex Braithwaite to speak to him about this.

Intensive Training and Practice (IT&P) days 

This academic year, 2024/25, sees the introduction of Intensive Training and Practice (IT&P) days, which you are currently in the midst of; remember that these sessions are there to support your development as a trainee teacher, and that they are completely new, so do feed back to us and to NITE on how you're finding these.

Support Throughout your Training

Whether you are in your first, second, or third PGCE term, remember to protect as much of your own free time as possible - Autumn Term in school is tough for everyone, and as the winter cold blows in and the days shorten, being aware of and prioritising your own wellbeing becomes all the more crucial. We are always on-hand to support you and there is more confidential support available to you on your payroll portal, Innoteq Engage. If you do not have access to the app - please ask; though if September is your first pay month, you will have access from Friday 27th September 2024). 

Update for Phase One and AOR In-School Mentors (ISMs)

Grad2Teach Training in September

In their initial weeks of training, Phase One and AOR trainees have been completing their onboarding, with each task aligned with one of the six categories in Bloom's framework. The tasks increased in complexity as the trainees advanced through the hierarchy. Throughout each stage, we’ve provided various forms of scaffolding to support their learning. The purpose of the onboarding process has been to introduce the trainees to planning lessons for their pupils in a way that builds upon each level of learning, ensuring alignment between lesson content and objectives of varying complexity. 

The trainees have also been completing their Grad2Teach Safeguarding and Child Protection Course, which has helped them understand how to protect the welfare and safety of children. The course has provided them with the knowledge to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and details the proper procedures for reporting concerns.

Grad2Teach October Training Day

We will be hosting two training days for our trainees. The first will take place on October 5th, and a second session, specifically for trainees at Wymondham College who are unable to attend the first, will be held at a slightly later date. This event offers a valuable opportunity to engage in practical workshops designed to boost confidence, refine pedagogical skills, and connect with fellow trainees. Trainees will explore key areas such as lesson planning and managing behaviour, while also problem-solving alongside peers and the Teaching and Learning Team. This is also a great opportunity for trainees to build friendships with one another and for the Teaching and Learning team to meet our new cohort in person — something that we are very much looking forward to. 

Update for Phase Two (PGCE) In-School Mentors 

Platforms, Training and Funding

By now, you and your trainee should have full access to all platforms - that's Pebble Pad, Future Learn, and Aula - but it's not an exact science, so please contact Alex Braithwaite as soon as possible if you are without access to any of the platforms. 

For mentors whose trainees are in their third PGCE term: your trainee is about to start working on their third assignment, as well as their Viva, both of which typically need your input. Please speak to Alex if you are unsure of how to support your trainee with this - there will be a workshop for trainees coming up soon.

For mentors whose trainees started in either April or September 2024, we will be hosting a workshop on Assignment writing in the coming weeks, though there is also a distance-learning session available for anyone who cannot attend. It's also worth knowing that funding is available for any training that you complete, or have completed, with NITE or other ITT providers. This will be paid in arrears and we will be emailing more information about this in the coming weeks, so please do keep an eye out! 

Update for our Grad2Teach Alumni Trainees

A Thank You to our Alumni Trainees

As you continue to grow in your teaching journey, we want you to know that you are always a cherished part of the Grad2Teach family. Your hard work and dedication have left a lasting impact, and we couldn’t be prouder of all that you’ve accomplished.

Useful Resources/Events for your Pedagogical Practice

We'd like to highlight that if you attend any training and are interested in delivering sessions or talks for our current trainees, we'd love to hear from you. It’s always a great opportunity for our current trainees to gain valuable insights from those who have been through the Grad2Teach programme already and continued to expand their expertise. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to contribute to improving educational standards and student success, while also enhancing your CV.

Furthermore, every month, we'll include a few resources/events that we hope will support you in your teaching career. Please see below:

Oracy Webinars hosted by Voice 21

Each of these hour-long sessions will be led by a variety of Voice 21 specialists, who will host a diverse range of speakers from schools, academia, and other organisations.

What makes great Middle Leadership of Teaching and Learning Webinar

As a middle leader, how do you lead the development teaching and learning effectively (no matter how good these are already? Watch this webinar to find out more.

Evidence-Based Education Podcast

A podcast from the EBE team discussing how evidence-based education can have a practical and achievable positive impact on pupil outcomes. 

Update from the Partnerships Team 

PGCE Applications

Many of you will also be receiving notifications that your trainee is about to take the next big step—applying for the PGCE! This is an exciting milestone, but we know it requires close collaboration. If you'd like to discuss the process further, please: