October 2021

David Ebenezer – Maths Teacher Aldworth School

Case Studies

I attended secondary school myself in Basingstoke and chose the BASCITT as the course structure was clear and I would be in school from the very first day.  I had the opportunity to be placed in two contrasting secondary schools plus diversity experience within a primary and post-16 setting to understand the transition stages.

 

Having had previous experiences teaching and tutoring my subject specialism as well as extra-curricular – I enjoyed helping students to learn, to overcome a challenge and gain confidence in their learning.  Being a good educator is one of the primary reasons why I wanted to be a teacher.

 

The BASCITT subject tutors provided support with teaching standards as well as how to deliver lessons effectively within my own subject specialism.  I found these sessions very useful!  My mentors provided me with specific and tailored approaches to support subject knowledge and improve KS3 and KS4 curriculum knowledge.

 

Professional themes sessions were helpful and insightful with regards to overseeing the ‘bigger’ role teachers have in schools and towards their students and more importantly, for personal and professional growth.  As trainees studying together we were supportive of each other and had the opportunity within central training sessions to converse about our experiences in school.

 

I had a real issue with planning and time management.  This was a serious struggle for me especially from term 2 and entering into the first COVID-19 lockdown.  I was able to overcome this challenge by seeking support from mentors which enabled me to adapt to a new way of teaching and learning.  I had the added advantage of securing additional support to extend my programme into a fourth term due to the impact of COVID-19 in order that I could ultimately achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

 

I was told I had a kind and calm approach to supporting students and I have been able to develop this and integrate sternness to my approach to manage behaviour in classrooms.  My planning and structuring of lessons have improved so much, again this was achievable by seeking support from mentors and teachers and using the resources which were provided by the department.  It’s important to remember that by seeking on advice, even if it is not successful, it provides an opportunity to reflect with mentor and review your teaching practise and teacher ‘toolkit’.

 

I am now in my 3^rd month as a Newly Qualified Teacher and I am proud to say my biggest achievement was to be awarded as a “good and outstanding teacher” at the end of my VIVA and securing employment in my extended placement school within the first month of the Autumn term.