Primary Programme Initial Teacher Training Update

With our trainees preparing for their block practice and having just completed their first assessments, we thought it would be a good time to reflect on what has been a positive half term. Our Primary trainees have recently submitted their first PGCE assignment and this reading and reflection will now support them in preparing for their second assessment point when they consider how adaptive teaching can help them to meet the needs of the children in their classes. Our schools report back that our trainees are making good progress and are supporting their mentors and children in so many ways.  Check out this video where our two trainees at Abbotskerswell have been using video to teach sign language across the school. This is what Headteacher Kevin Martin  had to say about them: 

"Our two trainees from Exeter Consortium, Mrs Rachel Hawkins and Miss Danielle Searle, came up with their own way that our bubbles can continue to communicate with each other while having to be kept apart.  Each week, Danielle and Rachel make and send videos of themselves teaching a ‘Sign of the Week’ to each of the teachers in our school.  Children in each class then watch these in their class with their teachers.  
 
The signs have been a great way for our pupils to continue to be able to communicate with those in different classes who they are not getting an opportunity to see at the moment.  
We have had very good feedback from parents about this, with parents commenting how their children have been coming home and show the different signs to them.  It has also been a good example of how teachers are thinking of creative ways of engaging the children and bringing out some positives during these challenging times.  
 
It has been great that even at an early stage in their placements, our trainees were able to think creatively and offer something that has impacted positively on our whole school community."

If you’re thinking about training to teach with us, keep an eye on this blog and our Twitter @ExCoTSA and Facebook www.facebook.com/ExCoTSA feeds to learn more about our school-centred approach.