Read about some of our past trainees who are now teaching.

 Jo Crockett (Science 2008-2009)

Jo attended Twynham School, where she gained A levels in Biology, Chemistry & Geography. She then studied Anatomy at Bristol University where she gained a 2:1 degree. Before applying to the SCITT in 2008 she spent time teaching English in Thailand, working as a ski instructor at the local dry ski centre and also spent 18 months working at JP Morgan.

Jo undertook placements at The Grange School and Twynham School; she is now working at Avonbourne School in Bournemouth.

Jo says about the SCITT programme: "I decided to train as a Science teacher after realising that a career in investment banking was not for me. I was told about the SCITT by a friend and following further research of routes into teaching I realised that it was the ideal course for me. It was brilliant to be able to train locally and in a very supportive environment. The 2008-2009 trainees got on really well and we relished the time spent sharing our school experiences with each other at the BLC. I would recommend the course to anyone interested in becoming a teacher; the support from all the tutors and staff involved in running the course is superb."

Daniel Kelly (MFL 2007-2008)

 Daniel Kelly attended Bournemouth School where he gained A levels in Spanish, Physics and Art. He then studied Spanish at the University of Exeter where he gained a 1st class degree. He worked for a time in Spain before applying to the SCITT in 2007 to train in Modern Languages.

Daniel undertook his school placements at Glenmoor School and at Twynham School. He was successful in gaining a teaching post at Twynham, who were about to introduce Spanish into the 6th Form.

Daniel says about the SCITT programme: "While a demanding experience, the support available and guidance offered allows every trainee the foundation to grow into well-prepared members of the teaching profession. The closely knit unit that forms as a result of the course's limited intake encourages the sharing of anecdotes and is therefore propitious for the continuous reflection on your practice. This is a vital practice if you wish to understand WHY things are successful, HOW to build on your successes and how to learn from your mistakes."

Kate Potten (Maths 2007-2008)

Kate gained A levels in Pure and Applie Mathematics and in Physics and studied Mathematics at Royal Holloway College, University of London, where she graduated with a 1st class degree. She then worked in a major City-based company for 15 years in a variety of roles including as an Actuary and as a Manager. After starting a family, Kate decided on a career change and applied to join the SCITT programme in September 2007. She undertook her placements at Oakmead College of Technology and St Edward's RC CE School in Poole, and was successful in gaining a teaching post at Bournemouth School in September 2008.

Kate says about the SCITT course: "The SCITT course was ideal for me with lectures based locally at the Bournemouth Learning Centre and with placements at local schools. It is a tough year, learning to teach and working towards a PGCE, but the support provided by the SCITT staff, the school mentors and the University tutor was invaluable in helping me achieve success. The SCITT course has a good balance between theory and practice, with the emphasis on the practical. The two contrasting teaching placements were interspersed with theorectical sessions, where my fellow 19 students and I were able to learn the professional aspects of teaching but were also able to share and learn from each others' personal experiences. The SCITT course worked well for me, a mature student with family commitments, returning to work after a long break."

Vicky Groves (Design & Technology 2007-2008)

Vicky Groves studied A levels in Sociology, Art & Design and Classical Civilisation, and then attended Bournemouth University and gained a degree in Hospitality Management. During this time she also worked as a chef in a number of restaurants and hotels. Whilst at Bournemouth University she worked as a Peer-Assisted Learner leader. Graduating in 2007, she moved directly onto the SCITT course to train in Design & Technology, majoring in Food Technology. She undertook her placements at Twynham School and Portchester School, and was successful in gaining a teaching post for September 2008 at the Purbeck School in Wareham.

Vicky says about the SCITT course: "I really enjoyed the SCITT course; it was an intensive year which was full of highs, wonderful people and supportive staff and students. I joined the BPDE SCITT because I did not want another year in University being told how "it" works; I tend to learn better if I am hands-on and get stuck into something and I knew that I was self-motivated enough to do the course. The time I spent at the BLC with the other trainees was invaluable and insightful: being able to talk to people outside your subject area about how they teach, techniques they use and to share our opinions on issues. While talking to University PGCE students in schools I trained in who were just beginning to take a small section of a lesson as I was just finding my feet with a 3-part lesson, I knew I had made the right decision. I graduated from the course as a confident, happy and hopeful teacher and after a month in my first job I still am!"

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