Francis Isaac (Science 2007-2008)  

Francis Isaac studied Sciences at the University of Essex, where he also gained a Masters degree in Chemistry. He then worked with various companies as a Chemist before joining Twynham School as a Teaching Assistant in 2005, where he worked for 2 years gaining vital schools experience before starting the SCITT course in September 2007. Francis undertook his school placements at Glenmoor School and Ferndown Upper School. He did some Supply Teaching before gaining a teaching post working at a Support Unit in Poole. 

Francis says about the SCITT course: "When I was trying to find out which course to pursue as far as teaching courses are concened, I spoke to a lot of colleagues and they all informed me that the SCITT course is the best course to embark upon. I did my own research before deciding to study with the SCITT course. I found the course very informative and supportive, and it prepared me for the challenges I now face everyday. Without the SCITT course I would not be able to deal with the challenges of teaching. I am so glad that I did my teacher training via the SCITT course." 

Anne-Sophie Mason (MFL 2007-2008) 

Anne-Sophie Mason was born and raised in France, where she attended the Universite Jules Verne in Amiens, gaining a Masters level degree in Applied Languages and Business. She moved to the Bournemouth area with her husband in the early 1990s and worked with a range of different businesses including banking and finance, before deciding on a career change. She applied to the SCITT in Summer 2007 and started the course in September of that year. Anne-Sophie undertook her placements at Ferndown Upper School and Highcliffe School and was successful in gaining a teaching post at Queen Elizabeth's School in Wimborne for September 2008. 

Anne-Sophie says about the SCITT: "I really enjoyed the training provided through the SCITT as it enabled me to spend more time at school than I would have been able to through an ordinary University PGCE. During my training, I discovered two different schools which both helped me to get ready for my challenge as a NQT. It is also a local course which meant that I did not have to travel miles to attend the regular sessions at the BLC. The training was of a high quality, interesting and enjoyable. In short, it was a course that suited me very well and that I would recommend to anybody wanting to become a teacher."

Tim Aston (Design & Technology 2007-2008)

Tim Aston gained A levels in Art & Design and Business Studies at Bournemouth School, before moving onto the Arts Institute where he completed a Foundation course in Art & Design. From there he went on to Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College in High Wycombe where he graduated with a degree in Furniture Design & Craftsmanship. He then spent 7 years working with a regional furniture manufacturing firm before making the decision to change careers and move into teaching. He joined the SCITT course in 2007 and spent his placements at Highcliffe School and at Twynham School. Twynham liked him so much that when a vacancy arose they swiftly appointed him to teach Design & Technology.

Tim says about the SCITT course: "For me the SCITT course was a highly rewarding yet challenging year. I cannot sing higher praise of the course or the opportunities given to each and every trainee. From very early on in the course working first hadn in a school environment quickly whetted my appetite to teach, and within a short space of time I was confidently teaching full lessons. Having spent 7 years in industry the change of career has given me a new confidence and a fantastic sense of purpose to my daily life, with no regrets about my radical change of career path! Having the opportunity to train alongside a small group of other subject specific trainees provided us with a great forum for support and reflection on our own practice. During the year I met and worked alongside some excellent professionals who have helped to provide me with a terrific platform from which I can really begin to develop my own practice."

 Marie Page (Mathematics 2007-2008)

Marie Page completed her Maths degree with the Open University while also working as a Teaching Assistant at Kings High School. She spent 5 years as a TA and gained a Teaching Assistant Qualification through Plymouth University. Working now as a HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant), she applied to the SCITT programme and started in September 2007 to train in Mathematics. Marie undertook her placements at Ashdown Technology College and at Twynham School, and was successful in gaining a teaching post at Highcliffe School in September 2008.

Marie says about the SCITT course: "I chose the SCITT course because I had heard very positive reports and the fact that it was locally based was a huge benefit to me. The course was challenging and every effort was made to tailor activities to meet the needs of the individual. I have wider school experience than many of those on the course and this was taken into consideration during some sessions. I found the whole course extremely positive and would recommend this route to anyone wishing to go into teaching. The course is run by a very supportive team who will endeavour to sort out any problems as they arise."

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