Lisa Khalil (MFL 2008-2009)

Lisa grew up locally and attended Highcliffe School and Brockenhurst College where she gained A levels in French, Spanish and English.  Following a two year tri-lingual secretarial course at Wiltshire College and Université de Caen she worked in London for many years in law translating, banking and the Defence Industry before returning to the South Coast with her family.  After spending two years at a special school supporting children with autism, she decided she wanted to take a lead role in the classroom and so embarked on a  Modern Language Studies degree with the Open University, graduating in 2008. Lisa's placement schools were Glenmoor and Twynham, and she obtained a teaching post at Ballard School in New Milton in the Autumn of 2009. 

Lisa says about the SCITT programme: “Due to a bizarre stroke of fate I was in the rare position of having an offer from both the University of Southampton and SCITT for the PGCE course.  The local school placements and accessibility of the BLC were key factors in my choosing the SCITT course and although it was a tough year combining teaching practice and studying for the Masters level PGCE with running a family, the support from my mentors at Twynham and Glenmoor Schools, from SCITT programme management  and fellow SCITT trainees was exceptional.  I am looking forward to my first day in the classroom with enthusiasm and confidence!”

 

Andy Morris (Design & Technology 2005-2006)

Andy attended St Peter’s School in Bournemouth.  He studied A levels in Design Technology, Business Studies, Psychology and General Studies. After 2 years working full-time as a carpenter/joiner he studied for a BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at the Arts Institute at Bournemouth. He then studied at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University where he graduated with a BA in Contemporary Furniture Design. After a brief period travelling to New Zealand, Andy decided to embark upon a teaching career.

 

He was one of the first Design & Technology trainees to be recruited onto the course in its first year, specialising in Resistant Materials. He spent his main placement at Twynham School in Christchurch, and his second placement at Ferndown Upper School. Andy was successful in gaining a teaching post at another partnership school, St Edward’s RC CE School in Poole, where he is now teaching D&T across the full age and ability range.

 

Andy says about the SCITT training programme: “Choosing a SCITT programme to study for a PGCE was, for me, by far the best option.  I needed the experience in classrooms and not lecture theatres and the SCITT offered me the best way in which to learn how to teach.  I was very fortunate in my placement for D&T to be placed at the lead school Twynham which was an excellent training ground for my subject area.  At certain times during the training it got pretty stressful, but it needs to be to prepare you for how tough it can be when you get a proper teaching job.”

 

Susanna Fernandez-Gomez (MFL 2007-2008) 

 

Susanna Fernandez-Gomez was born and raised in Spain and studied English Philology at Oviedo University where she also gained a Spanish teaching certificate. Moving to the UK she worked as an evening class tutor at the Bournemouth & Poole College and as a Supply Teacher at Bishop of Winchester School, before deciding to apply to the SCITT in order to gain the UK PGCE qualification and train in Modern Foreign Languages. Susanna undertook her placements at Highcliffe School and at Oakmead College of Technology. She gained a Spanish teaching post at Shaftesbury School in September 2008.

 

Susanna says about the SCITT course: “My experience was challenging but very positive. I was pleasantly surprised by the students’ attitude to learning and their ability to progress. Classroom management was not always easy but thanks to all the support, advice and encouragement provided throughout the course I learnt that keeping calm and persevering brings a positive atmosphere in the classroom, which makes teaching and learning enjoyable for both teacher and students. I will always remember the excellent relationships I established with the students and my tutors.”

 

 

Lucy Sahandi (Design & Technology 2005-2006)

Lucy attended Ferndown Upper School.  She studied A levels in Design Technology, Art and English Language at the Arts Institute at Bournemouth. She then completed a BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at Bournemouth University, and then went on to graduate with a BSc in Computer Aided Product Design in 2005.

 

She was one of the first Design & Technology trainees to be recruited onto the course in its first year. By strange coincidence, her main placement school was also Ferndown Upper School and she completed her second placement at Twynham School. When a vacancy arose at Ferndown, Lucy did not hesitate in applying for the post, and was quickly appointed to her “alma mater”. She is now teaching Design Technology with a specialism in Resistant Materials, Systems & Control and Graphics to Years 9 to 12 at Ferndown.

 

Lucy says about the SCITT training programme: “The SCITT course was the best choice I could have made in order to become a newly qualified teacher.  The support and training available through the SCITT course gave me both valuable training and an insight into my future profession.  I am greatly thankful to all the staff at the BPED SCITT and School trainers.  I had two valuable placements; Ferndown Upper and Tywnham, giving me a wider scope into teaching of all age groups from years 7-12.  When I compare those students who do a PGCE at college/university, I can see how the SCITT course is far more beneficial in terms of training a teacher.  We spend all our time at school than rather than a college or university.  I am always recommending the SCITT course to any people who wish to follow in my footsteps.  Thanks to the SCITT team, I now teach at one of the schools I trained at!" 

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