For Stefanie, the appeal of training for a new career without having to go back to university was what drew her to the George Spencer Academy SCITT. When she realised her job in retail wasn’t challenging her enough, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher, training in maths. “With no experience in education or teaching background I wasn’t sure how I’d progress,” she says, “But I did some work experience and loved it, and the prospect of working in a school for a whole year, as part of a team, was really exciting. I didn’t want to feel like a student again and I never did – I was always made to feel like a member of staff.

“I admit it was a tough decision to make as I’d already forged a career for myself, but I’ve honestly never looked back. There’s so much support here, and people from all walks of life.

“I have spent time in two contrasting schools. It’s really interesting to see how different schools operate, and the different challenges they face.”Stefanie is enjoying the balance of practical and theoretical work, and says she already feels equipped for the word of teaching.

“I couldn’t understand how I’d be teaching a class in the space of time allocated to us, but I was actually two weeks ahead of the target!” she comments. “The theoretical aspects of the course help to guide my teaching, but it’s the practical stuff that’s really important and will set me up for a job at the end of my training.”

George SpencerAcademy SCITT

Stefanie Hardy

Maths

Sam qualified in 2014, specialising in science-physics. And the move into teaching has taken him on a dramatically different path in his career.

Formerly a quality engineer for Aston Martin, Sam decided that people were more interesting than cars, and embarked on the training programme to fulfil his ambition of positively influencing the next generation.

“People (especially kids) often ask me why I left my old job, as it sounds so glamorous,” says Sam. “But I was working in industry and earning money for other people. Teaching is about so much more, having a positive impact on a daily basis and shaping the children’s future careers.

“The training was an intense year but it was great preparation. George Spencer Academy SCITT’s reputation is excellent for a reason – their support network and subject specialist staff were incredible. The leaders are very knowledgeable and experienced in the right way to deliver information, helping to build up trainees’ confidence in the classroom.

“My advice to anyone thinking of teacher training is commit to it wholeheartedly. You need to get organised and stay organised, and most of all enjoy it!”

“A job is by no means guaranteed but this is an expanding multi-academy trust, so trainees are highly likely to be offered employment. This is the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s been a challenge, but an exciting one!”

George SpencerAcademy SCITT

Sam Donegani

Science-physics

Making the move from central government into teacher training was one which Tracy Mackenzie-Scott considered carefully. After taking some time out from Whitehall to bring up her young children, she was looking for a change in direction. A career in education appealed, but wondered how this would fit in with her work-life balance.

“It’s easy to focus on the bad press sometimes, but after some thought I decided that the pros outweighed the cons and volunteered in my kids’ school to get some UK experience,” she says. “I’d already taught English abroad in Japan and also worked for an education company in London and Italy accommodating American college students doing terms abroad.

“There’s no denying that it’s a challenging and intense year. The team at the George Spencer Academy SCITT are extremely supportive, but my advice to anyone thinking of joining the programme is to take the initiative wherever you can – you really do need to be a self starter.”

Tracy is working towards QTS in French and Spanish, plus her PGCE. In line with the SCITT’s policy, she has also undertaken placements in two contrasting schools.

“Most of my colleagues tell me this way of training makes life as an NQT much easier, as you have done almost everything before and experienced school life at full speed. The notion of taking full responsibility for so many classes is a little daunting, but I feel very well supported and am really looking forward to starting my new career.”

George SpencerAcademy SCITT

TracyMackenzie-Scott

French and Spanish

Joining the SCITT straight from university, Ollie Smith had always harboured ambitions to be a teacher. But he had always envisaged himself in a primary school, until a work experience stint in a secondary school changed his mind, and he’s now training in secondary maths.

“I loved the thought of being a primary school teacher,” he says. “But in my final year at university I went into a secondary school for a few days – just to get a different experience – and I enjoyed it so much I decided to pursue it as a career. “The training is challenging and it’s hard work – but it’s definitely worthwhile. The team at the George Spencer Academy SCITT are incredibly supportive and there is always someone around to help.”

Based mainly at the George Spencer Academy, Ollie has also been on placement in a city centre school.

“I think the idea of giving us mixed placements is excellent, as it allows us to experience teaching a different range of kids with differing needs and back-grounds,” he adds. “I’m really looking forward to starting my career after I finish my training.”

George SpencerAcademy SCITT

Ollie Smith

Maths

For Nina, moving into teacher training was the perfect opportunity to continue her learning, taking a step into a varied and interesting new career.

Prior to joining the programme, she worked as a fraud resolution specialist at Experian and had also worked as an analyst in chemistry laboratories.

“I wanted to get back into science and have always enjoyed learning,” says Nina. “Teaching means I can help people while continuing to improve myself at the same time. Training on a SCITT has meant I’ve spent more time on placement in schools than I would have done through other training routes. I feel this is a great way to prepare for life as a teacher and especially suits career changers such as myself. The support you get in your placement schools is fantastic and you are made to feel part of the team as soon as you arrive.”

George SpencerAcademy SCITT

Nina Proffitt

Chemistry

A lifelong ambition to be a teacher meant that for Charlotte, her only real decision was whether to take a four-year teacher training course, or a subject-specific degree with a teacher training year.

She chose the latter, and joined the SCITT after graduating from Sheffield Hallam University with a first-class honours degree in psychology.

“The training has been as I expected – both rewarding and challenging,” she says. “The benefits definitely outweigh the challenges though, as long as you’re prepared to work hard.

“The support from the staff on the course makes it all possible, and their under-standing of the practical nature of the training makes you feel part of the family. Academic support is always at hand – you just have to ask.

“I feel that the rich variety of training makes me prepared for what lies ahead – and I know that the team at the SCITT will help and support me further down the line whenever I need them.”

George SpencerAcademy SCITT

Charlotte Grant

Primary