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Design and Technology – Subject Pathway Session – 1st October 2009
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Trainee testimonials
Laura Thomas
GITEP Trainee 2006-2007
PGCE ICT
"I came into teaching for job satisfaction, long holidays … and the pay is ok. I feel rewarded by helping others achieve."
My degree was in ICT and I was working in an IT support role moving on to project management. I did not feel that I was progressing with my career and felt frustrated.
During my teacher training year, I relied on the support of my partner enormously. I was tired and stressed but I did manage to keep up with my hobbies.
I am an NQT and will be moving into my permanent role shortly.
Having previous work experience outside of school, I feel I can bring real-life examples, careers advice and management skills into my new surroundings.
GITEP provided a good range of school experiences during my training year and I found the staff to be helpful and supportive.
My limited experience of teaching young people is that most are keen to learn and they know that with the help of teachers, their futures will be improved. There is a great sense of satisfaction when you see a student have the 'light-bulb' moment.
May 2008
Graham Jeffs
GITEP Trainee 2007-2008
PGCE Business Education
"I am more tired at the end of the day than any other job I have done, but get rewarded by the developing relationships and the moment when the 'penny drops' with a student and they actually get what you are talking about!"
I spent almost twenty years in senior management positions working for a multi-national company prior to changing career and so I have a significant amount of practical experience.
I felt I wanted to give something back to society and so I explored the idea of teaching. I found the training year to be hard work and needed to plan and organise my time well. The support that I had from home was very important.
I have found the hardest thing about teaching to be the workload, crowd control, and rushing about all over the place - I have lost a stone in seven weeks!
GITEP provided a good structure and good people leading the course, and the training was school based.
When I have achieved a breakthrough with an individual who was previously floundering but who respond to my individual approach, there is nothing like it!
October 2008
Ali Pinnock
GITEP Trainee 2006-2007
PGCE Business Education
"GITEP has strong links with secondary schools in the area, and all schools have an understanding of the training programme in place."
I took a Business degree and worked in the world of business initially as a marketing manager and then as a marketing consultant where I achieved success but was never really fulfilled.
I chose teaching because I wanted new challenges and wanted to work in an environment where I could help young people become knowledgeable, happy and successful adults.
Financially, the training year was hard, but it was worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this demanding year and had fantastic support from my fellow PGCE students and my subject leader. I doubt whether I would have enjoyed it as much or been as successful in my teaching career if it wasn't for the excellent structure, knowledge and support from the course but, in particular, my subject leader.
I have recently been a runner up at the EBEA's Business and Economics Teacher of the Year. I have presented at national business and economics conferences and have helped other Business PGCE students at subject pathway sessions and as a Business PGCE Mentor.
The hardest part about teaching is that it can be hard on personal and social lives but because I love it, it is a sacrifice I am willing to make.
Coming from a business background, I have brought real life knowledge about how my subject works in the real world. This helps me to bring my subject to life and increases students' understanding and enjoyment of the subject.
It is obvious that there are a lot of social issues that young people have to face and sometimes, this affects their behaviour. However, I strongly believe that as long as the school has excellent pastoral support, then even the toughest issues can be managed.
I always love coming to school as I have the opportunity to work with and meet so many fantastic people - teachers, students and other colleagues. I relish the pastoral aspects of my role and being supportive in helping young people become successful.
June 2008
Lyndsey Buck
GITEP Trainee 2004-2005
PGCE English with Drama
"I can see the students learning - and I'm helping that!"
I chose teaching because I enjoyed the subject in which I gained my degree (English with Drama) and because I believe it to be a stable career.
During my training year I was supported financially by my family and it was tough-going sometimes when I worked through the night to get the job done.
Since I trained, I have had the opportunity to be involved in and lead department projects which has been highly rewarding. My career has progressed and I am a KS3 co-ordinator in English.
The hardest part about teaching is that there is so much to do and not enough time - so you need to be organised.
I gain huge job satisfaction when I can see that I have done the job well and it is evident that the students have learned!
October 2008
Rachel George
GITEP Trainee 2006-2007
PGCE Physical Education
"After working in the fitness industry for two years, I developed a passion to teach. I found working with children to be far more rewarding than teaching adults."
I found the PGCE training year to be extremely hard work and I put a lot of aspects of my life on hold to achieve what I wanted to achieve in my training year. However, since then, I can see real prospects for my career to progress. I was advised to apply for a head of year post last year. Unfortunately, I did not get the post but I believe this experience benefited me a great deal.
Last year, I took my first A level group through the PE AS course. In August I (and they) was rewarded when they all came out with the grades they deserved. I have also achieved success with the different sporting teams I have worked with.
I think it is important to maintain a good work-life balance when you become a teacher.
I had heard that GITEP had a good reputation for teacher training and I believe that, in particular, the subject specific sessions are delivered extremely well.
The majority of young people at my school are a pleasure to teach. You never get bored in teaching - each day is very different!
October 2008
Gemma Thomasin-Foster
GITEP Trainee 2006-2007
PGCE Business Education
"I am working in a very good school that has done everything possible to encourage my professional development."
My degree was in International Business Management and I chose to go into teaching following a period of time as a project manager running a local project delivering free training to rural Gloucestershire residents.
I had always enjoyed working with young people and wanted to incorporate that into my work. I wanted a career that was going to change and remain challenging.
The training year was very hard, especially as I was planning to get married two weeks after the end of the course. The support from the other Business trainees was brilliant and a fundamental reason for being able to complete the course. My family were also very supportive and my husband was the best source of support. I don't think I could have done the course without his patience!
I am working in a school where there is a programme of training opportunities both within the school and externally, and I am encouraged to participate. I know that as I grow as a teacher, the school will be able to support me and help me decide the most suitable route for my career.
I love being busy and helping young people is an added benefit. I never feel bored. Seeing my pupils achieve and make plans for their futures is very rewarding, especially when they ask me to be part of it.
Teaching is very time consuming both at school and at home. I know that over the coming years the additional time needed will decrease but I plan my life very carefully to make sure I have enough time for my husband, family and friends.
I chose to train with GITEP because I had heard about how good the course was and knew that Gloucestershire schools also had a good reputation. My Subject Leader was fantastic! I was offered very good practical support when I needed it.
The majority of pupils are brilliant to teach. I never know what question I am going to get, or which teenage mood I will be given as my pupils walk through the door. Just like adults, they can have their off days but they do enjoy taking part in the lessons and they do appreciate your time and effort, especially when they do well. The best 'buzz' is being part of a great school community!
May 2008