Making an impact on children at a crucial moment
Ricki shares her experiences on the Training Programme as a science teacher.
My school context is unique and diverse. There is a high population of children on pupil premium, and with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) in the school, so every lesson must be differentiated to meet the needs of different pupils.
In addition, there are no sets, so you need to support pupils at different levels while also providing stretch and challenge for higher-achieving students.
I previously worked as a learning support assistant in a SEND school and one-to-one with a pupil who had ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder).
It was then I realised the impact teachers can have on pupils – as a role model who can positively impact their future.
Encouraging aspirations
Secondary school is often a crucial and sensitive part of a child’s life, it’s the time when you can positively impact their future and encourage them to aspire beyond their circumstances.
However, it is also the time when, if they are neglected, they can make decisions that terribly impact their life.
From this experience, I became aware of the importance of a positive role model in a pupil’s life.
Support matters
During my school-centred learning , I had an amazing mentor, who was very supportive, positive and had an admirable relationship with his pupils.
I also had a chance to see a range of different teaching styles, which helped my own.
My first lesson experience was better than I expected. As a result of doing my own teaching demo during the school-centred learning, I was able to overcome all my nerves and worries about how I would speak and sound when I taught.
Rewards and challenges of being a science teacher
The most rewarding moments of being a trainee are when I break down a difficult concept and the pupils understand it. I find this rewarding because, in science, pupils often assume they are not capable. However, when they can understand a concept they thought they would not be able to, they become encouraged to aspire to more.
On the other hand, the most challenging thing is to understand how to balance the warm-strict approach. I am realising this balance is important to maintain positive relationships with the students so that the lesson is a positive learning experience for them. However, boundaries are non-negotiable and help them to also understand that they should respect themselves, each other, and adults in and out of school.
A message to future trainees
You are just at the beginning of your journey.
Do not be scared, and do not be too hard on yourself. Teachers are expected to do a lot, at a high standard, in a short space of time. However, you are just at the beginning of your journey and learning. Be okay with making mistakes and enjoy the process. When you reflect on your teaching down the line you will see that you have come a long way.
Ready to be the role model who changes lives?
Join our Training Programme and start your journey in the classroom - where your support, your story and your subject knowledge can help pupils aspire beyond their circumstances.