SCITT: Initial Teacher Training programme for Secondary Teachers

Published 7th March 2023

We are excited to be going into the second phase of our Design and Technology focused School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme which began in September 2022 and concludes in July this year. The first leg has been very successful with positive feedback and great engagement from attendees. Our expert curriculum trainer Paul Woodward has developed the D&T training content and has been leading these specialist sessions, taking delegates through the design processes, theory, iterative design, problem-solving skills, creative thinking and more.

Our programme has been highly successful and is now available to be delivered into SCITT’s around the country. Contact us for more information and find out how our programme can help your teachers gain their PGCE and QTS status.

The Teacher Training Focus

The focus of the programme is on secondary education however, some of the sessions also delve into Key Stage 2 and post-16 education so delegates are fully prepared for every aspect of D&T education.

The next wave of sessions will continue to cover a range of academic assessment, classroom observations, teaching approaches and development of subject knowledge as well as delivery of theory, planning and assessment. The training also delves into use of the resources that have been made available which includes the Design and Technology Association Progression Framework. All aspects such as managing equipment and budgets, as well as how to utilise technical support are also embedded in the scheme. The course will additionally outline and identify leadership opportunities including how to lead a team of teachers and technical staff. Practical skills such as maintaining machinery will also be covered.

Teachers are key role models, who can influence the attitudes, values and behaviours of pupils and high-quality teaching has a long-term positive effect on pupils’ life chances, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Schemes like this are vital to ensure a comprehensive and well-rounded grounding in the subject.

Meet the Trainer

Our expert curriculum trainer Paul Woodward has been leading these specialist sessions, taking delegates through the design processes, theory, iterative design, problem-solving skills and creative thinking.

Paul has been teaching D&T for almost 30 years with most of those years as a Head of Creative Arts Faculties or as Head of D&T. Following a degree in 3D design, Paul trained for the post-16 sector so has a comprehensive experience of teaching A-Level D&T. Paul has additionally taught the subject from KS2 onwards in a wide variety of schools ranging from Pupil Referral Units to Prestigious International Boarding schools.

What do you get at the end of the programme?

Trainees will gain QTS on completion of the one-year programme, and can gain their PGCE alongside this, through our partnership with Manchester MET University. Despite the focus being on secondary education, trainees will be looking at primary and post-16 education to give them a holistic view of the D&T landscape.

SCITT Trainee Abbi Beach goes on to explain, “The whole course from the Association felt tailored to mine and the other trainee’s needs; the sessions felt really open and welcoming and at no point did we feel like we couldn’t ask questions and offer our ideas to the discussions.

The training was all planned around our initial suggestions, with Paul Woodward asking us what we would like our in-person sessions to be focused on, as well as having clearly planned and knowledgeable schemes of work built for our e-learning and virtual sessions. The resources and plans we were provided with have been crucial to my planning and preparation during my placements. The support from my professional mentor, as well as my fantastic subject mentor who’s support was imperative to my confidence and resilience, influenced me to begin my search for a teaching role very early on in my training.”

Expertise

The SCITT provides a strong mentoring component, with trainees working closely with experienced teachers and experts who can provide guidance and support throughout the training process.

Delivery

These modules are delivered in multiple ways and the flexibility of the programme means attendees can learn the theory they need through both online and in-person training. The hands-on nature of SCITT means delegates are getting school experience from the very beginning of the training. Being immersed in the everyday life of a school environment from the start is incredibly beneficial.

These sessions will comprise a mix of 16 face-to-face sessions, 8 E-Learning sessions, 8 live digital sessions, and 7 Health and Safety courses.

The face-to-face courses will be delivered in specialist D&T departments to ensure that trainees see the inner workings of D&T departments allowing trainee teachers to observe and work alongside experienced teachers in a real-world setting.

It is incredibly important to the Association to be involved and leading the initial teacher training in this area. We are able to help SCITTS all over the country so if you would like further information about what we can offer please email events@designtechnology.org.uk