The most recent SCITT OFSTED recognises that the quality of the course management and training were both good. The report includes the following statements:
“The overall quality of centre-based training is very good. Training in ICT is exceptionally good. Training sessions are linked closely to the Standards and good attention is paid to increasing trainees' knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum programmes of study and the Primary National Strategy.”
“Training sessions are well planned and delivered with utter commitment and enthusiasm. As a result, trainees are very well motivated and engaged with the training. Trainers have excellent subject knowledge which enables them to focus on developing the trainees' personal subject knowledge as well as improving their teaching skills. This approach is a key strength of the trainingwhich is reinforced in the regular subject audits and in the subject improvement clinics.”
“The commitment and drive of school-based trainers match those of the centre-based trainers. School-based trainers pay meticulous attention to building on trainees' strengths to address any weaknesses.”
“The partnership is very well led and managed. The course manager is supported effectively by highly committed colleagues from partner schools.”
The SCITT External Examiner also recognises the quality of the Course Management and training:
“Interviews with trainees and their mentors and scrutiny of documentation confirm a clear understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities. There was clear evidence of well established mutually respectful professional relationships and the type of collaboration which is increasingly important for primary teachers. Support for both trainees from within the school and the SCITT had been excellent in terms of being targeted and responsive to their particular needs.”
External Examiner Report 2007
Graduate trainees' views are also taken very seriously and include the following comments:
“The SCITT Course offers great experience within schools, alongside top rate training. I feel I can go away confident that I have had enough support to go and be a good practitioner.”
“Excellent support and encouragement from the base school. A real sense of belonging and being a member of the whole school team during training.”
“A great course that provides lots of support, guidance and friends to move you forward to gaining QTS. A hard, tiring but very enjoyable year!”
“I'm going to be honest the year is really tough, but if you're prepared to put in the hard work it can be one of the most fulfilling things you'll ever do.”
(Graduate trainees, 2005- 2007)
