My name is Georgina, and I am a secondary Geography trainee from Wakefield. I studied Geography at Durham University. After leaving university, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do next.
Teaching has always been something that has been on my mind, but after graduating from university, I wanted some time away from the classroom and to see what other sectors had to offer. I got a temporary job at a claims management company and ended up staying there for 5 years, working my way up to become Operations Manager. Around the start of this year, the company I worked for was about to undergo some changes and it felt like the right time to make a change for myself. When I was thinking about what I wanted to do next, I realised a favourite part of my job has always been seeing members of staff progress. I found this especially rewarding with the teams I worked closest with as I could see my influence first-hand. I want to have a career where I can make a difference, and where no two days will be the same, and teaching seemed perfect!
It can be quite overwhelming when you first start to look at the different routes into teaching. I chose to train at the BLP because the programme is school-centred and I think it's best to get stuck in as soon as possible. By being a smaller cohort, it means you can get more in-depth training and feedback that is tailored to you. When I came to visit, I experienced how much the staff care about creating the best opportunities for students, and it felt like the right place for me.
My favourite thing about the programme has been building relationships with the students and seeing their confidence grow in my lessons. By increasing my timetable over time, it has meant that I can see how students work best and I have been able to create a positive environment straight away. My favourite part of our weekly training has been the expert guest lecturers and speakers from across our Trust. Being part of a Trust means we have access to a wealth of knowledge from different members of staff, and this has been really helpful and interesting to get other people’s perspectives on different parts of teaching.
In terms of support on the programme, this comes from a number of directions. Carys as the programme director has been there for us each step of the way. Whether this is during our weekly training session, through observations or just being available for a quick chat, she has been instrumental in the progress we have made so far. My mentor and I have a set time each week where she gives me feedback. This time is invaluable as we can script and model my next target, as well as plan for upcoming lessons and discuss the curriculum content for that week. I can clarify any misconceptions that the students may have, and she can share tips on how to best deliver the lessons. I also receive support and coaching in real-time from my mentor in the lessons I am teaching. The Geography department as a whole has been really supportive and they have been amazing at sharing their expertise, resources and guidance. The other trainees on the course have also been a source of support. Being a small group, we have got to know each other really well and can lean on each other when we need to.
If you are thinking about training with the BLP I would say do it - apply! It is a great programme which supports you through numerous channels. Being in school from September is a great way to start your journey, but there isn’t the pressure of a full timetable right away. You can spend time getting to know the school, your classes, and other members of staff, which helps you feel settled and ready to give it your all.
My aspirations for the future are to complete the training programme and hopefully stay on as part of the Brigshaw team! I want to keep developing my practice as teaching is ever-evolving and make the most out of every opportunity that comes my way.
Your future awaits
