Tuesday 11 March 2014 The School Direct teacher training scheme is designed to immerse trainees in school life from the start, and classroom experience is just part of the picture. This approach was illustrated when trainee teachers visited The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) for a school experience day to explore how learning is enhanced through co-curricular activities. GSAL is a member of the White Rose Alliance, a partnership of schools providing initial teacher training (ITT) under the School Direct model. As well as hearing presentations on GSAL’s co-curricular activities including the house system and outdoor education programme, the trainees saw demonstrations by GSAL pupils of activities including music, Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh, scouts and debating, and observed a sport lesson. Diane Norton, ITT coordinator at GSAL, said: “One real difference about the School Direct approach is the school experience days, five in the year, giving trainees the chance to participate in schools that offer something unique that you might not get in a traditional PGCE programme. “In ITT the focus is on academic training and pedagogy but when you apply for a job you need to demonstrate an extra-curricular contribution too. We designed the day to show trainees the opportunities in a school like this, what students gain from extracurricular activities and how these activities help student teacher relationships.” Meghanne Cameron, trainee with the Ebor Teaching Schools Alliance, said: “The day has been a great opportunity to learn about the benefits of co-curricular activities, speak to students and see how participation is encouraged through the houses. It’s been really helpful as there’s not much chance to cover it on the PGCE course.” Pictured: Sixth form students Pippa Caine, Sophie Agabeg and Issy MacFarlane discuss the Duke of Edinburgh Award with trainee teachers Meghanne Cameron and Edward Causton General News
