Staff Development
Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and Early Career Framework (ECF) at Guru Nanak Sikh Multi Academy Trust
At GNSA we are proud to support Initial Teacher Training (ITT) through a number of different routes.
We have PGCE route in partnership with Brunel, Roehampton and Middlesex University.
Additionally, we also offer a School Direct (SCITT) and Assessment Only (AO) path in collaboration with the Teach First, George Abbott SCITT and Hillingdon SCITT. In all cases the academy has a long-standing commitment of growing teachers and leaders at all levels and working with our partners to deliver high quality training, led by a dedicated Coaching and Mentoring teams who are passionate about developing the outstanding teachers of tomorrow.
High-quality training enables all trainees to develop into confident and competent professionals.
Through the PGCE route Trainee Teachers will gain substantial practical experience, developing their evaluative and practical teaching skills alongside their University course leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) following the successful completion of the course. In-school, expert mentors and the Coaching & Mentoring Lead for Trainee Teachers for have consistently high expectations and work collaboratively to ensure training is coherent and highly relevant to the needs of trainees. This includes regular Professional Development Sessions led by members of the staffing body and external trainers.
The School Direct (SCITT) and Assessment Only (AO) training programme is intended for high quality graduates and career changers, Working in collaboration with Teach First, George Abbott SCITT and Hillingdon SCITT the School Direct route either enables trainees to gain school-led training within a two-year full-time programme leading to QTS. School Direct / AO Trainees receive high quality support through expert mentors and a package of Professional Teacher Development Sessions run throughout the year, led by the skilled leaders for Trainee Teachers. School Direct / AO places are limited, so early application through school website is recommended.
Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
The Early Career Framework is a two-year government funded programme, offering a framework and resources to better support newly qualified teachers. The programme was announced as a key element of the Department for Education (DfE) plans to increase retention of early career teachers in the teaching profession.
This exciting new initiative has allowed us to broaden our support programme at GNSA, partnering with North West London Teaching School Hub (NWLTSH) and Ambition Institute of Education, to provide flexible and social learning environments that support early career teacher’s development. All ECTs will be supported by a trained mentor overseen by the Assistant Principal for Trainee Teachers acting as the Designated Induction Lead. The programme is built on the belief that teachers are skilled professionals who have:
- Student learning at the centre of all that they do
- A rich, complex, knowledge base which continues to grow throughout their career
- A deep understanding of the context in which they work and the implications of this for their practice
- Practical fluency in a range of evidence-based classroom strategies that support pupils to learn well
- Academic tools needed to engage independently with evidence around effective teaching
- The reflective capacity to evaluate teaching and continue to improve across their career
- The ability to use their knowledge, skills and experience to ensure excellent learning for all students.
Working alongside North West London Teaching School Hub (NWLTSH) and Ambition IOE we are excited to deliver this new programme of support for Early Career Teachers.
Coaching and Mentoring and CPD at GNSA
GNSA Academy have a dedicated Coaching and Mentoring (C&M) team responsible for supporting Learning and Teaching across the school including Pedagogical Training. New starters to the school will be assigned a C&M Lead to support them in their first two years of teaching at the school ensuring they have a smooth transition into GNSA and inducting staff into our pedagogical approach based around the QFTL all through model. Train to teach at Guru Nanak Sikh Multi Academy Trust
Being a NQT or ITT Teacher at GNSA:
What you can expect and why you will thrive!
As the NQT Co-ordinator at GNSA , I am continually inspired by our NQTs who show drive, determination, enthusiasm and a love teaching young people in the earliest stages of their career. We offer a carefully structured NQT programme, bespoke to individual needs. Previous NQTs have progressed rapidly and have been promoted internally as position arise. We pride ourselves at rewarding talent and providing opportunities to allow staff to grow and develop at all levels.
Our tried and tested Teacher Development Programme (TDP) involves:
- A centrally organised programme from a dedicated Teacher training team.
- A summer two week Induction programme to familiarise yourself with the school, departments and students
- An allocated one to one subject specialist mentor
- An allocated one to one professional development coach
- A specialist bespoke CPD programme for NQTs / AO / SCITT / Unqualified teachers
- Termly rewards and celebration events to socialise with other NQTs and ITT students across the Trust
- Time given to attend NQT, AO and TF conferences and other external CPD
- Subject Knowledge Enhancement training with a recognised provider
- All AO / Teach First and UQT are sent on a 6 week second school placement to further grow and develop their teaching practices.
- Protected mentoring and development time on teachign timetable
'I started at GNSA in September 2018 as an NQT. The support I received from the school during my NQT year has allowed me to already progress along my career path as a Middle leader; taking responsibility for year 9 as a progress leader. Having also been selected to take part in the school's 'Middle Leader' programme, I am receiving guidance and development in this role next year. The SLT are highly supportive, and I love working alongside a really hardworking inspiration Maths department team.'
