A job in education can be one of the most rewarding roles you’ll ever have, but what skills and characteristics will you need to decide if this is the right career for you?
To help you find answers, we chat with Emily Broadhurst, Assistant Headteacher and Initial Teacher Education (ITE) lead at Thorndown Primary School in St Ives.
Below, she shares why she loves being a teacher, what everyday life in a classroom looks like, and how to get the training you need to prepare for working with children and parents.
Q: What made you want to become a teacher and why would you recommend a career in education to others?
A: Simply put, because it’s one of the most fulfilling jobs I’ve ever had. You can make a difference in the chances children have. You can inspire them, improve their confidence, encourage their curiosity, and provide the foundations they need to mature into well-rounded adults built for success.
Q: What are the challenges of being a teacher?
A: Entering a classroom for the first time can be daunting, as can dealing with children’s behaviour and navigating tough conversations with parents. This role comes with its challenges, however, with the right training and support, you’ll be more than ready to face them.
At Thorndown Primary School, we offer a direct route training course, which can prepare you for the everyday realities teachers face.
Q: How can you become a teacher?
A: There are several routes into teaching, but I think the best is training via a School Direct route, like the course we offer here at Thorndown, in partnership with The University of Bedfordshire. This is a school-led teacher training course, and we are one of the leading providers in the area.
You will learn from our passionate and dedicated staff how to become a successful teacher and help children access the highest quality education. We have a breadth of knowledge and skills available to us from teachers working in the area, which can help us find and train the very best people to fill local teaching vacancies.
Upon completing the course, each trainee will gain qualified teacher status (QTS), a PGCE (postgraduate certificate in education) and credits towards a master’s degree. You can then decide to further your training or can begin applying for teaching positions right away.
Q: Who can apply for a School Direct teacher training course?
A: Anyone interested in getting into teaching can apply. Our trainees come from all walks of life and range in age from university graduates to older people looking to retrain or switch careers. Previous experience isn't necessary, all that matters is that you’re passionate about education.
To apply, you will need a degree qualification or equivalent, a Grade C or above in GCSE Math and English, and to pass DBS checks. The University of Bedfordshire can help you gain your GCSE Maths and English if required.
Q: How can school-led teacher training prepare you for a career in education?
A: You will spend four days a week in the classroom and one day at university. This blend of theoretical and practical learning provides an immersive experience that readies you for working in a classroom.
You’ll discover the latest educational initiatives, implement theory-based strategies to improve your teaching and learn how to respond to everyday scenarios decisively and efficiently.
By working alongside other experienced teachers, you’ll be eased into the learning environment and be able to develop your skills, so that when you lead a class independently, it will be with complete confidence.
We work with many schools across Cambridge and Huntingdon, providing ample opportunity for you to teach in a variety of settings and decide if you wish to work with children in early years education, key stage one or key stage two. This is essential, as to be a successful teacher also requires finding a school that you enjoy and feel comfortable in.
Q: Why should aspiring teachers train with Thorndown Primary School?
A: Our school’s warm and supportive community is the ideal place for you to begin your journey and discover why becoming a teacher is so gratifying.
You’ll meet weekly with a school-based mentor to discuss your progression, receive meaningful feedback, and set purposeful targets to help you develop. Regular meetings with myself and your university tutor will make it easy to stay on top of your learning and ensure you feel positive about everything you’re doing.
You can also contact us to arrange a visit and take part in a school experience day to get a taste of teaching life and see if it’s the right career for you.
It’s the perfect place to network with other trainees, develop bonds that will last throughout your teaching career, and discover what a difference you can make in young children’s lives.
To apply or find out more, visit thorndownprimaryschool.co.uk.
Applications for September 2023 study close in July. Applications for 2024 will open in October.
If you’re considering a career in teaching and want to gain some experience, please contact Emily Broadhurst at 01480 375103 or email itt@thorndown.cambs.sch.uk.
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