Shivani's Story

Luckily, there was plenty of first-hand advice about the teacher training and the ITT providers.  I received strong recommendations for CTSN as an excellent SCITT. And after my own researched backed up these recommendations, I decided to go with CTSN when I had the opportunity to choose.  It was the best decision I had made for myself.

Teacher training is an intense year long course, and one needs immense support throughout that year.  Through CTSN, I had the support of my skilled mentors, highly experienced professional tutors, a hugely encouraging senior tutor, two experienced subject specialists, and a thoroughly organised PGCE tutor as well as the CTSN directors.  

My training year turned out to be an unusual one due to the pandemic. However, despite the disruption, the trainees felt supported all along. I had two fantastic placements and there was superb communication between CTSN and the schools.  There were times when I was feeling unsure and overwhelmed, but in those times, I was encouraged and supported by my senior tutor and professional tutor.  Both of my mentors were experienced teachers who had the wealth of expertise and keen to help.  At the start of my second placement, the schools were closed due to the national lockdown and made provisions for online learning.  CTSN ensured that all the different online learning platforms were introduced to the trainees through additional training sessions which was a huge step during the unprecedented times, and we were settled down well in our second placements.  When the schools reopened after eight weeks, and my mentor encouraged me at every step of the training process and prepared me well for face-to-face teaching.  I also had the privilege of a supportive science department which helped me all throughout my placement.

Every week we had a core training session on Friday.  We were given the training for each of the curriculum standards. Those sessions were also the opportunity to ask any questions or raise queries regarding the training.  The layout of the training sessions was always superbly designed and engaging.  The weekly productive training sessions were an excellent preparation for the start of the new in-school training week.  

I always felt that well-being of the trainees was paramount importance to CTSN and that is the reason that the support from CTSN continues beyond the training year for the trainees.  I am eternally grateful for the fantastic training year provided by CTSN and excited to start my ECT role in a local school in September when I hope to put the superb training into practice. I would highly recommend CTSN as a training provider as the immense support provided plays an important role in shaping trainees into fantastic early career teachers of tomorrow.