Meridian Trust has had a great start to 2022-23, with 140 trainee teachers now in their placement schools, taking their first steps into the profession.
Meridian Trust believes in extending the boundaries of learning for all, including adults, which is why the programme provided by The Cambridge Partnership and The Pilgrim Partnership is proving to be such a success.
The programme uses a combination of the latest research-based theories and in-school experience for trainees, who are assigned a dedicated programme manager to oversee all aspects of their training year.
Richard Davies, Director of ITT at Meridian Trust said “The profession has seen a significant reduction in numbers recently, so after what’s been a tough year for recruitment, I’m thrilled that 140 trainees are now starting their teaching journeys with Meridian Trust.”
The current cohort has been introduced to the ITT curriculum and have enjoyed some sessions on a number of key topics, including how to manage behaviour by building positive relationships and an introduction to teaching and learning theories.
Initial Teacher Training focusses on academic study and practical time in school. The 22-23 programme is the second year of a PGCE partnership between Meridian Trust ITT, CTSN and Anglia Ruskin University to provide the academic element of the qualification. This has been facilitated by the Cambridge and Peterborough Teaching School Hub.
Meridian Trust ITT now has two ITT hubs, The Cambridge Partnership operating in the Eastern region while The Pilgrim Partnership trains in Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Hertfordshire. The aim is to provide inspirational teachers and future school leaders for a significant area of the East of England.
The programme began earlier this year, with 46 apprentices starting in July, being employed in partner schools. They began with a two-week intensive placement with training days and further time observing good practice. They also had visits to special schools and primary or secondary settings to ensure a broad experience.
The remaining trainees on the PGCE programme began their induction in August so they were ready to join colleagues in schools for the training days being held this term.
Richard Davies, also added “It’s true that there are no great schools without great teachers, so I’m thrilled that we’re able to fill our sector with so much future talent, thanks to our comprehensive programme.”
All trainees are now in placement schools and taking their first steps into teaching, showing the commitment of Meridian Trust to develop inspirational teachers of the future.