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Case study: Multiple placements supporting work with challenging schools

Alison Fetcher

Job title: Senior lecturer

ITT provider: University of the West of England

Publication Date:

About this case study

As a provider, it’s vital that we’re training teachers to teach in the schools we’ve got. Senior lecturer Alison Fletcher explains how the multiple placement project is supporting the University of the West of England’s work with challenging schools.

Alison says:

"Ten out of the 16 secondary schools in Bristol are National Challenge schools. For a trainee, the prospect of teaching solo for the first time while taking on some pretty major behaviour management challenges can be daunting. Working in pairs boosts trainees’ confidence, and knowing there’s someone there managing the class with them frees them up to focus on teaching and learning."

"As a provider, it’s vital that we’re training teachers to teach in the schools we’ve got. The schools work with us to give trainees an outstanding experience. They’re using lots of innovative techniques – in one school, trainees spend time in feeder primaries to help them understand transition, and in another maths and English trainees work alongside each other. We find that observing a lesson in a different subject really helps trainees to focus on the techniques that underpin effective teaching."

"This year, 16 out of 22 of our maths trainees have been placed in pairs. That reflects the level of demand from mentors. We gather both qualitative and quantitative feedback, plus input on the effectiveness of the support they get from us. That support is really the key. We put a huge effort into preparing our students and our mentors to make sure everyone gets the maximum benefit out of their placement."