"As a career changer after 20 years in business it was a much wanted, but daunting, move into education and I was keen to select the right PGCE course. The SALOP Partnership was an obvious choice with such a positive reputation. Joining our cohort in September was a great experience in meeting a diverse group of like-minded, but multi experienced individuals. The first month of classroom theory and interactive modules was a great way of bonding with all members of the group and it felt as if you had a good group of contacts to support you as we parted ways into our first teaching placements. I enjoyed the varied mix of PGCE, University subject training and placements right the way across the course. We were always able to reach out for support when needed within the group and it was fun to exchange stories, good and bad, whenever we regrouped for our core sessions. My placements were also very different, the first in a smaller rural secondary and the second in a much larger town based secondary, so the whole experience for me grew in challenge as it progressed, which I feel allowed me to grow into my role as a trainee teacher in the classroom. I had a great year and am still grateful for the connections made across the PGCE course as I move through my first full, very challenging, first year full time teaching."
"As a trainee teacher on the Shropshire School Direct Programme, I can confidently say that I have received exceptional training from outstanding teachers. The school-centred approach that School Direct offers has meant that I have been attached to a host school whilst completing placements at other schools within the cluster; this has allowed me to observe a range of effective teaching and learning strategies."
"I have been warmly welcomed by all the schools in the cluster and the teachers have gone above and beyond to ensure that I receive the best possible training that I can. The support from each school has been amazing and I have felt like a true staff member whilst on placement. Another great aspect of School Direct is that it is local; you can receive high quality training without having to travel a lengthy distance."
"Finally, being able to complete my teaching placements locally has allowed me to meet other local trainee teachers who without doubt will be friends for life! The support from other trainees and the schools within the cluster has made my School Direct experience an enjoyable one!"
"My experience as a SD student at Priory was FANTASTIC!!!! I feel that there I was able to develop personally and professionally surrounded by very friendly and supportive staff. I was able to put the solid bases of my teaching practice at Priory, not only because it was my first placement but also because of the excellent pedagogy used across the languages department! I don't think I would have got an outstanding as my final grade without the excellent teaching experience that I undertook and the training and help that I received from ALL members of the staff ,not only the ones in my department. I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at Priory and if I was to start a teaching course again, I would go back without any doubts!!!!