PGCE Historian Hannah Ruddock reflects on a unique and vibrant start to her teaching career
I started my teacher training adventure in early September at Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College in Altrincham and being a part of such an amazing History department has provided me with such a positive perspective on my new teaching career! I’ll be honest…..I was apprehensive about starting my teaching career in such an uncertain period of time! The COVID-19 pandemic has provided both teachers and students with a number of practical problems and navigating these has been challenging and enjoyable in equal measure. The first two weeks on placement have been full of new information to take in, such as how to approach remote teaching and the different ideas and techniques being used by the department to ensure that pupils are still receiving the best possible education.
I was involved in the INSET days back in September and was introduced to the whole department. When I returned to the school to start my placement properly in October I was made to feel a part of a team and as if I had never been away. The department had prepared for my arrival and had my timetable and classes already set out and ready for me to get stuck in! My first two weeks have been full of nerves and excitement, but I’ve settled to the task and am really enjoying teaching at present. My timetable consists of teaching year 7, year 8, year 9 and A-level Year 12 and in my first week I was introduced to these classes properly. From the start of my placement, I was involved with the classes and was encouraged to take part in questioning the pupils, engaging in class discussions and developing teacher-pupil relationships in order to prepare me for teaching them after the upcoming half-term. My subject mentor, my professional mentor and other colleagues around me have made me feel welcomed and confident that I can achieve my aspirations on becoming a fully qualified history teacher. The teaching community as a whole cohort is very supportive and the teachers surrounding me are open to offering support and good advice when asked for. My University tutor often talks about the importance of a collegial approach in education and this is epitomised by my colleagues at BTHCC. First experiences of teaching On my second week of placement I took the first hour of my year 8 history class and it was a fulfilling experience on the whole. The lesson was based on the impact of the Industrial revolution on key individuals within British society and it was successful not only for myself but also for the pupils involved. The class was fully engaged, and I received positive feedback from my subject mentor, and he also took the time to explain how I could develop my activities to give my lessons more pace. It’s reassuring to be reminded that the learning curve for trainee teachers is steep and that there is time and space to develop; it’s sometimes a vulnerable position being a trainee so the constructive and supportive way in which advice has been given is really appreciated. I look forward to continuing my development on this placement and I am intrigued to see how this experience will help me to improve. I am looking forward to seeing how far I have come by the time the Christmas holidays arrive and I couldn’t think of better school to train at. I am surrounded by masses of support and a talented community of teachers and under these COVID-19 circumstances my anxieties to train during this pandemic have been eased by the inclusive school community I have been welcomed into. Bring on Placement 2!
Hannah Ruddock
University of Manchester History PGCE 