Chelsea Shepherd

What was it about the ITT course at Newman that made you decide to enrol?

I chose to carry out my teacher training with the Catholic Teaching Alliance because I was keen to experience and carry out my main placement in a College setting, this being the age group that I wanted to teach. This ITT course gave me this opportunity to not only gain college experience but also in a high-school setting, which would only further develop my knowledge and skills in my subject specialism, which is Health and Social Care.  I was also able to experience the curriculum delivery to different age groups and experience the progression students make as they transition from high school to College.  As I had also studied for my degree here at Newman, I could see how established the Health and Social Care department was, therefore, I knew I could learn from the well-experienced staff within the department to successfully achieve my PGCE and encounter ample opportunities that would enable me to meet the teaching standards.

What was your experience of placement?

Throughout the duration of the course, I carried out placement one and part of placement two at Cardinal Newman, where I got to learn, plan, teach and deliver different units from the Health and Social Care specification. I also had many opportunities to continue my professional development through a range of bitesize training sessions offered by the College on resilience, stretch and challenge, metacognition and being an examiner, as well as external training such as safeguarding and a training event with a Pearson representative for the new specification in my subject. I also took part in Newman’s Open Day and interview evening for potential students making a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the College. For the second part of placement two, I carried out my training at Mount Carmel High School in Accrington where I taught Health and Social Care to Year 10 and 11, enabling me to see and teach a different element of the curriculum and experience teaching practice in another educational setting, with a different age group. The contrast between the two settings allowed me to have two completely different experiences and further develop skills that would equip me for working in both a high school and College.

Why did you want to become a teacher?

I had worked within the Health and Social Care field for almost 6 years providing support for young adults with diverse and complex needs, followed by the role of a Teaching Assistant in an all-age special school. I worked alongside some exceptional teachers who inspired me to become a teacher myself. I wanted to continue to make a difference to people’s lives and apply the knowledge and skills that I had gained from my vocational experience to my teaching, therefore I chose to specialise in Health and Social Care to contribute to the professionalism of the young individuals wanting to work within the Health Care sector, shaping qualified practitioners who are trusted to care for others.

What do you plan to do now you have completed your Teacher Training?

I have gained employment at Cardinal Newman College as a Teacher of Health, Social Care and Early Years, which is a permanent, full-time role. I am so excited to be a part of the Health and Social Care team and continue my career in teaching here at Newman.

Did the ITT course are Newman meet your expectations?

The ITT course at Newman most certainly exceeded my expectations. The College’s ethos was warm and always so positive, making me feel comfortable every step of the way. The support system for trainees was excellent and my professional mentor, met with us every week to support and guide us through the process. The support from the Health and Social Care department was admirable and I was always made to feel part of the team. My subject Mentor was so supportive and reassuring and her professionalism, expertise and love for the job is something I will apply in my own teaching going forward. My overall experience at Newman College has been outstanding, from start to finish, equipping me with the skills and knowledge required to teach my subject to a high standard and successfully gain employment.