Teacher development in Southampton

The ECT Programme is an additional programme of support for newly and recently-qualified teachers. Working with others from schools across the City, teachers focus on fine-tuning their practice with respect to differentiation, behaviour management, effective teaching strategies and more. They also have the opportunity to observe other new teachers in different contexts, thus developing observation skills and providing new tools for self-evaluation and reflective practice.

Case study - Georgina Hicks, Woodlands Community College

Position: History teacher

Georgina has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Southampton. After graduation, she spent one year working as a receptionist whilst volunteering in secondary schools and tutoring Mathematics. She began a PGCE in Secondary History at the University of Southampton in September 2015, during which time she was offered a job at Woodlands Community College from September 2016. She has finished her NQT year and remains at Woodlands.

"I chose to work in Southampton because I really liked the City when I attended the University of Southampton for my undergraduate degree and subsequent PGCE. After teaching placements in various City schools, I decided that I wanted to stay and work at a school in the City. Networking with other Southampton teachers on the NQT/RQT programme has reinforced to me that the City is a supportive and thriving environment in which to work.

"I enrolled on the ECT programme because of the ongoing support available after the NQT year. I thought that participating in the programme would ensure an ongoing level of support that would allow me to develop my practice further and this has proven to be the case.

"The programme involves meeting with other RQTs and NQTs from various schools in Southampton. These meetings have enabled me to network with other teachers and also to share good practice in meetings held at Woodlands. In addition, the programme has given me valuable experience of delivering sensitive feedback, by providing me with the opportunity to observe two NQTs at Regents Park Community College. Following this experience, I was observed giving the NQTs my feedback. This was a highly worthwhile experience as my future aim is to be a Head of Department where I would be expected to carry out this type of activity on a regular basis.

"The programme has developed my practice as I have been able to network with fellow teachers, share teaching ideas and discuss key teaching points in the curriculum. Using this information and that gained by observation of others. I have been able to learn new strategies and extend my practice."

Through the Operations Group strategic work on Continuing Professional Development, SEF offers an Aspiring Middle Leaders' Programme, This programme provides opportunity for aspirational teachers who aspire to lead in their schools/colleges to work with other teachers on areas of interest and relevance to middle leadership roles.

Led by experienced senior leaders and using a combination of group work, presentation and professional discussion, colleagues will focus on key leadership concepts, such as the nature of the team, fulfilling HR obligations, interpreting data and the story it reveals, managing difficult conversations, to name several. Teachers have the opportunity to hear from others and to bring their own insights to the discussions.

Case study - Dan Gates, Regents Park Community College

Position: Head of Year 8

"I achieved a BSc (Hons) degree in Sports Coaching and Physical Education at the University of Gloucestershire. I then completed a PGCE in Physical Education at the University of Southampton.

"I grew up in the New Forest and have always enjoyed visiting Southampton. Whilst completing my PGCE at the University of Southampton, I was lucky enough to experience working in Southampton schools. The experiences I gained were extremely positive, and I am now very fortunate to be Head of Year 8 at Regents Park Community College.

"I am new to the role of Head of Year, and I am looking forward to learning new techniques and ideas as well as sharing experience with peers around the City to be the best Middle Leader I can possibly be.

"I am gaining ideas and knowledge on supporting my year group to achieve the most they possibly can at RPCC.

"I am sharing knowledge and new ideas with a variety of different staff around the City. This sharing allows me to trial new ideas and provide further support to my year group."

This programme is aimed at experienced and successful middle leaders who are looking for opportunities to progress to senior leadership, but who still require experience of whole-school approaches to leading and managing.

The programme provides senior leadership experience, as candidates are seconded to their respective school/college senior leadership teams for half a term and then to a host school/college senior leadership team for another half term, to provide experience of leadership and management in a range of contexts. These two 'placements' will also help to gather information and data for the Research Project.

The Research Project requires participants to lead a whole-school/college research project, the focus of which is identified in the application proposal. It will most likely link to an area of further development in the candidate's home school/college, and the outcome should ultimately benefit both home and host contexts.

Participants are provided with a coach in their home school/college, and a mentor in their host school/college.

The programme operates over seven half-terms and is the fruit of a partnership of Southampton secondary schools, FE colleges and the University of Southampton's School of Education.

Case study - Ruth Beardshaw, Oasis Academy Mayfield

Position: Director of Excellence

"I graduated from the University of Manchester with Joint Honours in German and French, followed by a PGCE at the University of York. Since then, I worked in Lincoln as a Teacher of MFL and in Cwmbran as Head of German, before moving to Southampton. I became Curriculum Leader of Languages at Oasis Academy Mayfield and have since held the roles of Faculty Leader of English and MFL, then Director of Excellence, line managing drama, art, music, and MFL. Most recently, I line manage the E-Bacc subjects. I also became a facilitator for the MLPD course for aspiring middle leaders and have taken two cohorts through the course. Other aspects of my role involve induction of new staff and teacher CPD entitlement with the school’s Teaching and Learning team. I have been a Professional Mentor for several years and thoroughly enjoy providing the induction and relevant CPD for PGCE students, Schools Direct and NQT teachers, as well as the two cohorts of Student Ambassadors each year.

"Southampton has a long and interesting history. It is also situated near the New Forest, a place of stunning natural beauty.

"I enjoy a challenge and love to extend my horizons. Every new experience gives me further insight into the profession of teaching. This programme extends my understanding of leadership in education.

"I am gaining experience at leadership level in a different setting to my current position. It is extremely interesting to observe different leadership styles and to see how different group of leaders make decisions and prioritise their actions.

"I have developed a new NQT programme for Oasis schools in the City and this has necessitated collaboration with other leaders in two settings to ensure that NQTs receive a high quality training experience and remain on track to achieve their goals this year. Collaboration like this requires the attributes of resilience, patience and integrity. I have seen all of these attributes exhibited during my placement."