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HomeHeadstart (ITT/ECT Provision)

Headstart (ITT/ECT Provision)

Headstart: ITT provision

Marple Hall School is continually looking to increase its capacity to support ITTs from a wide range of providers. We currently have fully trained subject mentors in subjects across the curriculum, working under the guidance of four school professional mentors.

What makes us stand out?

We have a dedicated ‘Headstart Suite’ for ITTs to base themselves in. This space has PC facilities, a kitchen and CPD library full of academic books and magazines to support ITTs on the start of their teaching career. Delivered every week are our bespoke professionals studies sessions to help students develop the areas they need. We also have a weekly mentor bulletin to support our mentors and trainees. ITTs offer so much to a school and here at MHS we want to recognise this and make them feel part of the MHS team. Providers and students feel that we provide an excellent training experience and we are proud of the programme of Professional Studies sessions that we deliver.

Take a look of some of the comments from our providers.

Hilary Langmead-Jones

SCITT Manager
Bright Futures SCITT

Marple Hall High School is one of our “go to” placement schools for trainees. The warmth and welcome that trainees feel as soon as they walk through the door, the academic expertise that is shared by mentors and staff, the level of care, support and guidance that trainees receive enables our trainees to really develop and flourish there.

The organisation and communication at MHS is always timely and efficient, and staff always go the extra mile to support our requests and trainees. A huge thank you to all involved – you provide a wonderful start to the careers of our future teachers and they always remember their placements with you with great positivity and affection.

Tom Donnai

Subject Leader: History
University Of Manchester

I just wanted to get in touch to thank you both for the support that my PGCE Historians, have been receiving at Marple Hall this placement. It’s been absolutely superb.  I visited today and had extensive conversations with both trainees, and both SM’s. The level of support is outstanding and as a result I was able to see both ITTs making great progress. 

On behalf of the University of Manchester I want to recognise your efforts at Marple, particularly the SM’s and thank you all. We need school partners like you and I’m committed to continuing to send you our brilliant PGCE Historians.

Cheryl Wilberforce

Partnership Tutor
MMU

Observation of expert colleagues is actively encouraged at MHS and supported through the developmental culture at the school of all staff – better never stops. There is an open-door policy and both newly qualified and experienced teachers regularly observe colleagues for their own development.

Take a read of our ITT testimonials below.

Megan – ITT 2023/24

University Of Manchester

Training to be a teacher can be a daunting journey filled with uncertainty. Before beginning my second placement, I was apprehensive about the increased workload and being able to meet the high expectations of both the university and the school. However, my experience at Marple Hall quickly alleviated all my worries.

I was welcomed with so much support from the moment I started at Marple Hall. The staff at the school possess genuine compassion for both their students and trainees. Every interaction, whether with my subject mentor or any other member of staff, reinforced my sense of belonging and confidence in my abilities.

I have gained so much from the inclusive approach to education at Marple Hall, as it has taught me invaluable lessons not only about teaching practices but also about the importance of fostering a sense of value among staff and students.

I am immensely grateful to everyone at Marple Hall for their support and guidance throughout my training journey. Thank you for offering me so much guidance and support and for showing me what it truly means to prioritise the well-being of teachers and students.

Chloe – ITT 2023/24

Bright Futures

From the moment I started at Marple I could tell it was a really welcoming community. On the induction day every member of staff made me feel welcome and offered their advice and support if I needed it. I honestly can’t think of a better teaching community to be involved with for the start of my teaching career. With the anxiety and time taken to get used to teaching classes it can be a stressful time but the professional and subject mentors are incredibly supportive from day one – and I’ve never felt like I couldn’t reach out if I needed support on anything.

The Headstart programme at Marple is amazing too – the whole set up of the Headstart suite and professional studies sessions really got me through my first placement. The friendships you build with the other trainees wouldn’t be able to happen without these and I’ve made some incredible friends for life, which has been really key in my Marple Hall experience!

You can tell all staff and students really care about learning and the Marple Hall community, and this really benefitted me when establishing the foundations of my teaching! My department were great and really supportive in getting started in teaching my subject and I really couldn’t have asked for a better subject mentor!

m sure my experiences at Marple Hall will stick with me for my whole career and I’m really going to miss being a part of this school!

Thank you!

Ray – ITT 2023/24

Nexus

Marple Hall has excellently fostered an environment conducive to enhancing my pedagogical studies. The support provided has been instrumental in shaping my growth and understanding in this field. The school’s commitment to nurturing professional development has been evident throughout my placement. The warmth and support extended by the drama department at Marple Hall have been exceptional.

The team’s welcoming nature created a conducive space for me to integrate and thrive in my teaching role. Their encouragement and guidance have significantly contributed to my development as an educator. The CPD sessions, particularly those conducted on Wednesdays with the Professional Mentor team, have been invaluable. These sessions provided profound insights into pedagogy, offering a deeper understanding of effective teaching methods and strategies. The knowledge gained from these sessions has been instrumental in shaping my approach to teaching.

Overall, my experience at Marple Hall has been incredibly enriching and valuable. The support, guidance, and learning opportunities provided have significantly contributed to my professional growth and understanding of pedagogy. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities afforded to me during my placement here.

Steph – ITT 2023/24

University Of Manchester

Since day one, walking into Marple Hall School felt like arriving at exactly the place I needed to be. From the friendly welcome and supportive professional mentors, through to the incredibly strong and professional English department and the phenomenally nurturing and encouraging subject mentor, my teaching has improved tenfold.

Molly – ITT 2023/24

Bright Futures

Professional studies on a Thursday has been a great opportunity to see all the other trainees and know that we are all experiencing the same challenges It has been a fantastic experience being part of the MHS community.

I would like to say a special thank you to my subject mentor, Amanda, for all of her support and pearls of wisdom and to the English Department generally for making me feel part of the team. I feel as though I have gained lots of confidence during my time at MHS and feel inspired for my future career in teaching. The CPD sessions were also invaluable and I am grateful that MHS scheduled these weekly during my placement. I will be sad to leave!

Mohammad – ITT 2023/24

Nexus

As someone who never had dealt with children in a professional setting before this placement, I feel that MHS has provided me a really huge foundation in my teaching journey.

The support and help I have received throughout my first placement has been immense. My subject mentor and professional mentors have always been available when needed and provided invaluable feedback and information that has helped me to grow and become a better trainee.

Harvey – ITT 2021/22

University Of Huddersfield

Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my teacher training at MHS and was made to feel like a member of staff by all the teachers within department and across the school. I felt welcomed and as part of the Marple Hall community as every member of staff would greet you with a smile and good morning as you walked past which created a positive environment. My subject mentor has been fantastic with the support he has given me which has helped me develop as a teacher.. Also, other teachers have also given me support and advice when I have asked/ needed it and helped me to develop.

Being part of a form group was extremely beneficially to me and helped me to develop my relationships with students. In addition, being attached to a form gave me great opportunities to teach some challenging PSHE topics which have been way out of my comfort zone but helped me to develop my style of teaching.

My Professional Mentor, was also very supportive and was someone I knew I could email or meet to ask a question or gain some advice and would reply promptly with support. The advice he has given me has not only improved how I teach this class but how I teach other classes to and he has helped me improve as a teacher. Overall, it has been a pleasure to train at Marple Hall School and I look forward to coming back after Easter.

Lauren – ITT 2021/22

MMU

From the moment I started my placement at Marple Hall I was instantly made to feel a part of the community. Both staff and students were extremely accommodating and warming as I progressed throughout my teaching experience which really aided my development as a student teacher. I really benefited from the opportunity to watch other teachers and subjects as it has allowed me to think deeper into how my own lessons work and how I can facilitate students learning. The professional development sessions each week were so beneficial to my practice and these sessions have really started to come through in my teaching. I appreciated the fact that they were tailored to us and the things we wanted more information on.

There is no moment throughout my time here when I have not felt supported by colleagues. When things have not gone exactly to plan both my professional mentor and subject mentor were there to build me back up. They were incredibly supportive which made such a difference in my confidence as a trainee. There never a moment of doubt that I was ever alone in this process, they believed in me when I maybe was not so sure. My experience here at Marple Hall is something that I will never forget; it has been an amazing place to start my teaching journey. This has by far been one of the most challenging years, but the most rewarding and I am greatly appreciative in all the support and feedback I have received.

Emily – ITT 2021/22

University Of Manchester

I really enjoyed my time at Marple Hall School it was a great place to start my teacher training and all the staff I interacted with were helpful and supportive. In particular, my subject mentors provided constant support and helpful feedback which was so useful to my development as a teacher.

Having a specific room for the trainees also was an additional bonus as we quickly became a support system for each other and having a group of people who were going through the same thing as me was an invaluable resource. Overall thank you for a wonderful first placement experience!

We work hard to establish and embed strong, professional relationships with our providers and this is growing year on year, see the providers we host ITTs for below…

Level 2 Partnerships

Marple Hall School is proud to be a lead placement school for Bright Futures School-Centred Initial Teacher Training. If you are thinking of becoming a teacher, please visit their website for further information about their programme and application process:
Secondary PGCE (with QTS) – Bright Futures Educational Trust (bright-futures.co.uk)

If you are an ECT and are interested in applying for a job at MHS, take a look at our ECT testimonials below.

Amy Ditchfield – ECT2

Art & Technology

Starting at Marple Hall as an ECT has been an amazing experience.

We have been provided with in house ECT training sessions that support our development and give us an opportunity to share good practise. During my two years as an ECT I have been fully supported and encouraged by my mentors with regular check ins, observations and feedback.

Both of my departments have been amazing to work with, always encouraging development. I have loved how important development is to the school as a whole and how enthusiastic the pupils are both in lesson and in extra-curriculars.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Marple Hall and can’t wait for the future here ?

Matthew White – ECT1

PE

I am thoroughly enjoying my time at MHS. I was welcomed into my department straight away, and given an excellent department mentor. I was given responsibility straightaway, and in my first year I was able to plan a 3 day residential at the end of the school year, as well as other trips and school fixtures throughout the year.

I really enjoy my role as a form tutor, and feel privileged to have such an important part in these young people’s lives. My ECT sessions have been both useful and informative and has enabled me to utilise new ideas and strategies in the classroom.

I feel proud to be part of Marple Hall and the wider school community.

Hazel Dalglish – ECT2

Science

Completing my ECT years at MHS has been better than I could have expected. I was welcomed in to an incredibly supportive department who immediately made me feel part of the team. Within the department, my mentor has had a huge impact on my experience.

Throughout the two years she has been my confidant, support system and the person I have bounced most of my ideas off. She has supported my development in more ways that I can fit into this testimonial, and together we have advanced each other’s teaching practice.

The guidance from induction mentors, ECF facilitators and additional CPD opportunities in school have also shaped my teaching practice and made me a much more confident – and dare I say better – teacher.

Simon Waide – ECT1

Maths

Even before I joined MHS, I felt welcomed. I asked if I could spend a couple of weeks at MHS in July, once my ITT course had finished, so that I could observe some teachers in the Maths Department (and even teach a lesson) to get a sense of the school and the department. Everyone was very obliging and welcomed me warmly into their classrooms.

This warm, helpful attitude has continued throughout my time. When I officially joined MHS in September my mentor, the ECT trainers, my department and other staff members have been so supportive as I begin my teaching career. I have found the feedback I have received to be constructive and helpful, and it has allowed me to develop as a teacher.

The ECT face to face and virtual training sessions have also been very useful, and the extra training sessions and support that Tony and Emma (ECT induction tutor and coordinator) have provided have helped solidify what I have learned.

While there have been some challenges (as you would expect starting any new career), I have felt supported through all of them and really enjoyed my first 6 months at MHS.

Matthew Lawrowitch – ECT1

History

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Marple as a first year ECT teacher. I have received excellent support from my mentor that has allowed me to quickly discuss and solve any questions or concerns that I have had. The ECT program has provided me with regular opportunities to discuss best practice with other ECT’s and experienced colleagues, to help build and develop upon my ITT training.

Feedback on my progress has felt genuinely supportive and has allowed me adapt and develop a variety of teaching techniques to support my students. Marple’s Open Door policy also allows me to easily observe other teachers within and outside of my department. I believe that ECT’s are well supported at the start of their career journey and are given the tools to succeed in an excellent school environment at Marple.

Annabel Clegg – ECT1

Technology

After completing my Placement B during my PGCE, I was lucky enough to secure a teaching post here at Marple to complete my ECT.

The support I have been given has been excellent and I feel confident that my career is progressing positively. I feel that observations of my lessons are not to be critical or harsh, but are to develop my skills and enhance my teaching. This is due to the culture here at Marple where observations are open to all teachers, through the Open Door Policy. Being observed is something I look forward to as it offers me a range of feedback, from a range of experienced teachers.

That I feel, is the most important way to develop as an ECT, and I am glad that we have a fantastic group of SLT, mentors, and experienced teachers who are willing to support me.

Matthew Hayward – ECT1

English

It was very clear to me, from my first induction day at Marple Hall, that this school is a vibrant, caring community, packed full of wonderfully supportive staff and brilliant, sparky children. There is nothing over the last six months that has changed my perception.

Everybody involved in my development as a teacher has been incredibly helpful: from detailed curriculum conversations within my department, to insightful feedback sessions with my induction tutor. I must give a special mention to my subject mentor, whose guidance, wisdom, generosity and experience I could not have done without.

The first year of teaching is really difficult – there’s no two ways around it – but working in a faculty and at a school that protects and champions me like MHS makes it considerably more manageable.

Headstart: ECT Provision

The importance we place on providing our trainees with effective training also feeds through to our ECT offer. We have a strong provision set up for our ECT1/2s, and are proud of this. ECTs need a supportive environment to flourish and we pair them up with strong Mentors who champion them every day as well as pairing them up with another member of staff (buddy) who can offer support. If you are an ECT and are interested in applying for a job at MHS, please see what you will receive at MHS below. We’re also passionate about ensuring staff wellbeing is catered for, you’ll find our Wellbeing document here with our school offer to all staff, also below.

Entitlement for All ECT’s at Marple Hall

  • 10% timetable reduction in their first year of induction
  • 5% off timetable in the second year of teaching
  • EMTSH provides external high quality training materials for all ECT’s in Year 1 and 2
  • UCL provides a detailed week by week curricula and training materials to engage with independently and with mentors in Year 1 and 2 of the ECF.
  • In Year 1 ECT’s meet ‘in house’ once a half term and in Year 2 once a term

MHS Headstart Suite

Contacts  

For any ITT enquiries, please contact

For any ECT enquiries, please contact

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