FOR today’s In the Classroom feature, it was a different experience for reporter Grace Walton. She took a drive down the road and paid a visit to a school that provides learning for pupils who are interested in getting into the teaching industry.

St Clement's Teaching School, in Henwick Road, Worcester, is a designated teaching school, which was formed in February 2015.

Sandra Jennings, head of the teaching school said: “The benefit of being part of the River School Direct Programme is that you’re thrown into the practical element of what it is like being a teacher from day one. It enables you to gain lots of valuable classroom experience working alongside excellent practitioners. We also provide training to equip trainee teachers of the future with good subject knowledge.

“The previous two years all of our trainees have left us as good or outstanding trainees and all have secured their first teaching post before the end of the course, many of whom still keep in contact with us because of the rapport and the relationship we build up with them. They all know we will always be there for them to come back to should they need us.”

St Clement's is the first primary school in Worcester to offer the School Direct programme and has been running for two years.

The course runs for one year where pupils are constantly in a school environment throughout to prepare them to teach and become PGCE qualified.

The school also offers a part-time option which runs for two years. This is aimed at people who cannot afford to study full time and also enables them to work and financially fund the programme.

There is a mixed age and bag of people on the course, with 20 trainees attending this year and already 26 signed up for the next academic year.

Mrs Jennings said: “The pupils are already seen as a member of staff right from the start.

“By the time the course finishes the trainees already have plenty of experience. Our sessions give them the tools to teach. It is about creating a pool of high-quality teachers into the county.”

The trainees partake in two contrasting placements throughout the year.

Lucy Gurney, aged 25, who has secured a spot to teach year 2 at St Clement’s, said: “It is a very supportive small group of people. We all get on so well. There is a high employment rate. Lots of us have jobs already.”

Simon Betteridge, aged 33 said: “From day one you are in a school teaching. We rely on each other and pass on ideas. The opportunity for employment is huge. The course provides different challenges and contrasting placements. There is a great deal of diversity in the classroom.”

Samantha Sussens, who wanted a career change, said: “I wanted to do something more fulfilling. I love this course and I like the fact there is good comradery. It’s a good mix of theory and practical work. There is plenty of personalised support.”

Would your school like to be featured on our In the Classroom page? Call 01905 742257 or email grace.walton@newsquest.co.uk

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