Why Train With Us?
We believe that we are providing a unique opportunity to work within some amazing departments within our fantastic Dacorum schools.
As an Alliance we are operating a “Centre of Excellence” model where, in order to ensure that our trainees receive the best mentoring and support, we will only place trainees in departments and schools that have consistently demonstrated excellence in their practice. This will mean that trainees will be mentored by experienced staff and will benefit from being surrounded and supported by outstanding teachers.
We are supported and guided by the University of Hertfordshire who ensure that all trainees receive the level of support appropriate to their level of experience, ability and confidence.
Other reasons to train with the DSA
- An opportunity to work with some amazing students in some fantastic schools
- (It is a national requirement that each trainee does a minimum of two placements in contrasting schools during their Initial Teacher Education)
- The course covers professional learning and subject knowledge, preparing you to meet the needs of individual learners by developing awareness of areas such as behaviour management assessment, learning and diversity
- An opportunity to work locally within Dacorum
- The expectation (but no guarantee) of employment within a DSA school
- Qualification awarded by The University of Hertfordshire
- Training and support provided by the UH
- Learning from outstanding mentors and departments
- Ongoing CPD opportunities (both within the school and across) the DSA
Testimony from Rachael Fullelove
Rachael Fullelove
Age - 31
School - Tring School
Year of training - 2020/2021
Why did you choose to pursue teaching as a career?
It was always something that had been in my head as a career that I knew I would love but I decided to try my hand in the commercial world first. In time I realised that I really wanted to try teaching as I had thought I would end up doing at the start of my initial career and I have not regretted it yet!
What made you decide to apply with the Dacorum Schools Alliance and the School Direct route?
I’ve always found that I learn best from taking part in what I need to learn so Schools Direct was the natural choice for me. After seeing what schools were available for teacher training in my area I visited Tring School and loved the atmosphere. David was a large part of the reason I chose Tring as he really gave me the feeling I would be getting a fantastic opportunity to train at Tring.
How have you found the support provided by the school and the University?
The support at school has been excellent from all fronts. My mentor has been absolutely fantastic, providing support and advice constantly and never stopping pushing me to reflect on my practice. The department I am training with is full of friendly, knowledgeable teachers, all of whom have provided advice and support when needed.
Would you recommend this route for others? What should potential applicants be aware of?
I would really recommend the school's direct route to other students as it has been really invaluable to be teaching from the word go. I have got to know my students really well owing to the amount of time spent with them and the investment that I have in the work we have created throughout the year.
Potential applicants should be aware that the training is intense and a lot of work, but it is incredibly rewarding, the students will make you laugh every day and you will never be bored!
Could you give new trainees 3 top tips for success!
- Keep your teaching files up to date! You don’t want to get to the end and have to sort everything out in a rush.
- You’ll have amazing days but also days where you feel your teaching has gone horribly. Reflect on them and figure out what you could have done better but don’t dwell on them. Try to focus on the bits that did go well and remember tomorrow is a new day!
- Try to learn the students' names as quickly as you can. Behaviour management is a lot easier when you can direct your comments, plus the students really respond well when they feel you recognise them as an individual!
Testimony from Alex Rogers
Alex Rogers
Age - 25
School - Tring School
Year of training - 2020/21
Why did you choose to pursue teaching as a career?
I have always wanted to become a teacher and finally felt ready for a change in career, so I started to visit local schools before applying to be sure that it was what I wanted to do.
What made you decide to apply with the Dacorum Schools Alliance and the School Direct route?
After lots of research, I decided School direct was the right route for me, I wanted to learn in a school environment rather than in a lecture hall. I chose the Dacorum Schools Alliance because I live locally and all of the schools in the DSA have good reputations. I also found their guidance incredibly helpful when making decisions and during the application process.
How have you found the support provided by the school and the University?
The support has been incredible. The School Direct route gives you further support as you receive guidance from both the University and your training school, spending 4 days a week in school and 1 day a week at University.
Would you recommend this route for others? What should potential applicants be aware of?
I would definitely recommend this route to other applicants, I think you become a teacher very quickly in comparison to a University lead route. It can be daunting to teach a lesson in your interview but don't let this put you off.
Could you give new trainees 3 top tips for success!
- Before and during the application process I think it is really important to visit schools and spend some time observing the teachers. This will help you with the interview and give you the chance to decide what kind of school you would like to work at.
- Be organised! Organisation is key during the application process and more importantly when you are working in a school. There is a lot of information at the beginning of the teaching journey but it does get easier.
- Make sure you have a good work/life balance. It is easy to let school take over but it's important to make sure you have a good balance.