Monmouth Comprehensive School has a long tradition of initial teacher training. Staff across the areas of learning are committed to sharing their passion, professionalism and vision to nurture and develop the next generation of excellent teachers.

We care about trainee teachers’ understanding of pedagogy and the important theoretical ideas behind the art and science of teaching. We encourage the reading and critical analysis of educational philosophy and literature. Of course, we also value the practical application of theory and support student teachers in perfecting their craft in the classroom. Trainees are fully supported and follow established schemes of work, assessments and school policies. This ensures their authentic experience, and also the consistency and high standards our students need. Trainees are closely mentored and observed to support both them and our learners.

Working alongside student teachers is inspiring and important for established teachers – the relationship between mentor and trainee is mutually beneficial. Trainees pose questions, notice subconscious techniques and strategies and force the ‘expert’ to reflect, explain and justify their actions and decisions. Similarly, trainees arrive full of enthusiasm, creativity and energy which is always motivating and inspiring to be around. We do everything we can to nurture their creativity and independence.

Trainee teachers at MCS are valued, fully-fledged members of staff, afforded the full respect of staff and students alike. They are invited to participate in extra-curricular activities, trips, meetings, parents’ evenings and all other aspects of a busy secondary comprehensive school. Trainees are also encouraged to work pastorally as Form Tutors to highlight this important and highly rewarding aspect of the profession.

Whilst on placement at MCS, trainees can expect to receive a full range of support; a holistic, varied and authentic programme of professional seminars is delivered both in-house and via links to external mentors who are experts in their field, from ALN provision, to reporting, assessing and, of course, safeguarding. We pride ourselves on providing a well-rounded, well-organised and busy programme to support not only the professional development of trainee teachers, but also their ambition, dedication to lifelong learning and their own wellbeing and resilience.

MCS enjoys partnerships with a range of higher education institutions; for instance, we are a Lead Practice School with the Open University’s Initial Teacher Education Partnership. The OU in Wales PGCE programme is unique in offering aspiring teachers in Wales the opportunity to study via a part-time or a salaried route over two years, meaning they can fit study around their existing commitments such as working or parenting. This enables people to pursue a career in teaching which otherwise may not have been possible for them, and it helps to contribute to a diverse teaching workforce in Wales. Combining supported online academic study with essential practical experience within schools, the OU in Wales PGCE can be studied anywhere in Wales in either English or Welsh to become a qualified primary or secondary school teacher.

Further information about our linked ITE institutions can be sourced via:

The University of West England - https://courses.uwe.ac.uk/Q3X1/secondary-initial-teacher-education-english-with-qts

Cardiff Metropolitan University - https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/education/courses/Pages/Secondary-PGCE.aspx

The University of Gloucester - https://www.glos.ac.uk/courses/course/pgsard-pgce-secondary-education/

The Open University - https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/choose/wales/pgce

 

 

If you have any questions or queries regarding initial teacher training at MCS please contact:

rachel.gardiner@monmouth.schoolsedu.org.uk

anthony.lewis@monmouth.schoolsedu.org.uk

charlotte.seymour@monmouth.schoolsedu.org.uk