The Bemrose School has worked very successfully, over a long period of time, with students from both The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.
Students come to us to undertake both their first and second school placements and work alongside a mentor who has been specifically chosen to undertake this role. The mentor will be a very experienced colleague working in an area of the curriculum associated with the subject that the student is teaching and will have strength in their own teaching and learning. Mentors and mentees alike enjoy the experience of working closely with another colleague and reflect regularly on what has been happening in the classroom during the course of the working week.
Whilst the basics of lesson planning and evaluation together with assessment are undertaken alongside the mentor, all PCGEs attend a specifically designed but more generic program of events to further support their practice. This is a valuable opportunity to work with colleagues from other curriculum areas and to share the highs and lows of the working week. Activities vary according to need but have included tours of the catchment area, applying for jobs and improving the judgement for example.
At the end of their time with us, almost all students are reluctant to leave. Most find the warm family atmosphere really welcoming and appreciate the huge support that has been available to them. Several students have returned to us as newly qualified teachers (NQTs) at the end of their University course and enjoyed successful careers with us thereafter. Here are a couple of quotes from some of our most recent students.
