Initial Teacher Training Opportunities
As a Teaching School we take a leading role in the training and professional development of teachers, support staff and headteachers, as well as contributing to the raising of standards in other schools through school-to-school support.
We became a National Teaching School in 2017 and are excited to be working with the Alban TSH and the National Institute of Teaching for our ITT provision.
The core purpose of a National Teaching school is to develop effective partnerships with other schools to foster self-sustaining school network of improvement and development, with a focus on successful outcomes for students.
As a Teaching School, we are working in an alliance with a growing number of strategic alliance partners from within and outside St Albans.
Train to teach with STAGS in partnership with the Alban TSH
STAGS is proud to work with Alban TSH to deliver outstanding initial teacher training (ITT). Alban TSH provides a unique school-based learning opportunity in partnership with us and other local schools. Our partnership’s vision is simple but powerful; to ensure the delivery of high quality ITT that meets the needs of the local area.
We endeavour to create an environment in which trainee teachers feel valued and supported. We have worked with trainee teachers for many years, and we fully recognise how much vibrancy, enthusiasm and drive they can offer our school community.
The partnership sees its staff as its most valuable resource and its schools have a proven track record in training and professional development. Our teachers are excellent practitioners and are eager to share their skills, knowledge and practice with the next generation of teachers.
- For specific information about training to teach at STAGS, please email Tessa Miles, Managing Mentor: MilesT@stags.aetrust.uk
- For more general enquiries about ITT@AlbanTSH please email: enquiries@albantsh.co.uk to request a call back.
- Hear from a former ITT@AlbanTSH Trainee below, who is now an ECT at STAGS.
MISS SEDGWICK
My name is Miss Sedgwick, and I am a Geography and PSHE teacher at STAGS. I was offered my current role after completing my training year with ITT@Alban TSH in the STAGS Geography department. I joined STAGS in September 2023 as a trainee and in September of this year, I started my ECT1 full-time role. Going from training to fully qualified in the same setting has been an incredibly rewarding experience as it has given me a unique opportunity to continue developing my ability and skills in a familiar environment. I am also a form tutor which has allowed me to build rapport with students in a way that contrasts to being a subject teacher. As both a trainee and now an ECT I have also had the chance to observe many wonderfully talented colleagues across a broad range of subjects which has enabled me to expand my understanding of teaching and the school curriculum.
I used to be a student at STAGS and always wanted to return to teach here so coming back so early in my career has been a fulfilling experience. Viewing the school from a new perspective as a teacher rather than a student is something I am really enjoying. My colleagues at STAGS are kind, caring, and always there to support one another. It is a great environment to teach in. Every day is different, especially now that I teach two subjects, the students are enthusiastic, passionate and hardworking which makes my role even more rewarding.
My average day consists of a morning briefing, this could be with all members of staff, my department or my fellow year group tutors. I then have form time where I run enrichment and pastoral activities before I go on to teach either Geography or PSHE. The jump from a trainee teaching timetable to an ECT timetable felt daunting at first but thanks to a strong department and supportive colleagues the transition has been smooth and invigorating. As an ECT1 I have a 10% reduction in my timetable, allowing me to explore a range of CPD opportunities, many of which are run within the school.
Every Friday lunchtime I also run Geo Gardeners with Miss Armer and Ms Keat, the KS3 Eco club. We do a range of fun, Geography related activities that help the students explore the subject in a creative way and it also gives students an opportunity to work outside in the STAGS Sustainability Garden which was opened last summer, something the students really love. Gaining positive relationships with students outside of the classroom is something I really enjoy and value as a member of the STAGS community.
STAGS is a fast-paced, exciting and professional working environment. It is a fantastic place to train and to teach and I feel honoured to be part of it.
Miss Hinman
My name is Miss Hinman and I teach Design, and Technology and Art to Key Stage 3, 4, and 5 students. Being an Early Career Teacher (ECT) at St Albans Girls' School has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have found the school community to be exceptionally supportive and welcoming. St Albans Girls' School is fantastic at fostering equality, diversity, and inclusivity, creating a positive environment for both staff and students.
The ECT teaching programme I am currently working within builds on the foundation set during my Initial Teacher Training, offering ongoing professional development and support. It has allowed me to deepen my understanding of key areas such as adaptive teaching, effective assessment, and classroom management. This continuous learning has enhanced my ability to deliver engaging and impactful lessons, ensuring that I meet the needs of all students in my classroom.
My department has been particularly supportive, encouraging me to bring my specialist experience to the subject and actively contribute to the schemes of learning. The students are engaged, enthusiastic, and eager to learn, making every day in the classroom a joy. I'm grateful to be part of such a nurturing environment where both staff and students are inspired to reach their full potential.