Coombeshead Academy Aspire Spring 2017

WORKING IN THE
COMMUNITY
SUPPORTING
INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING
Coombeshead Academy is extremely committed to initial teacher training. We have
excellent and long established relationships with Exeter University, Plymouth University,
Marjons and Devon Secondary Teacher Training Group (based at our College House
site). We play an active role in the recruitment of trainee teachers and our staff are
regularly asked to take part in the selection process.
This term we have welcomed eight students in English, Mathematics, Modern Foreign
Languages, Drama and PE, who have worked alongside our staff to develop the skills
and experiences necessary to become successful, independent teachers.
Each student teacher is assigned a subject specialist mentor. He/she works in conjunction with the training provider to ensure
that the trainee has a positive impact on our students and their progress, as well as learning about the complexities of
developing high standards of teaching within their subject specialism.
We have found that the benefits, for our staff and students, of working with trainees is very positive. New entrants to the
teaching profession bring with them fresh ideas, new subject expertise and the opportunity to work with staff from local
universities.
We receive very positive feedback from the trainees about their experiences at Coombeshead. One of our students fed
back at the end of their placement this term:
"Coombeshead is such a fantastic school. I have been made to feel so welcome and have learnt so much from my subject
mentor and other specialist staff. The students are just brilliant. I am really looking forward to putting into practice what I have
learnt here in my second placement."
If you know anyone who is interested in initial teacher training and would like more information about routes into teaching,
then please get in touch so I can assist with selecting the most appropriate course for you.
Suzannah Wharf
Deputy Headteacher, Teaching
AN AMAZING TIME
On Monday 7th November nearly 60 girls from primary
schools across the Schools Sports Partnership attended
the Year 3 - 6 girls only football event on Coombeshead
Academy’s all weather pitch.
Young Leaders from Coombeshead helped take the girls
through their paces in a range of skill drills for the first half of
the two hour session.
In the second half the girls were split into teams for friendly
Year 3/4 and 5/6 tournaments, where they were coached
and introduced to some simple tactics.
Despite the cold all the girls had an amazing time. The
parents and staff who stayed to watch saw them grow in
confidence and develop their skills across the course of the
evening.
Thank you to all those who attended on the night and of
course to the Young Leaders who gave up their time to help.
28 Aspire Magazine | January 2017