Why isn’t teaching represented at careers fairs?
It was this observation that led to the launch earlier this year of the Plant The Seed paid internship scheme aimed at Catholic school alumni across the Archdiocese of Westminster.
In June university students at the end of their second year will undertake a three-week internship in schools within the Archdiocese. They will receive £300 per week to cover expenses, along with a programme of lesson observation, paired teaching opportunities, mentoring, meeting with early career teachers, and training in safeguarding and lesson planning.
The students then have the option of registering with an Initial Teacher Training provider such as All Saints Catholic Academy Trust; Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust; or Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust, supported by Twickenham-based St Mary’s (pictured), one of four Catholic universities in England.
A bursary is also available for those choosing to train as a Religious Education (RE) teacher in secondary schools, in a bid to tackle a national shortage in the subject.
The Plant The Seed initiative is being led by Catherine McMahon, Deputy Director of diocesan education service. She said: “I noticed that you have all these professions represented at careers fairs — but not teaching.
“The leaders of tomorrow’s schools are in our schools today, so we’re now putting students on the path to Catholic universities and multi-academy trusts offering teacher training.”
The internship is funded by the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal, and is the first stage in a multi-year programme of continuing professional development and leadership development for teachers, including flexible working options to retain existing staff and support those returning to the profession.
Five students have signed up to the scheme so far, with more expected to join as the academic year progresses. Last summer seven students took part, who are now considering careers in teaching as they approach the end of their third year at university.
The Formatio partnership supports the CES and diocesan schools commissions to work with the four Catholic universities and Catholic multi-academy trusts in implementing strategies for school leadership and governance, as commissioned by the Bishops in 2017.