St Mary's is proud to train teachers from all over the globe, which allows us to work with trainees from a broad range of countries. Some of our trainees move from abroad to train with us and their placement can be their first school experience in England. Therefore, we have worked closely with our international trainees to develop supportive content for all involved in their placement.
What our trainees say about school experience
"My mentor is amazing! She really helps me to understand how the school works, she checks on me and answers all the questions I have. She has so much knowledge and patience!”
What international trainees bring to the classroom
Trainees feel that their strengths in school can include:
- bringing a broad and diverse view of education into their classroom practice
- building relationships and connecting with a range of children
- being resilient
- being open-minded to new pedagogical approaches
- bringing high levels of flexibility and planning skills to their practice
- paying attention to details in understanding the curriculum and exam systems
- bringing expertise as native language speakers, and in many cases being multilingual
- offering different cultural perspectives and expertise in their subjects.
Potential challenges on school experience
Trainees considered that barriers on school experience might include:
- understanding how to build relationships “the English way”
- understanding and managing behaviour and expectations in English schools
- adjusting to new policies and protocols, particularly with safeguarding and health and safety
- becoming familiar with a new curriculum and different exam specifications
- planning lessons with specific expectations and criteria in mind
- adjusting to the expected norms of school life.
Sharing experience with school colleagues
Trainees may wish to talk to their school colleagues about their experience prior to commencing their training. In order to best support the transition into the English school system, trainees might with to discuss with their mentor any prior experience, including what they bring to their placement and any areas they would like to develop a greater understanding of.
Strategies for mentors supporting trainees
Mentors play a significant role in supporting our trainees in school. In particular, when they:
- speak to the trainee about what would be helpful for them while on placement
- offer more regular check-ins, if this would help the trainee
- feel confident in offering reminders to support the trainee
- model expert practice through trainee observations of lessons, clubs, and duties
- talk trainees through the policies and protocols (behaviour, safeguarding, code of conduct, and health and safety)
- build trusting relationships with trainees
- direct trainees to expert colleagues who can support them with specific questions to develop understanding of the different roles in English schools
- talk through curriculum specifics; its design and sequence and assessment requirements.
Other resources for trainees, link tutors, and mentors