The weekly training meeting between trainee and mentor is central to the school-based training programme.
The purpose of the meeting is to:
- review recent progress in relation to the ITTCCF Areas of Professional Learning or Teachers' Standards for finalist trainees
- consider lesson evaluations and feedback
- provide guidance on relevant subject and pedagogical knowledge
- identify future training needs.
The weekly training meeting should follow a clear structure, which is supported by the record on Abyasa.
Guidance for weekly training meetings
Prepare
Trainees should prepare for meeting by considering evidence of progress in relation to previous targets. Trainees should also complete as much of the Weekly Training Meeting record on Abyasa as possible.
Mentors should prepare for the meeting by reviewing the trainee’s progress. Mentors should also plan for the training element of the meeting, in relation to wider provision and curriculum delivery.
Review and train
Mentors and trainees will meet to discuss progress and engage in coaching style reflection and feedback. The meeting should also include specific training for the trainee by the mentor based on the weekly foci and bespoke needs of the trainee.
Agree targets
The meeting concludes with agreeing targets for the trainee. Usually, these will be SMART short-term targets for the trainee to work on by the next meeting. Medium and longer term targets may also be agreed and reviewed on a regular basis. The weekly training meeting should be recorded on Abyasa.
Content of the weekly training meeting
Clear foci are set for the weekly meeting to lead the discussion. The weekly foci should be driven both by those set out in the training plan, the school's Professional Development Programme, and the specific needs of the trainee that have arisen from observation feedback or concerns.
Modelling the weekly training meeting
This is an example of what the weekly training meeting might look like. It is a shortened version to serve as an exemplar and it is expected that this meeting will last longer than the video.