Tomorrow's teachers
We meet the new recruits to Claremont High School’s teacher-training course
‘I’m looking forward to practising and improving my skills to become a great teacher, reflecting the best of those who have taught me in the past,’ says Ms Murray when asked about her aspirations at the beginning of a new teacher-training course here at Claremont High School.
The Chrysalis SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) launched on 1st September 2025 with seven trainees: five at secondary school level - in Maths, English, Biology and Chemistry - and two at primary. The one-year programme combines practical, hands-on experience with expert-led training in teaching, leading to trainees gaining Qualified Teacher Status and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education.
‘I feel apprehensive but excited about getting accustomed to the classroom setting,’ admits Ms Murray, training in English, ‘plus familiarising myself with the school curriculum.’ Her fellow trainee, Mr Samii, training in Chemistry, shares her sentiments: ‘I don't feel apprehensive about the subject itself, but the course. Becoming a teacher is a big change from what I did professionally. I hope to become an outstanding teacher and help pupils understand the value of science.’
Ms Bhanderi is training as a primary school teacher and knows there will be both challenges and rewards ahead: ‘I'm excited to step into the world of primary teaching, working with a different age group. I know it'll be a big change to secondary school, adapting to a new school environment. However, I'm looking forward to learning about the different teaching styles for younger years and I'm glad this chance has come up now. It’s an exciting opportunity!’
Trainees commenced their Intensive Training and Practice phase from 2nd to 15th September. This included seminars on classroom teaching and learning, child development and professional well-being, alongside structured school observations and reflective practice. Central to the Claremont SCITT approach is a focus on deliberate practice and instructional coaching, which trainees will receive on a weekly basis.
Despite the workload, the participants’ enthusiasm for their subjects remains undimmed.
‘I love how Biology explains the inner-workings of life, leaving almost no stone unturned,’ says Science trainee, Ms Hussain. ‘Our research is unlimited and makes Biology an exciting subject to learn.’
‘I love Maths because it teaches that every problem has a solution, and with patience and practice you can find it,’ explains Maths trainee, Mr Makanji.
Fellow Maths trainee, Mr Luu adds: ‘I love the problem solving of numbers, patterns, shapes and logic that seemingly have nothing to do with the real world, but these problem-solving skills can be applied very effectively to it.’
‘I love that English allows different answers to the same question,’ Ms Murray says. ‘Ideas have room to be explored in detail and different conclusions can be reached.’
‘What I like about my subject,’ says Mr Samii, ‘is how important Chemistry is to life and how it has links with numerous other subjects and businesses.’
‘Launching our SCITT has been a milestone moment for our Chrysalis trust,’ explains Mr Lipman, SCITT Course Lead. ‘Our trainees are already thriving, working closely with our dedicated mentors and staff across the partnership. These first weeks have set the tone for a year of high-quality training, collaboration and the development of teachers who truly reflect the values of our schools.’
One thing above all else unites the trainees – their enthusiasm for what the future holds. ‘I’m most looking forward to teaching in the classroom,’ says Ms Hussain, ‘building positive relationships with the students and getting to know the whole Claremont team.’ Mr Luu is equally excited: ‘What I’m looking forward to is teaching and inspiring the next generation of young minds!’
The future looks bright thanks to Claremont’s newest recruits.