Testimonials
Greg Williams - SCITT Trainee, 1999-2000
I began the Titan course in September 1999, having just completed a BA honours degree in English.
The main reason for choosing the Titan program was the fact that it was very hands on, with emphasis being on actual practice as opposed to theory, which is often the case with other providers. Secondly, I was passionate about teaching within an inner-city school environment -- something which Titan specialises in.
Titan's provision was outstanding; the balance between theoretical work and practical experience, in particular, was ideal. This model meant that I could demonstrate skill in the classroom from the very beginning, which was underpinned by a growing knowledge of the school curriculum, of pedagogy and of people management.
Staff, both directly employed by Titan and indirectly (SBTs and PTs), were highly professional and extremely helpful in supporting me throughout the very busy year. There is a family feel to the organisation, where I felt comfortable.
Once I had completed the course I was, as is often the case, employed by one of the host schools -- Aston Manor School. Because staff had seen my teaching for several months, it was easier for them to judge if I was suitable for a post. And, during my NQT year, Titan were still on hand for advice.
Since then, my career has gone from strength to strength, all on the back of that solid foundation which Titan provided. Within a year, I had become a pastoral manager. The following year I also took up a key stage coordinators role in the English Department. Having gone through the Titan program myself, I wanted to be involved in the training of other student teachers, so I applied and successfully became a school-based trainer.
Later still, I became deputy subject to leader for the English Department, and then took control of the Department in 2004. I have now been in post for just over five years and I have also become Aston Manor School’s Professional Tutor, overseeing all Titan trainees.
Apart from working extremely hard, I believe that the grounding and professionalism that Titan gave me early in my career has meant that I have made exceptional progress. I very much enjoy being involved with Titan and will continue to support their training during my time in Birmingham.
The main reason for choosing the Titan program was the fact that it was very hands on, with emphasis being on actual practice as opposed to theory, which is often the case with other providers. Secondly, I was passionate about teaching within an inner-city school environment -- something which Titan specialises in.
Titan's provision was outstanding; the balance between theoretical work and practical experience, in particular, was ideal. This model meant that I could demonstrate skill in the classroom from the very beginning, which was underpinned by a growing knowledge of the school curriculum, of pedagogy and of people management.
Staff, both directly employed by Titan and indirectly (SBTs and PTs), were highly professional and extremely helpful in supporting me throughout the very busy year. There is a family feel to the organisation, where I felt comfortable.
Once I had completed the course I was, as is often the case, employed by one of the host schools -- Aston Manor School. Because staff had seen my teaching for several months, it was easier for them to judge if I was suitable for a post. And, during my NQT year, Titan were still on hand for advice.
Since then, my career has gone from strength to strength, all on the back of that solid foundation which Titan provided. Within a year, I had become a pastoral manager. The following year I also took up a key stage coordinators role in the English Department. Having gone through the Titan program myself, I wanted to be involved in the training of other student teachers, so I applied and successfully became a school-based trainer.
Later still, I became deputy subject to leader for the English Department, and then took control of the Department in 2004. I have now been in post for just over five years and I have also become Aston Manor School’s Professional Tutor, overseeing all Titan trainees.
Apart from working extremely hard, I believe that the grounding and professionalism that Titan gave me early in my career has meant that I have made exceptional progress. I very much enjoy being involved with Titan and will continue to support their training during my time in Birmingham.
