What Our Trainees Say About Us
Ben Roberts
Music Trainee
"The team at i2i were incredible with helping me make this life changing decision........the application and interview process with i2i was exemplary and the sense of support and community was my main reason for selecting them."
Before coming into teacher training, I was a professional musician in the British Army and spent six years with the Band of the Household Cavalry. I was very fortunate to travel the world performing and also perform at UK state ceremonial occasions, such as the Queen’s Birthday Parade and the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. As the saying goes, ‘all good things must come to an end’ and it was time for a career change!
The team at i2i were incredible with helping me make this life changing decision. From initially meeting them at a career’s fair, they organised school experience days and were always available to answer any questions. I also had friends who were current and past trainees, and they could never speak more highly about the course. After applying for several training providers, I can honestly say the application and interview process with i2i was exemplary and the sense of support and community was my main reason for selecting them.
Since starting the course I have not looked back on my decision to change career. I am currently based at Weydon and I have been in awe in the leadership and school experience they are able to offer pupils. Being a member of the team from day one in September has been one of the great advantages of choosing a SCITT course. I have been able to gradually develop my teaching skills with the guidance and support of a mentor, professional mentor and an amazing Creative Arts department. Alongside this the Professional and Subject studies training prepares for you all elements of teaching and you’re able to form great relationships with other trainees, who are always on hand for that message of support when needed.
My advice for anyone considering teaching and training with i2i is to get in touch and experience it yourself. It wasn’t until seeing the positive impact a teacher can have on pupil’s education and life, that I was ready to make my decision. There is nothing quite like the light bulb moment when a pupil has learned something new because of your teaching!
Following the programme, Ben has been employed at Weydon School and Farnham Heath End School as a Music Teacher and shares the following words:
After completing my QTS with the i2i partnership, I now feel prepared and ready to embark on life as a qualified teacher. The training I have received has been of the highest standard and I would not be the teacher I am today without the guidance and support from the i2i staff. The combination of professional studies sessions, subject studies sessions and high quality mentoring has been pivotal in delivering a well structured and effective course.
Update June 2022
Following my teacher training with the i2i Teaching Partnership SCITT, I have been able to continue teaching within the WMAT at both Weydon and Farnham Heath End School. Being able to continue working within the WMAT has been a great opportunity to build upon what I had learnt throughout my teacher training and has led to a highly rewarding first year as an Early Career Teacher (ECT). Throughout my first year as an ECT I have taught both Key Stage 3 and 4 students. A particular highlight has been being able to start teaching Year 9 in their first year of GCSE Music and I am looking forward to seeing how they develop on their musical journey over the next three years.
Life as a Music teacher isn't just in the classroom and in both schools extracurricular Music is well supported. This has included school concerts throughout the year and we are currently working towards school shows 'Matilda' and 'A Little Shop Of Horrors'. This was always one of the reasons for wanting to become a teacher and this year has shown how rewarding the job can be, the students are fantastic!
My first year as an ECT would not have been as successful if it wasn't for i2i and the team who trained me. The training was thorough, detailed and prepared me well for what I hope will be a successful teaching career. I still pop in and say hello and will always call on them for advice or support when needed!
Thank you i2i!
