While teacher training can be incredibly competitive, there are ways that you’re able to make your application stand out from the rest and prepare yourself for what will be one of the most challenging, most rewarding years of your career!
To get you ready for teacher training and give your application a boost, we’ve got five great tips to get you into our next cohort.
1. Get Experience
They say that experience is the teacher of all things, and we couldn’t agree more! While having experience isn’t mandatory to apply to Ark Teacher Training, it can help make your application stand out from the rest.
For hands-on experience in our schools, you can explore the exciting opportunities we currently have available here. There’s also a range of online taster sessions and open days for you to join. Whether you take part in an online taster day or visit one of our schools in person, all experience is valuable as you prepare for teacher training. You can find online teacher training events here and school experience here.
Has lockdown sapped your motivation? Don’t fret! Re-energise your passion for teaching and get inspired by watching real lessons from incredible teachers across the country. With a range of lessons for all key stages and subjects, check out these engaging videos for the ultimate lesson inspiration!
2. Broaden Your Knowledge
Keep your brain ticking over with news and updates on the education sector while you wait for applications to reopen. Knowledge is power, after all! Learn more about the education sector on a broader scale and stay up to date with news articles from the Department of Education.
Community helps form the foundations for success. As you begin your teacher training journey, it’s helpful to join a community of fellow teachers to share resources, improve your skills, be in-the-know with the latest education updates and get support to become the best teacher you can be. Join up alongside a community of 13 million educators with Tes.
3. Explore Your Subject Options
You might be surprised to discover that you have more subject options than you first thought! Depending on your qualifications, there may be more than one subject to choose from. For example, a degree in Engineering could mean that you’re eligible to apply for Physics, Maths, Computer Science AND Primary!
Some subjects are more competitive than others, so by expanding your subject options, you’re giving yourself the best chance to be a part of next year’s cohort. Primary is always incredibly competitive, but we’re always on the lookout for great STEM teachers, so keep an open mind about your subject options. Flexibility is not only a seminal trait for all future teachers but also will improve your chances of gaining a place in our programme!
And remember, you don’t need to have studied a subject at university to teach it! You can apply to teach a subject that you’ve got an A-Level in or have substantial experience with.
If your A-Levels feel like a long time ago, it’s a great practice to read up on the curriculum and sit past papers to refresh your subject knowledge. Have a look at BBC Bitesize.
4. Learn About Ark Teacher Training
We’ll be learning all about you from your application, but have you learnt something about Ark that could aid you in the application process? Take a look around our site and research into Ark schools to understand what it is you’re really looking for. We’d advise starting with our ‘What We Look For’ section.
To get a real taste of what teaching with Ark is like, try visiting some of our schools in person (when restrictions allow). Be sure to reach out to local schools directly, as we sadly cannot arrange visits for individual candidates.
Following us across our social media channels is a simple way to stay up to date while you scroll! You can like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for everything from news, special events and testimonials from fellow trainees.
Want to expand your Ark Teacher Training knowledge even further? Join our Trainee Talks webinars to hear from our current trainees and take part in interactive Q&A sessions. Make sure to register your interest in Ark Teacher Training to hear about our upcoming webinars.
5. Ace Your Application
In preparation for your application, make sure you have your GCSE Maths/English language (and Science if you’re applying for Primary) and degree certificates handy. These documents help us to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Department of Education.
While grades and qualifications are necessary, they’re not all there is to an Ark Teacher Training application! We look for a variety of outstanding qualities and characteristics that make a great teacher trainee. From a passion for your subject to excellent communication skills, brush up on what we look for in a trainee here.
After all the work you’ve done to gain knowledge and experience this summer, make sure to update your CV! Every experience is useful and helps us to build a better picture of you as a potential future trainee.
Now that you’re ready to prepare for teacher training and soar through the stages of our application process, it’s time to register your interest or apply. You’ll even receive an eligibility form straight to your inbox to fill out whenever you’re ready!