ECT Journeys - Meridian Trust

Evie Watts is an ECT in her second year at Great Ouse Primary Academy (GOPA) in Bedfordshire. We caught up with her to find out about her journey so far.

Evie, what inspired you to become an ECT?

I started my PGCE in 2021 after deciding to become a teacher. As part of my degree, I had to complete 2 weeks of work experience and I chose to work with my Auntie at her primary school. After seeing how rewarding and inspiring teaching can be, I wanted to do it too!

What does an ECT do (what does a typical day look like)?

When I come to work in the morning, I set my classroom up for the day and make sure that my resources are ready. I like to put the books that the children need for their morning challenge on their tables, so they are ready to go when they come in. Throughout the day, I teach the lessons in my timetable. Sometimes I am on break duties, or I run the homework club.

What’s been the most rewarding experience so far?

Building relationships with my pupils and their families has been the best part of my career so far. Seeing the progress they make and knowing I've played a part in it is incredibly fulfilling.

Can you share a successful teaching strategy you've found effective?

I've found that making lessons practical and engaging is really effective. Using concrete resources in Maths to make the lesson hands on, matching activities, outdoor activities, anything that gets the children hooked into the lesson. I find that it’s easier to teach a lesson when the children are excited about what they’re learning.

What kind of support and mentoring have you received?

The support from the KS2 team at GOPA has been fantastic. We have a catch-up every morning where we can chat, share ideas, and ask for advice about anything. It's a great environment for learning and growing as a teacher.

How has this support impacted your development as a teacher?

Talking to different colleagues has given me so many ideas to try out in my own classroom. It's helped me develop my own teaching style and become more confident in what I do.

What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming an ECT?

I'd say spend some time in a school to get a feel for it and see which age group you enjoy working with. And be prepared to work hard, but the satisfaction of seeing your pupils succeed makes it all worth it in the end!

In this feature, we spoke to Lily McKenzie-Rock, an ECT 1 at Great Ouse Primary Academy (GOPA) in Bedford. Lily's career journey began with a volunteering role at a local primary school, which sparked her passion for teaching and set her on a path to becoming an ECT.

Lily talked to us about her motivation, her day-to-day role, and the support she receives.

Lily, please describe your career journey to this point and what inspired you to become an ECT.

After volunteering at a local primary school following my A-levels, I was drawn in by the atmosphere and the opportunity to be part of children's learning journeys. This inspired me to pursue a career in teaching. I studied Primary Education with QTS at St Mary's University in Twickenham. When I saw a teaching position at GOPA, which is part of the same Trust as my former schools, Lincroft Academy and Sharnbrook Academy, I jumped at the chance to join the Meridian Trust family!

What does an ECT do (what does a typical day look like)?

My day starts early, at around 7:15am with a hot drink and catching up with colleagues during our morning preparations. I distribute maths books for the first lesson before the children arrive at 8:40am. During break and lunchtime, I prepare the resources for upcoming lessons and catch up with colleagues. Afternoon lessons start at 1:30pm and continue until 3:15pm, followed by the occasional meeting with parents. I sometimes run the after-school homework club until 4pm. My day finishes with some marking and prep for the next day's lessons.

What’s been the most rewarding experience so far?

Seeing the progress of the children each day is incredibly fulfilling. It's amazing to see them achieve the goals they set for themselves at the beginning of the year.

Can you share a successful teaching strategy you've found effective?

Live marking and feedback have been game-changers for me. It can be challenging to provide immediate support while marking, but it's a time-saving approach that allows children to instantly correct their mistakes and learn from them.

What kind of support and mentoring have you received from GOPA and Meridian Trust?

I've benefited from several ECT support days and have regular formal catch ups with my mentor every fortnight. The supportive environment at GOPA has been instrumental in my development as a teacher.

How has this support impacted your development as a teacher?

Being part of a team of supportive colleagues at GOPA has been invaluable. Whether it's answering questions, providing advice, or lending a hand - I always feel confident knowing that support is available when I need it.

What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming an ECT?

I would strongly recommend volunteering in different primary settings to discover the age group, form entry, and teaching styles that resonate most with you. This experience will help you find your passion for teaching and guide you on your journey to becoming an ECT.

Antonia De Pinto embarked on a new chapter this past September by joining Bluecoat Primary School in Stamford as an ECT. Previously, she was teaching at a nearby school outside of Meridian Trust. Currently, Antonia has two roles at Bluecoat: a Year 1 Teacher and the school’s PE Lead.

We caught up with Antonia to learn more about her journey so far, her passion for teaching and the support she's received along the way from the Meridian Trust community.

Antonia, please describe your career journey to this point and what inspired you to become an ECT.

I’ve had a lifelong passion for sport, so I started out with a sports and exercise diploma. This led me to the University of Leeds, where I studied 'Primary Education with QTS (aged 5-11)’. Graduating with a first-class degree and QTS, I combined my love for sports and education, aiming to be a sports lead in primary schools, which I achieved! I began my ECT career in Lincolnshire and later moved to Bluecoat Primary School in Stamford, where I've been teaching happily since. My inspiration stemmed from childhood, during which I attended an excellent primary school and always aspired to make a positive impact on my fellow pupils.

What does an ECT do (what does a typical day look like)?

I currently teach Year 1, which is a role that I absolutely love. We have so much fun, exploring creative writing, practical maths, and imaginative activities every day. I’m lucky to have regular opportunities to take my class outdoors for engaging lessons. Outside the classroom, I'm the PE Lead at Bluecoat Primary School, so I organise events, competitions, and clubs. Promoting a healthy lifestyle through active participation is something that’s important to me.

What’s been the most rewarding experience so far?

Seeing my class grow and flourish has been incredible. It’s a joy to see the children become more confident academically and socially. A really special moment was leading a recent school fundraiser for new sports equipment. We welcomed Paralympian skier, Sean Rose, who came to run an energetic circuits session for us and we raised £1,900! The support we received from the school community made it truly special and it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my career.

Tell us about a teaching strategy that you've found effective…

I would say that building strong relationships with my pupils has been crucial in making me an effective teacher. By getting to know them personally, I've established trust, which has made it easier to manage behaviours and to set expectations.

What kind of support and mentoring have you received from Bluecoat Primary School and Meridian Trust?

Bluecoat Primary School has been incredibly supportive since I joined. I've always felt valued and respected, especially as an ECT. The school has provided training opportunities at other trust schools, allowing me to connect with and learn from fellow educators.

This consistent support has boosted my confidence, empowering me to take on leadership roles - even as an ECT. I’ve grown professionally, managing various responsibilities like house activities, weekly “wake and shakes” (our outdoor dance activity), various clubs, and leading external events, such as the ‘Sports for Schools’ fundraiser.

What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming an ECT?

To anyone considering this path, I would say - the key to making it work is prioritising what's important, persevering through the challenges and managing your time effectively. There’s no doubt that teaching is hard work, but the reward of seeing your pupils succeed is amazing!