Cambridge Partnership SCITT share their insight on how they use NASBTT Learn to support their trainees.
Introduction
Richard Davies is the Director of Initial Teacher Training at Meridian Trust. Previously, he has held roles as Curriculum Director for History and Assistant Principal at Swavesey Village College.
We work across the Eastern region, with 150 trainees distributed across multiple hubs. Primary trainees are based in our hubs in Peterborough and Bedford, while secondary trainees benefit from our presence in Cambridge, Peterborough, King’s Lynn, and Higham Ferrers.
We see ourselves as run by schools, for schools. We therefore work closely with schools to recruit and train the teachers that meet their specific needs, ensuring that new teachers are not only well-prepared but also equipped to thrive in the communities they will serve.
Which parts of NASBTT Learn do you use?
We use the Introduction to Teaching modules, the new CCF modules and the wider course library for compliance and subject courses.
Why do you use NASBTT Learn?
We adopted NASBTT Learn to address the growing scale of the CCF/ITTECF, particularly the subject knowledge requirements for our primary trainees. The breadth of content that trainees need to master can be overwhelming, so we see it as a great way to enhance their learning experience and support them effectively.
NASBTT Learn stood out because it offers a detailed and portable resource that complements our training programs. Trainees can access it anytime, anywhere, which is invaluable for those managing busy schedules across multiple placements. The range of courses available make it a really comprehensive offer and this ensures that our trainees have a great resource to deepen their understanding and build confidence.
How does NASBTT fit with your training structure and curriculum?
We use NASBTT learn to reinforce core learning. It complements our in-person and hub sessions by preparing trainees with the key concepts ahead of the sessions and reinforcing their understanding afterwards. If our trainees need extra support or have missed content. This means we can put more energy and focus into our in person sessions, higher-level discussions and practical techniques, because we’ve freed up time to look at misconceptions and classroom techniques.
What specific areas of your curriculum does NASBTT Learn support?
NASBTT Learn supports every area of our programme, but it has been particularly valuable for ITAPs in key areas such as Behaviour, Questioning, and Modelling. These resources provide trainees with clear, practical guidance and classroom strategies to develop their skills, whilst also giving them background on the evidence base.
What benefits have you seen from using NASBTT Learn?
For trainees, it provides reassurance by reinforcing key messages from multiple sources, helping to solidify their understanding. It also serves as a great resource for bridging gaps when a trainee misses a session, allowing them to stay on track even if they can’t fully catch up until later in the year. Additionally, the platform’s ability to offer certificates and digital badges as proof of learning has been particularly valued by trainees, as these provide great evidence against the Teaching Standards, particularly Standard 8.
Is it tricky to get started?
The onboarding process is seamless. The platform is very user-friendly and easy to navigate, even for those who aren’t comfortable with technology, allowing both staff and trainees to get started without any issues.
In partnership with Anspear, NASBTT Learn offers a wide range of online CPD modules to support and enhance your training offer for trainees and ECTs through a digital library of training and development courses.
NASBTT Learn offers a range of subsription options to suit your training needs.