Food Teacher Professional Portfolio Case Study
Focus: Face to face training - Initial Teacher Training
Rationale
An increasing number of graduates are following Schools Direct Initial Teacher Training routes and the standard of the subject specific training is wholly dependent on the food teachers within the school. Some trainee teachers are supported and mentored by non-specialist food teachers. NQTs often find themselves the only food teacher in a school and need support writing schemes of work and developing resources which are age appropriate and suitable for 1 hour lessons. Trainee teachers also need support organising and managing safe, hygienic practical lessons.
In addition, those trainee teachers following a university route to Qualified Teacher Status are provided with variable practical training. At best, some receive 25 hours during the year, while others may receive 2-3 sessions (6-10 hours) at a local secondary school.
Theory, nutrition and practical skills one day workshop – UEL London
A one day knowledge, theory and practical workshop for trainee food teachers was held at the University of East London in February 2016. 18 trainee teachers took part in the event and sessions included: curriculum and GCSE update (presented by Louise Davies, Food Teachers Centre); managing practical lessons; nutrition update (focusing on the SACN report on carbohydrates) and sources of further information and resources. There was also a practical skills workshop focusing on basic practical skills along with practical lesson and time management. The trainee teachers experienced a practical lesson in the same way a student would, working under time pressure and making sure that verbal instructions were listened to and followed, and recipes read thoroughly!
Benefits to ITT training provider
Kate Hufton, Head of Design Technology Initial Teacher Training at UEL, said “Thank you so much for the workshop and all the preparation leading up to it; I thought it went really well and consolidated and taught lots of new things, so there was something for everyone!“.
Kate also commented that “The trainees all reflected positively about the day and its content in their weekly training plans and obviously this gave them evidence to support TS3 in particular (subject and curriculum knowledge) but also TS4 (planning) and TS2 and TS5 (pupil progress and meeting individual needs)”.
Benefits to ITT trainee
“Lots of detail covered. Of particular benefit to me were the nutrition session and the information about the new GCSE. The food practical gave me an idea of how the pupils feel – particularly with regards to timings! The workshop came at a really helpful point in my training – I was able to relate to experiences I had in school and gained more from being given tips, hints and teaching points.”
Impact on ITT trainee’s professional and personal development
“After thesession I felt much more like a 'food teacher'… belonging to a community. Areas that I was confident about were affirmed and areas that I was not confident in were developed, all with an overarching sense of belonging. I now know that I can use the Food Teachers Centre for support and my understanding of the fantastic work of the BNF was enhanced. I felt much more confident in knowing about the new GCSE.”
Impact on ITT trainee’s teaching and learning
“I was so nervous about my knowledge and understanding, but came away feeling that I could now approach my teaching of Food with a confidence I had never felt before.”