Month: September 2025

Last week our trainees enjoyed an inspiring session on classroom presence and motivating pupils as part of their Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) training. The session was led by Billy Herring, an experienced drama teacher and professional actor.

Drawing on his wealth of classroom and stage experience, Billy shared practical strategies for using voice, body language and presence to command attention and create a positive climate for learning. Trainees explored how performance techniques can support confident teaching and how small changes in delivery can have a big impact on pupil motivation.

The session was interactive and hands-on, giving everyone the chance to practise approaches in a supportive environment. One trainee reflected: “It really opened my eyes to how much presence matters – I feel more confident about projecting myself in the classroom.” Another added: “The activities helped me think about how to motivate pupils by making lessons more engaging and dynamic.”

This training is an important part of our programme’s commitment to developing not just subject knowledge and pedagogy, but also the professional presence and confidence that enable teachers to inspire and manage their classes effectively.

• Initial tutor training.
• Tutor workbooks aligned to the National Curriculum.
• Ongoing optional bitesize training to support your development as a tutor.
• In-session support from a programme coordinator.
• A free DBS check.
• A reference at the end of the 10-20 week programme.

This flexible volunteer role is perfect for you if you:

• Are passionate about making a difference and helping young people succeed, particularly those facing disadvantage.
• Are seeking experience working with children and/or in the classroom.

If this sounds like a volunteer role you’d be interested in, you can visit their website to find out more and sign up.

You can also contact hello@actiontutoring.org.uk with any questions about volunteering or the charity.

The start of the new academic year marked the beginning of an exciting journey for our new cohort of trainee teachers as they took part in CTTC’s Induction Week. The programme provided a warm welcome, valuable introductions and the first steps into their teacher training year.

The week began with an opportunity for the trainees to meet their cohort for the year. This was not only a chance to build connections with fellow colleagues, but also to begin establishing the supportive professional community that will accompany them throughout their training.

Across the week, trainees engaged in a range of carefully designed sessions. Highlights included a focus on trainee wellbeing, led by Jo Morton-Brown (pictured), exploring strategies for maintaining balance and resilience in what can be a challenging but rewarding year ahead. Another key session centred on cognitive load theory, offering practical insights into how understanding how pupils learn can support effective lesson planning and classroom practice. Trainees also had introductory sessions from the Chartered College of Teaching and a session on Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging.   

Feedback from the trainees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting how the induction helped them feel both prepared and motivated for the year ahead. The combination of professional learning and opportunities for networking created an energising and supportive start.

As we look forward to the coming term, it is clear that this year’s cohort have embraced their induction with enthusiasm and curiosity. We are confident they will continue to build on this strong foundation as they develop into reflective, resilient, and skilled teachers.