As part of our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme, Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) weeks are designed to equip trainee teachers with the skills they need to succeed in the classroom. These immersive, focused weeks bring together evidence-based theory, expert observations, and hands-on practice and provide Teach West London trainees with invaluable experience for developing effective teaching practices. Our primary trainees recently experienced their second ITaP week - here's how it went!
How is the ITaP week structured?
ITaP Monday: expert-led sessions
Our Primary ITT Phase Lead Liza Hooper kick-started the week at our training centre, Ada Lovelace High School, with a deep dive into explanation and modelling techniques. The sessions on effective classroom practice emphasised the importance of clearly communicating concepts and demonstrating problem-solving approaches. Trainees explored how to use techniques like “thinking aloud” and how to scaffold explanations to cater to diverse learner needs.
ITaP Tuesday & Wednesday: observing expert practice
Our trainees had the opportunity to observe expert teachers in action at several host schools across the boroughs of Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow. Guided by mentors, trainees broke down the elements of effective teaching they observed, exploring how to adapt and apply these techniques in their practice. Trainee Raul who completed his ITaP week at Hillingdon Primary School said, "The teachers demonstrated very good examples of teaching in the classroom, using effective techniques whilst modelling and explaining the concepts very well. I managed to see every year group in the school and get a good understanding of how the structure of the school works and how key techniques such as modelling works in various ways."
ITaP Thursday & Friday: practical application and expert feedback
The opportunity to teach using newly learned strategies was transformative for many trainees, as they received real-time feedback to refine their skills. Constructive and supportive feedback provided invaluable insights that trainees used in the latter part of the week and beyond. Trainee Collete based at St John Fisher Primary School, Pinner said, "I received some great feedback and was able to implement that on my Friday observations - e.g., phonics routine and thinking aloud process of writing the sentence... I was observed by one of the other assistant principles and she said that I have made lots of progress which has boosted my confidence. I was given some feedback which I will surely implement in future lessons."
Host schools: the backbone of ITaP
The host schools played a pivotal role in making the ITaP week a success. Trainees spoke highly of the dedication of staff to providing tailored, high-quality learning experiences. Trainee Claire who was hosted by Three Bridges Primary School in Ealing said, "The school was so supportive and generous with their time. They gave us access to all areas of the school and encouraged us to move around and see all the different key stages. They shared the school's ethos and advised us as student teachers. The teaching quality I witnessed was fantastic and the Deputy Head then spent a lot of time talking about the approach and explaining what we had seen. Three Bridges shared the school curriculum and wider information with us, I could not fault the provision provided."
A week of growth and transformation
ITaP weeks exemplifies the power of intensive, focused teacher training. By combining expert-led learning, structured observation, and hands-on application, ITaP provides trainees with the tools they need to become confident, effective educators.
Liza Hooper reflects on the week, “Well done to all our trainees for fully embracing their second ITaP experience! I’m pleased that our host schools were able to provide such welcoming environments. The skills and confidence our trainees have gained will no doubt give them the best foundations for an impactful and successful teaching career.”
Are you ready to make a lasting impact in the classroom? Visit our 'Why train with Teach West London?' webpage here to find out more.