The staff at Reddish Vale School would like to welcome you and trust that your school placement will be an enjoyable and successful experience. The school has been in partnership with the MMU since the beginning of school based training 4 years ago and we enjoy a close relationship - each year 16 trainees are placed with us and 10 of the current staff were trained at the MMU. Jackie Price, the Link Tutor, was formerly Technology Co-ordinator at the school. Our aim in Initial Teacher Training is to provide the experiences which will enable you to achieve the Teaching Competencies and to maintain and enhance the quality of the teaching profession. This is done in the context of a technology college where provision for technology is more extensive than at many other schools. We hope that you will take full advantage of such facilities during your school experience with us. Each of you will be shown how to log on, given an e-mail address and training in some of the applications available.

Mentors

The Central Mentor, Moira Sykes, was formerly Head of Humanities at Reddish Vale where she has taught for 10 years. She has been seconded to the Manchester Metropolitan University for two days a week to work on a project in the Secondary Course. She will oversee your training, work with you on professional issues during tutorial time once a week and observe some of your lessons. Three other staff will also act as Associate Central Mentors.
Over half the school staff are trained Subject Mentors. They will be the most important person in your school training as they will regularly observe your lessons, give you feedback and meet with you at least once a week to discuss subject issues and your progress generally. All of the staff in your department will be willing to assist you and answer any questions you may have.
If you have any worries or problems which you think might be affecting your progress please talk to your Mentor.

Meetings and Tutorials

You should report to the school at 8.45 a.m. on the first day of your school experience where you will be met by Moira Sykes. After a general introduction to the school pupils will show you around. You will then meet your Subject Mentor. Most of the week will be spent aquainting yourself with the work of the department and observing the classes you will be teaching. It is important that you use this opportunity to ask any questions - however basic they may seem.
Before you arrive at the school you should read the Trainee Handbook and information for parents book which have been sent to you. These give you valuable information about the school and the context in which you will be teaching your subject. The handbook is also available in the Pastoral file of P.drive if you also wish to refer to it during school time.

General Info.

Car Parking

Please park at the rear of the school, entering by the first drive.
A note of your name and car registration should be handed in for the attention of Tony Fowler.

Dress

Staff at the school dress smartly rather than casually. It is expected that men wear a tie and that staff do not wear jeans.

Absences

If you have an unavoidable foreseen absence such as a hospital appointment or funeral please tell your Subject Mentor as soon as possible.
If you have an unforeseen absence please phone the school before 8.15am with a message for Moira and your subject mentor. If possible please indicate how long you expect to be absent for. If you are ill for a week or longer it will be necessary for you to get a Doctors certificate.