Week 25: The Move to 60%—Mastering Models and Meaningful Assessment
The Big Goal: Supporting trainees as they step up to a 60% teaching load, focusing on high-impact scaffolding and the move from "busy" classrooms to "thinking" classrooms.
The Pulse: CCF Focus
Theme: Assessment (CCF6) & High Expectations (CCF1/TS1)
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The "Why": Assessment is only as good as the information it gives us. This week, we move beyond just checking if pupils are "busy" to ensuring they can evaluate their own progress. By using high-quality models, we provide the "stretch" pupils need while keeping a challenging curriculum achievable.
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Weekly Target: TS6 (k/l) & TS1 (b). Share and deconstruct model work to highlight key details for pupils. Ensure that when peer- or self-assessment is used, the feedback remains specific, helpful, and focused on progress.
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Mentor Action: Deliberate Practice. This is a vital week for collaboration. Sit with your trainee to deconstruct a departmental resource that models a specific skill. Then, collaboratively draft a "live model" for one of their upcoming lessons to ensure it balances support with challenge.
The Toolkit: Mentor Bites & Espresso Shots
The 3-Minute Takeaway:
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Model the Way: This episode deep-dives into the "Deconstruction" method—how to break down expert work into "bite-sized" steps for trainees to deliver.
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Listen on the Go: We’ve noticed a dip in podcast engagement—don't miss out! These are designed for your commute to keep you informed without the "screen fatigue."
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New: Espresso Shots: We’ve launched a brand-new Spotify series! Check out "Espresso Shots" for quick bursts of subject pedagogy and advice on securing that first ECT role.
[Link to Spotify: Espresso Shots]
Roadmap & Logistics: Moving to 60%
As we move into Week 25, trainees transition to a 60% teaching load. Please ensure their timetables reflect this increased responsibility to build their independence.
| Weeks | Phase | Teaching Load | 50-min Lessons | 60-min Lessons | 100-min Lessons |
| 25–26 | Embedding (SE2) | 60% of 5/4 days | 16 | 12 | 8 |
| 27–32 | Independence (SE2) | 80% of 5 days | 24 | 18 | 12 |
Training & Development
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Classroom Management Part 3: Kim Lynch (SENDcO) on effective communication and creating an inclusive environment.
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Assessment for Learning Part 4: Re-visiting questioning with Edwina Stanger. This session bridges the gap between ITaP focus and real-world classroom outcomes.
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Wednesday Twilight: These sessions continue to be the pulse of our theoretical training—please encourage trainees to share their "Talk-Through" reflections with you.
The Expert Corner: Communication & Scaffolding
Two key areas for your mentor meetings this week:
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Effective Communication: Following Kim Lynch's session, observe how your trainee communicates with pupils with SEND. Is the language clear? Are the instructions tiered?
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Making Self-Assessment Meaningful: During your Focused Observation (6l), watch how an experienced colleague makes self-assessment "stick." Is the model work being used effectively to highlight specific success criteria?
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Subject Focus: Trainees in DT and Business should continue engaging with their Subject Associations to bridge the gap while Ofsted reviews are pending.
Thank you for your continued support as our trainees take on this significant "step up" in their teaching hours. Your guidance during these planning and modelling sessions is what makes the difference.
Have a great week,
Edwina
The GUTP Team
About The Grand Union Teacher Training Partnership (GUTP)
The Grand Union Teacher Training Partnership (GUTP) is a premier provider of ITT in Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, and South Leicestershire. We specialize in high-quality School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) and Teacher Apprenticeships, offering both primary and secondary pathways to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Stay updated with the latest in East Midlands teacher training by visiting our portal at www.gutp.co.uk.
