Could I ask about your opinions of, and experiences with, ARK Teacher Training please?

[RangeTesKopeks]

Hello everyone!

I'm posting here on traffic as I need to make a fairly quick decision - I hope you don't mind!!

I've applied to do PGCEs from this September. One of the training providers that I've applied to work with is ARK Teacher Training (for a School Direct placement).

I always had them down had them as my top choice throughout the application process, and I've just heard that I've received an offer to train with them.

They're having an orientation week soon for candidates, and ideally I have to let them know today whether or not I'll be accepting their offer in order to attend the orientation week.

I am very keen to accept the offer. Before I do, I'd just like to ask if any of you have any experience of ARK Teacher Training at all.

I haven't found anything on the Internet that talks about training with them and what it's like apart from on their own website.

I realise it's going to be very full-on and a lot of hard work. I'd be hugely grateful if you could let me know whether you have any experience of training with ARK at all please.

Thanks everyone!

[Binnie0309]

Did you go yesterday?

I've just completed my School Direct year (not with ARK but a regional teaching school) and while it was difficult and tiring, it was also the best thing I've ever done.

I would really recommend it.

[RangeTesKopeks]

Hi Binnie I did, yes sorry for the very late reply!

I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed your training year. I've been training at the school this week, and a few people there who've already done School Direct have said the same thing - that it's hugely challenging, but also a really rewarding year!

Were you in a primary or secondary school, if you don't mind me asking?

[CodewordRochambeau]

The school will be in a challenging area by default, although many are good and outstanding. You will be amongst plenty of other trainees as they also recruit heavily from Teach First so you will find that the school is well set up for employment-based training.

[Binnie0309]

I'm in Primary. Which are you applying for?

The employability is a perk but I actually feel a lot more confident going into my new role in September having spent that much longer in school. I have seen, for instance, the very first week as well as the very last week. This can only help to prepare me!