Among our primary school direct trainees this year, around half could be left alone to teach for a full day by Christmas. Thise people include some who were experienced TAs or who had worked teaching children abroad, and a couple who have just taken to it like the proverbial ducks to water.
Of the other half of the cohort, most have been left in sole charge for up to 45 mins at a time, but just needed another teacher around at transitions or to check in. So they will have led a whole day or two themselves, but with the class teacher nearby or dropping in and out.
A few were not yet confident to take sole charge in their first placement. They have, however, all made progress from their starting points. I think the flexibility to work differently with different trainees is one of the strengths of School Direct.
Yes, we do need them all to be taking sole charge in this next placement - the course finishes in June and we need to know they are ready to have their own class in September. But we will work towards that with them and their mentors, challenging, but also building their skills and confidence.
Some trainees need an extra placement in the next autumn term - most of those have also gone on to become successful teachers. They just needed that bit longer.
What is your previous experience, OP? Do you feel you have made progress? What, in particular, concerns you about taking the class alone? Can you identify what your mentor/ class teacher could do to support you?