Working as an ECT

"When I was thinking about the type of school wanted to work in, it was important to go to a school with a good community spirit. While Hazelwick is a big school, the sense of community is here throughout. The welcome I received from my interview, induction day and initial days at Hazelwick was fantastic. The department has given a lot of support, sharing resources and debriefing lessons with me.

The support the school offers has been superb. Our professional tutor has created a fantastic program which creates discussion and reflection in each session. My own mentor has been incredibly supportive and shared a wealth of knowledge with me. Both tutor and mentor have supported me in trying out different teaching practises in my lessons.  I have also been encouraged to use skills from my previous jobs and run a training session at an inset day which I really enjoyed."

"I have really enjoyed my time at Hazelwick so far. The school’s excellent reputation and strong sense of community initially attracted me, and as an ECT, I’ve felt fully supported throughout my induction. Being a form tutor has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to build meaningful connections with students.

Since joining, I’ve made great progress thanks to the fantastic mentorship I’ve received. My mentor’s feedback has been essential in helping me refine my teaching practice and grow in confidence. The support from colleagues has also been invaluable in guiding me through the challenges of my early career.

Hazelwick provides an incredibly supportive environment for ECTs, with plenty of opportunities for professional development. It’s a great place to build a career, and I look forward to continuing to grow and contribute here."

"I joined Hazelwick as an ECT in July 2024 as a teacher of Computer Science and Information Technology. I always wanted to be part of a school that has a sense of community. I could sense that on the first day I arrived here. Since I have started, I feel like a part of a big family, which made the transition to teaching here smooth.

The Computer Science department welcomed me like their own. Not only have they provided me with the necessary support and guidance, but they have also allowed me to implement my own teaching strategies and identify my style of teaching. The department feels like a safe space to discuss the good and not so good, but also to gain tidbits of advice and strategies that I could use in my lessons. I feel I have progressed on an exponential level since my PGCE days.  The support I have received from my colleagues and head of department has been spectacular.

My mentor, who is also my head of department, is the most patient, supportive, and kind person. He has given me the space to have a chat with him and act like a sounding board which has been immensely helpful. The ECT programme here at Hazelwick was one of the aspects that attracted me to Hazelwick. The Professional Tutor has vast experience in coaching new teachers - I look forward to the sessions, as they are engaging and insightful.

Hazelwick is an institution that feels like a mentally safe space to work at; it provides the opportunity to work hard, make mistakes and learn from those mistakes. The infrastructure in this place really benefits the employees working here, allowing them to be the best version of themselves.

Finally, the choice of joining Hazelwick remains one of the best decisions in my career so far."