Renfrewshire Council

"I was part of the cohort that had their PGDE year extended because of covid when lockdown shut the placement schools. So, it's been a long time coming to get to here. I'm feeling nervous and excited," says Michael Irvine, biology teacher at Park Mains High. 

"I want to establish a bit of comfort working in one school for a whole year. It's not as easy as when you are going in and out of schools for short placements, so the year gives you more time to settle in," says James Pinkerton, PE teacher at Johnstone High. 

"A wee bit nervous but hopefully once we get going, I will settle in. It's just the fear of the unknown. I hope to get a job in Renfrewshire after my probationary year if I can," says Beth Haining, maths teacher at Paisley Grammar. 

"I'm excited to get to know all the pupils and just see what happens. I picked Renfrewshire because it was close by, and I was on placement here," says Catherine Butler, PE teacher at Castlehead High. 

"Before this, I worked in additional support needs (ASN). I plan to stay in mainstream for the foreseeable future but later in my career I'll probably move back to ASN. I do miss it, but I also love doing this," says Rebecca McKay, primary three teacher at Lochwinnoch Primary. 

"I'm feeling good about starting. I was at this school for my student placement, so I already know a lot of the teachers. I want to spend this year establishing myself in the school and getting to know the young people," says Angus Paterson, maths teacher at Castlehead High. 

"I'm looking forward to teaching in the classroom. It will take me a few weeks to find my teacher voice again and attune my hearing to what the young people are doing when my back is turned," says Tod Wadham, physics teacher at Park Mains High. 

Tod Wadham

Gemma Idundun and Charlotte Snow

Sarah Coll

"I've planned the lessons I need for the first few days. I've been to visit the school and I'm very excited to start. Obviously, I'm also a bit nervous too, but I can't wait to get to know everybody and familiarise myself with the place," says Charlotte Snow, art and design teacher at Johnstone High. 

"I just want to develop myself more as an artist and my abilities, because we have disciplines, and you need to teach every discipline," says Gemma Idundun, art and design teacher at St Andrew's Academy. 

"I am interested in developing experience in supporting young people with ASN and also maybe set up an extra-curricular activity. I think that will be fun and will help with career opportunities," says Sarah Coll, geography teacher at Park Mains. 

We wish all probation teachers a great year in their schools. 

Published on Tuesday 16 August 2022