Meet the Astra Trainees

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a teacher.....
My love for working in a school environment began in 2020, when, after finishing sixth form, I began a position in a local prep school as a ‘gap student’. This role led me to carry on as a teaching assistant and instead of taking the traditional university route I completed an Open University degree in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics whilst working. This enabled me to feel even more secure in my passion to pursue primary education.

 
Why did you select Astra as your training provider?
I came across Astra after talking to colleagues who had also completed their teacher training with Astra. It was clear from these conversations that Astra had an excellent reputation and training programme, and doing my own research only reaffirmed this.

 
What have been the highlights of your training?
The highlight of my training has to be the variety of personalities I get to interact with every day. From the pupils, to my colleagues, to my fellow trainees, I am privileged to get to engage with such a variety of individuals every day.

 
What have been the challenges?
Juggling work-life-balance is definitely a challenge when completing QTS and PGCE. Finding time to switch off at the weekend is so important, but so is ticking those jobs off your to-do list!

Top advice for anyone considering teaching?
Engage with the teaching professionals around you; they will always be happy to support you. Their expertise is so valuable and enables you to develop your reflective thinking.

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a teacher.....

I have been teaching unqualified for the last three years. This was due to a change in my family circumstances. I have, however, been in a school setting for the last seven years working in different roles as a Food Technician, Cover Supervisor and Assistant Teacher. I felt it was the right time in my life to undertake my professional qualification and move my career to the next level. 

Why did you select Astra as your training provider?

I chose Astra due to its strong links with schools in the Buckinghamshire area and the option to complete the Design and Technology course part time. 

What have been the highlights of your training?

Meeting a talented, ambitious and diverse group of fellow trainees that I can continue to develop and network together throughout my career.

What have been the challenges?

The main challenge is managing the workload.The course does get easier over time but planning and preparation plays an important role. Buy yourself a teacher planner and read the weekly Astra emails! 

Top advice for anyone considering teaching?

It is never too late to train - just do it! Build relationships with everyone around you including the pupils.

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a teacher...
Education has always been important for me. With four children of my own, I was able to gain an undergraduate degree in Early Years at university to pursue this career choice whilst being employed as a Teaching Assistant. I had no intention of any other career after my degree, other than to become a fully qualified primary teacher -  I enjoy reading and gaining knowledge enabling me to instil this into the upcoming generations in an engaging and meaningful way. This passion for education is the drive that continuously enhances my professional development and desire to stay current with best teaching practices.

Why did you select Astra as your training provider?
I chose Astra as it had an excellent reputation for producing confident teachers through a well-designed programme preparing effective educators for the classroom.

What have been the highlights of your training?
I was lucky enough to choose my main placement to start my training in Key Stage 1. At first, I believed I was best suited to Key Stage 1, but my second placement in a Year 4 class at a different school changed that: I thoroughly enjoyed this new experience and realised I actually want to teach Key Stage 2 for my ECT years. This unexpected revelation was both surprising and rewarding. 

What have been the challenges?
The workload at times, but it reflects the reality of a teacher’s role. With the support of my mentors, school staff and Astra, I've been able to manage it effectively. Such challenges have helped me to grow into a consistent teacher, whilst teaching me how to manage my time effectively.

Top advice for anyone considering teaching?
Embrace every opportunity that your course offers. Choose a provider that is well structured and supportive, with well-informed mentoring and placements that will prepare you for the classroom. The workload is inevitable yet demanding but actually reflects real teaching life, enabling you to build resistance and strong time management skills. Trust the process of your learning provider and stay open to learning new things in new ways. Remember that your mentors collectively are there to guide you to success.

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a teacher...
Growing up in Kenya, my geography teacher inspired my passion for the subject. Teaching felt like the perfect way to share that enthusiasm, inspire curiosity, and make a difference in young people's lives.

Why did you select Astra as your training provider?
I chose Astra for its excellent reputation, central location in Aylesbury, and diverse partner schools. Its focus on academic diligence and practical experience made it the ideal choice.

What have been the highlights of your training?
Observing my mentor teach a Year 13 class inspired me to develop my own style. Teaching my first lessons with Year 7 and seeing their progress was also a highlight, reinforcing my passion for teaching.

What have been the challenges?
Teacher training has been demanding. My first lesson tested my confidence and behaviour management, but it taught me the value of preparation, routines, and clear instructions. Each challenge has helped me improve.

Top advice for anyone considering teaching:
Be open to feedback, stay organized, and build strong relationships with mentors and colleagues. Teaching is challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a teacher.....
While at university, I loved developing my knowledge of my subject (Biology), a subject that I had great passion for without truly understanding why. Upon reflection, It occurred to me that my passion for science was brought out of me by my science teachers at school, whose enthusiasm for their own subject was palpable. It was then when I realised I wanted to teach science and display my passion for the subject in the hope of inspiring students to develop their own eagerness for all the sciences.

Why did you select Astra as your training provider?
When looking for a training provider, I focused on a provider that had a reputation for helping to train great teachers, teaching all the way through from KS3 to KS5.

What have been the highlights of your training?
Being able to visit many different schools and experience the difference in environments always provides such useful insight into furthering my own teaching. Hearing amazing, thoughtful, and scientific discussions take place during lessons. Seeing the enthusiasm the students have for learning and furthering their knowledge is priceless.

What have been the challenges?
Having to manage several factors during a lesson, whilst ensuring the lesson remains on time as to prevent students turning up late to the next lesson has been challenging. 

Top advice for anyone considering teaching?
Keep track of what must be done each day in the way you find easiest to manage such as a physical planner or an online planner. Plan some time in the evening to relax and decompress - read a book, watch an episode of your favourite tv show, anything to help you relax at the end of the day.

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a teacher.....

I always had an aptitude for maths and this led me to a successful career as an actuary.   I have always attributed this partly to the dedication of my school maths teachers, who inspired me to continue with the subject at university and then into my career.   After 30 years in work I decided I wanted to give something back to the world of teaching, and challenge myself in this unique profession.

Why did you select Astra as your training provider?

Astra were my local teacher training provider and as such they covered most of the schools where I could see myself teaching.  They were proactive from the moment I first contacted them, and have supported me at every step so far.

What have been the highlights of your training?

There have been many.  The first time I set foot in the classroom confirmed that I felt I was in the right place and had not made a huge mistake!  The random conversations with students in corridors.  The elation of getting thumbs up at the end of my first full hour's lesson.  Overhearing students saying they enjoyed my lesson.  Making connections between theory and practice, which really builds confidence in what I am doing.

What have been the challenges?

Workload!  At first it seems overwhelming as you are faced with knowing nothing and having to juggle both your professional studies and the challenge of preparing lessons.  But it does get easier as the weeks go by.  Learning to reflect on your own performance - your faults are laid bare so there is nowhere to hide.

Top advice for anyone considering teaching?

Do it!  You will never stop learning and never stop improving.  It is an immensely social profession (barring marking 32 assessments at a time), you will be supported by your tutors and colleagues alike and you will feel you have made a difference to someone's life every day.  Just make sure you are well organised, don't underestimate the challenges, and don't expect to ever get it 100% right.

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a teacher.....
After a 25-year career in HR, I was looking for a new challenge and wanted to do something where I felt I would be part of the community and able to give back. I had always wanted to be a primary school teacher and decided now was the right time to finally give it a go!

Why did you select Astra as your training provider?
I chose to apply to Astra because it has such strong links with the schools in my area. It also offered the opportunity for me to train part time. As a busy mum, these were both really crucial factors.

What have been the highlights of your training?
I love the fact that the training is so hands on and I spend more time in school than college. I am enjoying the learning, and I particularly enjoy our Primary subject days when we learn how to teach each part of the curriculum. However, there is no substitute for training on the job and being able to observe experienced colleagues in action and put our own learning into practice.

What have been the challenges?
There is a lot to juggle and it helps to be very organised!

Top advice for anyone considering teaching?
It is a lot of hard work and takes real commitment. I recommend going into it with your eyes wide open, knowing that the training and the first couple of years of teaching are going to be particularly hard work until everything becomes more second nature. It is so much fun though and I am glad that I chose to challenge myself at this stage in my life. It is never too late to make a career change!

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a teacher.....
Both of my parents are teachers. Although this was not the sole reason for my career choice, I feel it was helpful in terms of support and advice. Upon completion of sixth form I was unsure what I wanted to do. I coached football for many years which I enjoyed the teaching aspect of, then got a job as a teaching assistant in a primary school and completed my primary education degree while working. By working in primary schools I was able to develop my knowledge across a range of subjects. I enjoy the daily challenges of working in a school and contributing to the lives of young people.

Why did you select Astra as your training provider?
Upon completion of my primary education degree and having experience of working in schools for seven years, I felt I was ready to become a teacher. I was recommended to Astra by a colleague. After communicating with Astra on the phone it was clear to me that what they were offering was perfect for me in terms of travel, support and school placement opportunities.
 

What have been the highlights of your training?
When a lesson goes well and you can identify the progress you have made is a great feeling. The support Astra provides is amazing, this combined with the social aspect of training with peers makes the journey of becoming a teacher even more enjoyable.

What have been the challenges?
I found one of my placements challenging to begin with as it was a different environment to what I am used to. However, this gave me great experience and I feel a stronger, more confident teacher now.

Top advice for anyone considering teaching?
Organisation, commitment to self learning and building positive professional relationships would be my advice for teacher trainees.

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a teacher.....
 

I was the subject lead in a federation of four primary schools as an unqualified teacher for ten years, I wanted to expand my knowledge and progress in doing what I love. After working with pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2 for so many years, I wanted to challenge myself working with pupils in 11-18, and the next step was to gain my qualification.

Why did you select Astra as your training provider?

Astra's strong reputation speaks for itself; they have an excellent pass rate and a vast range of schools, which was an important aspect when I was making my decision.
 

What have been the highlights of your training?

I have been lucky to be placed with two great mentors and teams who have been extremely supportive throughout both my placement schools. I have also had the pleasure of working in some amazing sports facilities.
 

What have been the challenges?

Juggling all the different elements of the course such as lesson plans and reflections, observations, teaching, QTS assignments and PGCE assignments - it can be intense at times. 

Top advice for anyone considering teaching:

Be organised and apply as soon as you can, especially if you need to redo some GCSEs, which will give you time to do any necessary revision. During the course, try to follow the weekly plan advised by Astra. It is an essential guide to staying on top of your studies.