From LJMU to Waterloo! Why LJMU? Waterloo Primary School has been a partner of LJMU since 2001 and for the last five years has exclusively used LJMU students. ‘It’s because LJMU truly value partnership and welcome feedback and involvement,’ reflects Sarah, Deputy Head. The school initially worked closely with Dr Elizabeth Malone and liaison tutor, Chris Lisle, who’s like an extra member of staff! It helps that she knows what the catchment is like and how the school works. She keeps in contact, just dropping in to check whenever she can, as she genuinely wants to know how students are getting on. Staff at LJMU know their trainees and support them as well as staff at Waterloo. Communication is strong, from face-to-face training to online resources and the school Quality Training Not only do student teachers receive high-quality training at LJMU, but school staff access this too! Staff at Waterloo have been invited to sessions like greater depth maths and English. These session gave helpful practical ways in which to use ICT to support English and Maths interventions for Years 4 and 5.
Deputy Head at Waterloo Primary School, Sarah Maciver, tells Partnership Matters about Waterloo’s record of employing LJMU graduates.
Left to right: Steph, Ana, Natasha, Sarah
Steph from Waterloo has also been involved in the pilot group for Mentor Recognition. This has meant showcasing what mentors already do and getting recognised for it and realising just how much they do! She’d recommend it! Dr Andrea Mallaburn has an ‘open door’ and is personable and always there to chat. From Waterloo to LJMU As well as accessing training at LJMU, members of staff have also delivered training in phonics, Assessment for Learning, teaching and learning styles, PSHE, IT, Maths, English, wider curriculum and science.
Quality Students It’s also the calibre of recruits that makes a difference. Sarah has sat on recruitment panels for university routes and School Direct (see p.16 for more details) so there is close liaison with schools when making admissions decisions. As a result of this high-quality selection, seven trainees have become part of staff and some have even gone on to promotion within a few years. Ex-LJMUers include: Ana in Reception; Janine, who is now in one of the four Bases for pupils on the Autistic Spectrum; and Katie and Jade in Year 6. Their success is a testament to training they’ve had. Ana Velasco did a degree in sports science before doing her PGDE and NQT year at Waterloo. She values keeping in touch with LJMU through the strong partnerships that are built to last. Ana is the first EYFS teacher that Waterloo has had from LJMU and according to Sarah is ‘a keeper’! Natasha has been on placement at Waterloo in KS2 and has already secured a job for the next school year! She said she really enjoyed her experience in Year 5 at Waterloo as she has had support from her mentor and others too. Anything that is wanted for experience is granted. For example, when Partnership Matters caught up with her briefly at break time, she had been working with Reception on phonics and Maths. The enrichment opportunities organised by the university have also been really useful. Current trainee, Patrick, has been appointed for next year to add to the record! Page 13
