What is Intensive Training and Practice?
Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) sessions are designed to offer student teachers detailed feedback on critical curriculum aspects. These sessions involve concentrated focus on pivotal areas, requiring close attention, control of content, critical analysis, application, and feedback. The primary goal of ITaPs is to strengthen the link between evidence-based theory and classroom practice, ensuring student teachers can apply their knowledge effectively in real-world teaching environments.
For further information please read: ITT Market Review.
ITaP Rollout for 2024-25
Each ITaP will last for at least 5 days and will comprise a combination of centre-based and school-based training. The Programme Calendars available in Section B indicates the ITaP days. Every ITaP ensures that student teachers receive a minimum of 25 hours of planned and supported activity, including at least 5 hours of expert input.
Why ITaPs are Important?
ITaPs provide a structured approach to link theory with practice, offering clear opportunities for student teachers to apply evidence-based methods in classroom settings. This model aims to consolidate their understanding of how research and evidence should shape their teaching practices across various subjects, phases, and age ranges.
For further information please read: Government Response to the ITT Market Review.
What are the key learning outcomes for our student teachers?
During ITaPs, student teachers are expected to achieve two main outcomes:
- A strong grasp of the evidence base for the focus area, enabling them to articulate, justify, and exemplify their understanding.
- The ability to identify and apply effective classroom delivery methods, preparing them to implement these techniques in diverse teaching contexts.
Each ITaP has its own specific outcomes. These can be found in Section B of the ITT Placement website (LJMU Initial Teacher Education (ITT) Programme).
How are ITaPs different to traditional placements?
Unlike general teaching placements, which encompass a broad range of feedback on overall teaching performance, ITaPs provide focused feedback on specific, pivotal aspects of teaching. This targeted approach allows for a deeper dive into critical areas, enhancing the effectiveness of the training.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
We value your input as key partners and will continue to incorporate questions about ITaPs into our existing feedback surveys. As in our pilot stage, this data will be analysed to improve future ITaPs. Additionally, the Primary and Secondary Steering Groups will continue to evaluate ITaPs from 2024-25, and we always welcome your involvement in this process.