Stay Connected with the RSA: News, Insights, and Events

This page is your central hub for staying up-to-date with all the latest from the Rural Schools Alliance. Here you'll find our news stories, sharing important announcements and successes from our trainees and partnership schools. Delve into our blog posts for insightful articles, tips, and perspectives on teacher training and the world of education. And don't forget to check our Events Calendar for upcoming opportunities to meet us at recruitment events, or experience a Classroom Taster Day at Swanmore College. We encourage you to visit this page regularly to stay informed and engaged with the RSA community.

Experience the RSA: Discover Your Future in Teaching

Are you considering a career where you can inspire and make a real difference? At the Rural Schools Alliance, we offer a range of opportunities for you to experience life in a secondary school and learn more about our rewarding school-led PGCE programme. Whether you're just starting to explore teaching or you've already accepted a place with us, we invite you to get a firsthand feel for our supportive community and vibrant school environments.

Classroom Taster Days at Swanmore College: Your First Step into the Classroom

Curious about what it's really like to teach in a secondary school? Our Classroom Taster Days take place at our lead school, Swanmore College, and are designed for anyone considering a career in education. You'll have the chance to:

• Take a guided tour of Swanmore College.
• Attend an informative session about training to teach, focusing on our successful school-led PGCE route (formerly School Direct) and what it means to train with the RSA.
• Receive a helpful guide on observing lessons and key teaching techniques.
• Spend valuable time observing a variety of lessons at Swanmore College, gaining insight into classroom dynamics and teaching styles.

Who are Taster Days for?

• Recent graduates or final-year undergraduates exploring secondary school teaching.
• Career changers considering a fulfilling new path in education.
• Anyone wanting to understand more about the school-led approach to Initial Teacher Training (ITT).
• Future RSA trainees who have already secured a place and wish to gain some initial school experience at Swanmore College.

Ready to experience a Taster Day?

You can request a Classroom Taster Day at Swanmore College by contacting the Rural Schools Alliance directly. Simply email us with your name, the subject you are interested in and the date of the Classroom Taster Day you would like to attend (you can see these on our Events Calendar). Alternatively, you can also register your interest via the government’s ‘Get school experience’ website - click this link to go to it. We'll get back to you as soon as we can during term time.

School Experience Opportunities: Immerse Yourself in School Life

For a more in-depth experience, our School Experience opportunities allow you to truly immerse yourself in the daily life of a secondary school within the RSA partnership. This is a fantastic way to get to know a potential placement school or the school you've been offered a place in. During your time with us, you'll have the chance to:

• Shadow a diverse range of pupils across different year groups and subjects within one of our partner schools.
• Meet teachers within your chosen subject area and chat with pupils about their learning experience.
• Be paired with a dedicated mentor who will support your learning throughout this exciting opportunity.

Who are School Experience Opportunities for?

• Those who have applied to the Rural Schools Alliance and want to learn more about life in school.
• Individuals who have accepted a place with the RSA and want to familiarise themselves with their placement school.

Interested in a School Experience?

Contact the Rural Schools Alliance directly by email (- click here to open an email) to arrange a School Experience within one of our partnership schools. If you can't commit to a full week, please let us know, and we'll work with you to create a tailored experience that suits your availability.

Recruitment Events and Fairs: Come and Meet the RSA Team

Throughout the year, members of the Rural Schools Alliance team attend a variety of recruitment events and careers fairs, including those organised by the Department for Education and local careers services. These events are a fantastic opportunity to:

• Find out more about training to teach with the RSA.
• Learn about the different routes into teaching, including our school-led PGCE.
• Get a real insight into what life as a teacher is like.
• Speak directly to our knowledgeable team and ask any questions you may have.

Details of upcoming recruitment events and fairs that the RSA will be attending can be found on our Events Calendar. We look forward to meeting you and helping you take the next step towards your teaching career!