Welcoming Birmingham University ITAP Students to Our School

We were delighted to welcome 13 students from Birmingham University as part of their ITAP (Initial Teacher Advancement Programme) placement. The focus of the day was on best practice in teaching phonics, and our staff were proud to showcase the high-quality provision taking place across school.

The students began their visit by observing phonics lessons in Reception and Year 1, watching how early reading skills are introduced and developed. They also saw staff listening to readers throughout school, gaining valuable insight into how phonics continues to support reading progress as children move through the year groups.

Our Head Boy and Head Girl provided a guided tour. In the afternoon, the university students had the opportunity to practise delivering phonics activities themselves, putting learning into action in a supportive classroom environment.

The feedback we received was extremely positive:

• “The session was really interesting. It was very insightful and engaging.”

• “The session went above and beyond.”

• “The day was organised well, the school was welcoming and I really enjoyed my day.”