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Associate Teacher of PE Review

at Alpha Academies Trust

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Teaching

Stoke-on-Trent

Review Submitted: March 2026

Overall Rating

4.4 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4.5/5 - Overview of Role
4/5 - Skills Development
4.4/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As an apprentice PE teacher, my role is to develop my teaching skills while supporting pupils’ learning in physical education under the guidance of experienced staff. I assist with planning and setting up practical lessons, demonstrate skills, and support individuals and groups to develop their technique, confidence, and understanding of rules and tactics. I gradually take responsibility for delivering parts of lessons and warm-ups, leading towards teaching full PE sessions, while promoting teamwork, inclusion, and safe participation. I also help with behaviour management, assessment, and providing feedback, and I reflect on advice from my mentor to continuously improve my practice and work towards becoming an independent PE teacher.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I greatly enjoy my programme as it provides me with valuable hands-on experience in teaching PE while allowing me to develop my confidence and practical skills in a real school environment. I particularly enjoy working with pupils, supporting their progress, and seeing their engagement and enjoyment in physical activity. The opportunity to observe experienced teachers, receive feedback, and gradually take on more responsibility has helped me grow professionally. While there are challenges, such as managing behaviour and adapting activities for different abilities, these experiences have been positive in helping me improve and prepare for becoming an independent PE teacher.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes, I have learnt a range of new skills and developed existing ones throughout my programme. I have improved my communication skills by giving clear instructions and demonstrations during PE lessons, and I have developed my behaviour management strategies to keep pupils engaged and safe. I have also learnt how to plan and adapt activities to suit different abilities, assess pupils’ performance, and provide constructive feedback to support their progress. In addition, I have strengthened my organisation and time management skills when setting up equipment, managing transitions, and delivering structured, active lessons.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is well organised and structured, with a clear balance between practical classroom experience and professional development. I am given opportunities to observe experienced PE teachers, support lessons, and gradually take on more responsibility for planning and delivering activities. The guidance from my mentor helps me understand expectations and identify areas for improvement, while regular feedback supports my progress. The programme allows me to build my confidence step by step, developing my skills in behaviour management, lesson delivery, and assessment in a structured and supportive way.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from my employer throughout my apprenticeship. I am supported by experienced PE staff who provide guidance, share resources, and offer feedback on my teaching. My mentor is available to answer questions, observe my lessons, and help me identify areas for improvement. I am also given opportunities to observe different classes, gradually take on more responsibility, and develop my confidence. This support helps me feel more prepared, improves my teaching practice, and allows me to progress towards becoming an independent PE teacher.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive good support from my training provider while working towards my qualifications. They provide clear guidance on coursework requirements, deadlines, and expectations, as well as useful resources to help me complete assignments. Regular check-ins and reviews help me track my progress, and I am able to ask for clarification or feedback when needed. This support helps me stay organised, understand the standards I am working towards, and confidently develop the knowledge and skills required to achieve my qualification.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel that my qualification through my training provider significantly helps me perform better in my role as a PE apprentice. The structured learning and guidance deepen my understanding of teaching methods, lesson planning, and assessment, which I can apply directly in the classroom. The knowledge I gain about behaviour management, differentiation, and pupil development allows me to support students more effectively and confidently lead lessons. Additionally, the opportunities to reflect on my practice and receive feedback through the qualification help me continuously improve and work towards becoming a competent and independent PE teacher.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there are extra-curricular activities I can get involved in at my workplace. As a PE apprentice, I have opportunities to support and sometimes lead school sports teams, clubs, and fitness activities, which allows me to gain experience working with students outside of lessons. There are also social events and staff networks that help build relationships with colleagues and other trainees. These activities not only enhance my practical teaching experience but also allow me to develop teamwork, leadership, and professional networking skills.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Alpha Academies Trust to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend this trust to a friend because it offers excellent support and development opportunities for apprentices. The staff are approachable and experienced, providing guidance, feedback, and mentoring that help you grow as a teacher. The programme is well-structured, allowing you to gain practical classroom experience while building your confidence and skills gradually. Additionally, there are opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities, connect with colleagues, and develop professionally in a positive and encouraging environment. Overall, it’s a supportive and enriching place to start a teaching career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Alpha Academies Trust?
I would advise anyone applying to Alpha Academies Trust to be enthusiastic, proactive, and willing to learn. Show a genuine interest in teaching and supporting pupils’ learning, and be ready to take on a variety of tasks, from assisting in lessons to leading activities. It’s important to be open to feedback and reflect on your practice, as this will help you improve quickly. Developing good organisation and time-management skills will also help you manage planning, lessons, and extra responsibilities. Finally, take every opportunity to observe experienced teachers and get involved in extra-curricular activities, as these experiences are invaluable for building confidence and practical skills.
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