Tag Archive for: East London schools

Safa working at a table with a notebook and pen facing a colleague
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Q&A: Safa on training to teach with Mulberry College of Teaching and finding her feet as an English teacher in East London

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Safa trained with Mulberry College of Teaching (MCoT) and is now an Early Career Teacher (ECT) of English at Mulberry Academy Shoreditch. She spoke to us about what the journey has really been like: the support, the challenges, the surprises and the moments that remind her why she chose teaching.


Q: Safa, how did your teaching journey begin?

 

I trained with Mulberry College of Teaching in Tower Hamlets. It’s been a big learning curve, but in a good way. From the start of my training year, I felt like I was being eased in rather than pushed in. I was in classrooms early on, trying things out alongside experienced teachers and then having the space to reflect and refine. That mix worked really well for me.



Q: What kind of support have you had as an Early Career Teacher (ECT)?

 

The support in my ECT year has been steady and genuinely helpful. I have weekly meetings with my mentor, and they’re not just something to get through, they’re proper conversations where we look at lessons, talk through challenges, plan ahead and share ideas. I’ve never felt like I’ve been left to manage things on my own or pushed in before I was ready.

The department has been just as supportive. Marking English essays, for example, can feel daunting at first, but working through the process together as a team made it feel manageable rather than overwhelming. There’s always someone willing to offer guidance, share resources or give a second opinion, which makes a huge difference when you’re still finding your feet.


Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching English?

 

Honestly? The variety. Every day feels different. One lesson might turn into a lively Shakespeare debate; another will be us unpacking a modern poem or running a creative writing activity. Students surprise you constantly.

Watching students grow in confidence, whether that’s through their writing or when they speak up in class, is one of the best things about this job.


Q: You mentioned that form time is important to you. Why is that?

 

Form time is my favourite part of the day. It’s a quieter moment where you really see your students, not just learners in your subject. We chat about what they’re enjoying, what they’re finding tricky, or even something small from their day. Those conversations build trust. It sets the tone for everything else.

 

Q: What does wider school life look like for you?

 

Busy! But in a really positive way. We’ve had book-themed events, reading challenges, school productions (Christmas ones are always the highlight), and loads of creative activities. It keeps the year interesting and gives everyone things to look forward to.

 

Q: How have you found teaching in Tower Hamlets?

 

There’s a real sense of belonging here. Tower Hamlets is vibrant, diverse and full of life. It feels like a privilege to teach in a community like this. There’s warmth everywhere,  from families, students, staff and that makes a difference to your day.

It’s also reassuring to know that English teachers are always needed. Strong communication and writing skills open doors for students, and it feels meaningful to contribute to that.



Q: What helps you maintain a healthy work–life balance?

 

Routine has made the biggest difference. Once I figured out how to use my time during the school day (especially my non-contact periods), everything became much more manageable. I plan, mark and prepare while I’m in school, which means my evenings and weekends are my own. Being able to properly switch off makes me a better teacher.

Having a slightly reduced timetable as an ECT has helped too. It’s given me the breathing space to stay organised and keep on top of things without feeling overwhelmed. I don’t take work home, and that’s been a game-changer for my wellbeing. Everyone’s routine looks a bit different, but finding the one that works for you is key.


Q: How would you describe the culture at Mulberry Academy Shoreditch?

 

It’s a very welcoming place. Staff look out for one another. The English department is especially lovely; lots of shared resources, shared ideas and honestly, lots of laughs too.

We even have Wellbeing Week, which includes free food, coffee, ice-cream vans and massages. It sounds small, but those gestures make you feel appreciated. There’s a genuine effort to create a culture where people can do well and feel cared for.



Q: Looking back, how has MCoT shaped your early career?

 

MCoT set me up well. The combination of working in real classrooms, having expert mentors and being part of the same family of schools throughout my training meant I stepped into my first teaching job knowing what to expect. That familiarity made a big difference.

Most of all, MCoT helped me take something I loved and turn it into a job where I get to share that enthusiasm every single day.

 

Q: Finally, what would you say to someone thinking about training to teach English with MCoT?

 

If you’re passionate about your subject and you want to learn in a supportive, grounded environment, MCoT is a great place to start. You will become part of a school community that will know your voice, your story, and you will be able to make a real difference to the pupils in front of you.

 

 

You are here: / East London schools

The importance of understanding diversity in post-graduate teacher training

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In the richly diverse landscape of East London, Mulberry College of Teaching is committed to providing inclusive post-graduate teacher training; raising young people’s aspirations and engagement. Our transformative post-graduate teacher training equips trainees with academic expertise and a deep understanding of the cultural dynamics that shape our classrooms.

Inclusion and diversity

At Mulberry College of Teaching, inclusion and diversity is an integral part of our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme. Designed to support post-graduate trainee teachers to fully appreciate our students’ diverse experiences, trainees recognise that each learner brings a unique perspective to the classroom. By understanding these nuances, our trainees are better prepared to create inclusive learning environments that build  respect, empathy, and understanding among students.

“I am very grateful for having started my teacher training at Mulberry. The English department, in particular, have been so welcoming and supportive in my transition to teaching. There is no teaching day that is ever the same, which I think is amazing. Every day comes with new experiences, new memories and further professional development.” Ameera – trainee teacher

Training teachers for a diverse career

Our ITT curriculum incorporates extensive, supportive training; from interactive workshops to immersive placements in local schools. Mulberry College of Teaching’s post-graduate trainee teachers experience firsthand the challenges and rewards of teaching in one of London’s most diverse boroughs.

Building bridges through education

The impact of this approach is profound. Our post-graduate trainee teachers have the opportunity to act as bridge-builders, using education as a tool to connect cultures and communities. This enhances student learning, engagement and aspirations;  strengthening community ties and helping young people see how they can positively impact the world.

The demand for teachers with experience in diverse communities has never been higher. Mulberry College of Teaching’s post-graduate trainee teachers will be equipped to teach anywhere in the world; possessing first-hand experience of the global influences that affect local education settings.

Find out more

We invite you to become part of this transformative educational experience. At Mulberry College, you’ll gain more than a qualification; you’ll develop the skills to make a real difference in a world that values diversity and inclusivity. Join us as we navigate new territories in education, and help shape a future where every student thrives in a culturally rich classroom.

About us

At the Mulberry College of Teaching, we are passionate about the transformative power of teaching. We strive to provide an inclusive and aspirational learning environment for all our students that focuses on excellent outcomes, collaboration and creative teaching. 

We invest in and value our teachers. By learning to teach with us, you will be immersed in schools and will learn from school-based subject specialists as well as a range of expert practitioners whose practice is grounded in the best available research. 

Based in the heart of East London, you will join our supportive professional learning community of Trust schools and local secondary school partners. Together, we appreciate the complexities and joys of working in a diverse inner-city urban community and will support you to excel. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the Mulberry College of Teaching and learning more about you and your aspirations.



You are here: / East London schools

How targeted post-graduate teacher training can transform East London’s young people

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Mulberry College of Teaching (MCoT) is deeply rooted in East London’s vibrant, diverse community. We are at the forefront of education, demonstrating what targeted post-graduate teacher training can achieve. MCoT is making steady, purposeful strides towards enhancing local communities through providing exceptional education for East London’s young people.

Understanding the landscape

East London brings diverse cultures, languages, and histories together and for young people living in the heart of East London, education is so much more than simply learning. School life is a pathway to finding their voice, their place, and their power in the world. This is where targeted post-graduate teacher training enters the picture, tailored to build understanding, empathy and to help teachers respond to the complexities of students’ lives.

The role of Mulberry College of Teaching

At Mulberry College of Teaching, the approach to teacher training is immersive, inclusive, aspirational and supportive. The college’s programmes are designed with the specific needs of East London’s young people, schools and communities in mind. Trainee teachers learn how to create lesson plans that are academically rigorous, culturally relevant and responsive. They are trained to look beyond the curriculum, to see the student who may need extra support, the hidden talents that need nurturing, and the cultural assets that every child brings to the classroom.

“Teaching and studying at the same time is a wonderful opportunity to become the best teacher I can. The immersion in the school environment is for me the best way to succeed and learn. This situation allowed me to build great relationships with my colleagues and the pupils.”

Alison – trainee teacher

Impact on young people in East London

The impact of such targeted training is profound. Teachers equipped with the skills and insights gained from MCoT’s bespoke Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme help young people become an integral part of the East London community. MCoT’s post-graduate trainee teachers enter classrooms with a deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges their students face. Teachers are trained to tailor their teaching methods to meet these needs and to support all students to thrive in inclusive educational settings.

Through Mulberry’s innovative partnerships with local businesses and cultural institutions, young people gain unique insights into how these partnerships enhance their learning experience. By connecting the classroom with the broader community, students deeply understand the relevance of their education to real-world scenarios, inspiring them to consider a range of careers.

Evidence of success

Schools across East London report improvements in academic performance, student engagement and aspirations. We aim to equip our post-graduate trainee teachers with increased confidence in handling diverse classroom environments, leading to more inclusive and effective teaching strategies. 

Through our inclusive targeted teaching and representation in the classroom, our aim is to build a group of young people who are more engaged with their education, more curious about the world, and more confident in their abilities. Our schools become hubs of the community, where the education of young people is a shared responsibility and joy.

Looking forward

As Mulberry College of Teaching continues to refine and expand its programmes, there is greater potential for more young people to thrive. With every new cohort of post-graduate trainee teachers trained by Mulberry College of Teaching, more schools feel the impact, more students reach their potential and become pillars of their community.

About us

At the Mulberry College of Teaching, we are passionate about the transformative power of teaching. We strive to provide an inclusive and aspirational learning environment for all our students that focuses on excellent outcomes, collaboration and creative teaching. 

We invest in and value our teachers. By learning to teach with us, you will be immersed in schools and will learn from school-based subject specialists as well as a range of expert practitioners whose practice is grounded in the best available research. 

Based in the heart of East London, you will join our supportive professional learning community of Trust schools and local secondary school partners. Together, we appreciate the complexities and joys of working in a diverse inner-city urban community and will support you to excel. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the Mulberry College of Teaching and learning more about you and your aspirations.

Find out more