As placement one comes to an end, it has been wonderful to see how welcoming and supportive the placement schools have been in helping our trainees settle in. It has also been fantastic to witness the strong support networks our trainees have built, both within their placement schools and through their subject training.

This month, we have begun to look at future employment, with trainees actively beginning to apply for jobs, and some already securing positions! All trainees had the opportunity to meet with GORSE Principals as part of their employment preparation before taking part in application writing workshops and interview technique masterclasses. Our primary cohort also had the chance to participate in an ‘Enhancement Day’ at a specialist provision, which they all found to be an incredibly valuable experience.

As festive decorations started to appear around the training base, we began our Christmas Charity Appeal in support of Homeless Street Angels, a Leeds-based charity focused on breaking the cycle of homelessness. Staff and trainees contributed shoe boxes filled with gifts for those in need, and these were delivered to the charity just in time for Christmas. The final week wrapped up with a fun celebration quiz and a performance from our talented music cohort, inviting everyone to join in a festive singalong on the last day.

We have thoroughly enjoyed our first term in our new Leeds City Centre base and wish all our trainees and staff a well-deserved, restful break.