The Course

 

The vast majority of the time devoted to training is in school, at the start of the course you will choose either Primary General (Key Stage 1 and 2) or Early Years (Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1).  All training teachers will work alongside experienced and dedicated teaching staff and induction tutors who will provide the support and guidance needed to become a first rate teacher.  Each training teacher recruited will be placed in a school that is most able to meet his or her training needs. One day a week is dedicated to a school-focused professional studies and a subject studies programme provided by PEP:mk. This is a weekly programme of workshops delivered by practising teachers from across the primary schools in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.  The focus of the programme is to address the development needs of the next generation of teachers who will teach in our schools in the unique, dynamic and diverse community of Milton Keynes.  The programme of subject studies is delivered by local specialists in the field.  These sessions are designed to develop the understanding and delivery of a subject, reviewing topics such as lesson planning and assessment. 
 

 

Training teachers will be following this exciting programme of professional studies and subject studies to promote and explore the philosophy of education and the pedagogy associated with the teaching of a subject.
 

This course is framed by a commitment to help you to develop into a graduate teacher who is reflective, creative, resourceful, independent, collaborative and resilient. It presumes you have the drive, energy and commitment to undertake a course which is devised to develop your expertise in teaching and learning. Key to the course are the skills to be an effective communicator whilst also being a responsible and accountable professional at all times. This SCITT scheme offers a practical approach to teacher training which gives you a ‘hands on’ experience as a classroom practitioner.

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School Placement

 

Trainees have one main placement school throughout the year, if you have opted for the Early Years route this will be in the Foundation Stage.  This is from the start of the school year (including training days) and until the last Friday in June.  In addition there is a secondary placement in the alternate Key Stage, for example, Key Stage 1 if you are an Early Years specialist.  This starts 2 weeks before February half-term until Easter.  You will also spend up to 10 days having personalised training at ‘specialist’ schools developing skills specific to your needs, such as behaviour management or teaching pupils with English as an additional language. 

 

You can expect a wide range of support throughout the year. An induction tutor in school will be responsible for you on a daily basis and the induction tutor are supported in school by a nominated Professional Tutor. You will have support with professional practice sessions and also subject specific sessions. Professional tutors will visit you on placement and observe you to quality assure your experience.

 

 

Lead teaching of classes in the early stages is very much dependent on your past experience, your ability and confidence. You will be expected to assume responsibility for whole class teaching as soon as you and your mentor feel that you are ready for this undertaking. By way of guidance it is normal for the first two weeks to be observation so that you become familiar with the classes you will be assigned. You would then normally take parts of lessons (starters, plenary, demonstrations etc) for a further two weeks to nurture you into the teaching and learning experience. Normally a trainee teacher would be lead teaching up to 6 lessons a week before October half term. The proportion of lead teaching would then increase gradually each week until your timetable reaches approximately 16 hours per week.

 

 

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Assessment

 

Over your training year your progress as a teacher will be assessed in a variety of ways, all of which will support your development as a reflective and novice teacher.  At the end of the year successful trainees will be awarded QTS status and a Post Graduate Certificate - PGCE.

 

The assessment process for these awards consists of being able to satisfy the Teacher Standards and also demonstrate an understanding of the relevant subject knowledge required for the subject through set assignments.

 

 

Assessment components include:

 

 

A Teaching Standards Portfolio – this is a form of continuous assessment; over the year you will collect evidence from all areas of the course to demonstrate that you have met the teacher standards to achieve Qualified Teacher Status by the end of the course.

Teaching File – collection of lesson plans, lesson resources
 

Assessment File - Assessments of pupils for each of your classes on both placements.

 

Progress File – this includes half termly assessments and evidence of formal lesson observations.  These will be undertaken by experienced colleagues who will offer supportive feedback to help you to continue to improve your teaching.  Mentor meeting records are also evidenced and collated.

 

A Subject Knowledge File – a collection of evidence to demonstrate that you have gained sufficient knowledge and understanding regarding subject specialism. 

 

Written Assignments – these consist of a mixture of formal essays and research-based investigation, linking your day-to-day teaching experience to educational theory

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Interview Process

 

Once you have applied, if you are called for interview you will be sent information via email and post with further details about the interview day.

 

We want to be a supportive as possible on an interview day - we want to get to know you but also want you to have the opportunity to get to know us.  

 

On the day information regarding the primary course will be shared with you  and you will asked to prepare for the following:

 

• A 20 minutes task for  a group of 10 children.  

• A 5 minute presentation

• Maths and English test (approximately 25 minutes each)

• An interview

 

Please allow for the full day, however, depending on numbers being interviewed that day it may only be the morning. Further information and resources for this will be sent out when you are offered an interview and we are always willing to answer any questions you may have before the interview day.

 

 

 

School Direct (salaried)

 

If you’re a graduate and have been working for around three years in any career, School Direct (salaried) courses are available for you. On this school-led option, you’re selected directly by the school or partnership of schools you apply to – and you’ll earn a salary during your training. Schools recruit you as a trainee with a job in mind just for you.  For further information please click on: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/explore-my-options/school-led-training/school-direct-salaried