The programme leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). The programme ensures that trainees receive at least 60 days’ training as well as extensive professional experience in school. The programme conforms to the DfE Teachers’ Standards 2012 and the ITT Criteria 2012.
The programme provides a comprehensive and progressive framework of training which shows clearly how trainees will be prepared to meet the Teachers’ Standards. It shows how elements of the programme will be tracked through whole cohort training days/sessions, individual subject specialisms and school experience. At the same time there is built in flexibility for partner schools to maximise the opportunities presented by their particular circumstances.
Secondary Trainees study the relevant national frameworks in their subject area for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 and develop their understanding of subject specific pedagogy; they develop their understanding of the pupils’ experience immediately before and after their chosen age phase. Furthermore, they develop their understanding of the place of the teacher in a whole school context and in relation to their further career development.
The effective delivery of ITT in this programme is ensured through:
- a network of schools within a well-developed partnership
- strong links between theory and practice in teaching
- trained mentors and tutors
- a consensual view of teaching as an intellectual activity