School Information

Teacher Training in association with the University of Reading

What is School Direct?

School Direct is a direct route into teaching where successful applicants are trained predominantly within a school based environment. There is the expectation that by the end of the training period, trainees will then go on to work within one of the partnership schools.

The Two Counties Teacher Training Partnership is made up of neighboring secondary schools in the Berkshire and Hampshire area. We have recently been awarded Teaching School designation due to our proven track record in providing high quality teacher training and collaborative CPD opportunities.

We offer full time secondary PGCE with QTS courses that are all planned and delivered in collaboration with the University of Reading’s Institute of Education.

At the very heart of our model of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) is the drive to produce outstanding teachers who become reflective professionals able to secure the very best outcomes for all children.

The partnership schools are:

• The Willink School
• Theale Green School
• The Hurst Community College
• The Wren School
• Little Heath School
• Prospect School
• Denefield School

The purposes of the Partnership:

• To enable trainee teachers to gain the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to become practical, resilient, independent, reflective and over time consistently outstanding teachers
• To provide an appropriate context for introducing trainees to the profession
• To collaboratively design and deliver a training and assessment programme using the expertise of experienced and successful teachers
• To recruit and develop the next generation of inspirational teachers for the partnership schools

What are we looking for in a candidate?

We are looking to recruit talented candidates who have the qualities and attributes suited to a career in teaching and the drive and ambition to make it happen.

The main personal qualities we are looking for are:

• Good interpersonal skills
• Organisation and time management skills
• A passion for their subject
• A positive outlook
• A creative and innovative approach
• A reflective practitioner
• Resilient
• Highly motivated

Our 2019-20 Entry Requirements are as follows:

We would normally expect you to have a 1st, 2:1 or 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent from a university outside the UK) in a subject that is related to the subject that you intend to teach. You will also need to have achieved Grade 4 (or C) or above in GCSE Mathematics and English Language or equivalent qualifications.
You will also be required to pass the QTS skills tests in numeracy and literacy.

* * At least 50% of your degree should be in the subject (or related to the subject) for which you are applying or successful completion of the Subject Enhancement Course at the University of Reading.

Link is http://www.reading.ac.uk/education/pg-taught/ioe-SKEprogramme.aspx

Teacher training places for 2021 – 22 are available in the following subjects:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Studies
• Drama
• DT
• English
• Geography
• History
• Maths
• MFL
• PE
• Physics
• RE

QTS is only available in Maths as well as the full PGCE.

Our programme

The trainee will spend the majority of the school year based in one main school with a 5/6 week 2nd school placement at the beginning of the Spring term.

Training will be led by experienced staff in each school and will involve meetings, workshops and other activities. Being based in a school, a trainee will quickly come to appreciate the nature of teaching and learning in the workplace and will see how to put theory into practice every day.

The University based training days will support the school-led programme and give trainees the opportunity to learn from the experience and enquiry of others in the Reading Partnership.  The ITT programme is designed to build confidence and subject knowledge and equip a trainee teacher with the skills necessary to becoming an effective classroom practitioner.

Throughout the training, support will be provided by a well-trained mentor. When ready, a trainee will start to take responsibility to deliver parts of lessons on their own. As they become
more confident and competent, they will take on more responsibility until they are teaching full lessons. A cycle of regular self-evaluation, using set targets, will help a reflective practitioner
become an outstanding teacher.

Selection Process

The selection process has the following stages:

• Short listing for interview
• Interview day in a school context at one of the partnership schools
• Attendance to the University Induction and Needs Assessment day for checking of the eligibility criteria

The final selection process may include:

• Pre interview task
• Classroom observation and interaction with pupils
• An interview
• A written task

Finance

A Tuition Fee of £9250 will be charged for the full PGCE.
The SD QTS only requires a tuition fee of £7,710
UoR offer a reduction in tuition fees for alumni students.

School Direct PGCE (with QTS)

Trainees will be eligible for the standard student support package, including training bursaries, tuition fee, loans and scholarships if appropriate. Once a place is accepted on the School Direct Training Programme applications can be sought for tuition fee loans through Student Finance England, to cover the cost of training.
Financial incentives for postgraduate non-salaried teacher training courses 2021/22.

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You don’t need to apply for a bursary – if you are enrolled on a non-salaried postgraduate course by us and you meet the eligibility criteria, you will begin receiving payments automatically by the University of Reading , as the teacher training provider.

What happens next?

Applications for School Direct places need to be made through UCAS and are now open. Additional information is available from the partnership school’s websites or by contacting one of the schools directly.

Useful links

Department for Education – http://www.education.gov.uk/schools

School Direct – http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/teacher-training-options/schooldirect.aspx

The Teaching Agency – www.tda.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/teacher-training-options/schooldirect.aspx

UCAS – http://www.ucas.tv/gttr/video/fmvNH

Teachers’ Standards – https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/teachers%20standards.pdf

University of Reading School Direct administration team on [email protected]

http://www.reading.ac.uk/education/pg-taught/ioe-SchoolDirect.aspx

Key Contacts:

The Willink School – Helen Jonas – [email protected]

Prospect School – Sonia Edwards – [email protected]

The Hurst Community College – Laura Billingham – [email protected]

Little Heath School – Charlotte Jones – [email protected]

Theale Green School – Sarah Page – [email protected]

The Wren School – Bessie O’Brien – [email protected]

Denefield School – Lee Simpson – [email protected]

The Willink School are now offering virtual Train to Teach information sessions, click here for more information.