SCHOOL BASED TRAINING PROGRAMME
We offer two school based routes of teacher training – Salaried and Fee Paying
This is full time, year-long, school based training in to teaching which focuses on practical training. Bluecoat SCITT Alliance awards QTS and a PGCE (with 60 credits at Masters Level from University of Derby). The QTS and PGCE elements are closely related and provide an excellent opportunity to learn to teach in a school environment.
A school-led training course gives you the chance to learn ‘on the job’ in a school. You work as part of the teaching team from day one – learning from experienced, practicing colleagues and immediately putting your new skills into practice. You are supported throughout the year by mentors and tutors in school to help you gain Qualified Teacher Status.
Trainees dedicate one full day each week to theoretical training. This day is thoughtfully structured to include half a day focusing on core teaching strategies, equipping you with practical tools for effective classroom practice. The other half day day is spent with your Subject Specialist, deepening your subject specific expertise.
Our teacher training course includes:
- practical classroom experience in at least two contrasting schools
- academic study to give you the knowledge and understanding to teach successfully
- an assessment of your teaching skills (through being observed teaching classes)
What will I learn on a teacher training course?
By the end of a teacher training course you should:
- know and understand the national curriculum in your chosen subject(s) and/or age group
- be able to plan and prepare for lessons and set pupils’ learning objectives
- have strong classroom management skills, such as knowing how to promote good behaviour and minimise disruption by pupils
- know how to teach pupils with special educational needs and disabilities
- be able to assess pupils effectively
Duration
Our programme starts each September and runs across the academic year until the following July – DfE Apply applications for the following academic year open each October.
Places can become limited and early applications are advised as the award of places will be highly competitive, and vacancies will close once places are offered.
Assessment
Assessment is a continuous part of your training year and is designed to support your development as a teacher. Your school-based mentor will assess your progress through a combination of formative (ongoing) and summative (formal) assessments. These are based on how well you integrate both subject knowledge and teaching strategies into your classroom practice.
There are three key summative assessment points across the year, which help track your progress and ensure you’re on course to meet the Teaching Standards and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
These assessments are designed to give you clear feedback, help you reflect on your progress, and guide your next steps in becoming a confident and effective teacher.
What do I get when I qualify?
QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and an academic award (PGCE) with 60 master’s-level credits. When you’ve completed your teacher training, you will be an early career teacher (ECT), and from thereon will have access to various learning and development opportunities to help progress your career quickly, including moving into management and leadership.
PLACEMENT
We know training in the right school is important to your journey as a trainee teacher, and we’re committed to supporting you with placements that help you thrive.
Our SCITT works with a diverse network of schools across Nottingham(shire) and Derby(shire), each with its own unique character, but united by a shared belief, that education has the power to transform lives.
When it comes to placements, we listen. We take into account the personal circumstances you share with us, such as family commitments, transport options, and commute times. We combine this with our deep understanding of our partner schools to find the best possible match. It’s a thoughtful process designed to support both your development and the needs of the schools we work with.
Our trainees spend the majority of their time immersed in school life and learning on the job from experienced, practicing teachers. You’ll be in school four days a week, gaining hands-on experience and building confidence in the classroom. To ensure you’re fully prepared for your future teaching career, this will increase to five days per week after the May half term.
Throughout the year, you’ll teach in two contrasting schools: one during the Autumn Term, and another across the Spring and Summer Terms.
In addition to your main placements, you’ll also have opportunities to explore other settings, such as alternative provision, your cross-phase experience, SEND environments, and focused training weeks like ITAP (Intensive Training & Practice), ensuring a rich and well-rounded training experience
Mentor
You will have your own Mentor on each placement. This is an experienced teacher in your subject. They will give you an hour’s 1:1 mentoring session every week. They will also be the first person you should ask when you need help.
Subject Support
You will be assigned a Subject Lead/Phase Lead. They will help you with specific subject issues and lead the Subject Sessions.
Support and Guidance
In addition to others in the department, you will also work with colleagues in the SCITT, throughout the Academy, in learning support and the Senior Leadership Team who will be pro-active in helping you. One of the advantages of choosing school based training is that you spend a significant amount of time in schools which have been selected because they want to train new entrants to the profession to become outstanding practitioners.
WHAT IS THE PGCE?
The PGCE involves a course of academic study that results in a professional academic qualification. When combined with a programme leading to QTS, develops your understanding of the theory of education and teaching methods. This is delivered by University of Derby will also take place on Friday across the year at the SCITT Training Centre (Nottingham). There are three manageable PGCE assignments due in January, April and June. The PGCE is optional on the salaried route.