Our Programme
Our School Direct Course is specifically designed to give trainees the maximum amount of time within the school environment so you can become fully immersed in school life. Teaching is a ‘craft’ and the very best way to develop that craft is to practice it in a supportive environment with great coaches to give you the feedback you need to progress. You will spend 20 days of the year at Durham SCITT receiving specialist training in the delivery of your subject as well as Core sessions in generic professional knowledge and skills such as Safeguarding, Behaviour Management and SEND. We work closely with Durham SCITT to ensure that all students receive the support and guidance necessary to be successful on their placements.
You will be in your placement schools each week of the school year for 36 weeks. From 3 days per week at the start this will build so you are full time by October half term. You will have two contrasting school placements during the year; around 28 weeks in your main placement school in two block, with a shorter, second placement of 7 / 8 weeks in the Spring Term. On placement, you will be supported by a dedicated 1 to 1 mentor, in addition to a professional tutor. Your mentor will be a subject specialist from your department who has specialist training in developing trainee teachers. They will be your ‘go to’ person who will help you settle into the school, arrange your timetable and provide feedback on your lessons. At Whitburn we believe in keeping our numbers of ITTs students small each so that they can benefit from bespoke support and training that addresses their learning needs to help them progress.
All School Direct students are assessed against the Teachers’ Standards in order to be recommended for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). In your placement schools you will build up an evidence file of lesson observations, feedback, training and a reflective journal which will be used to evidence your progress against the Teacher Standards. You will also complete written assignments for SCITTT which are assessed at Masters level and give you 30 credits towards a Masters in Education. ITT Students who pass both assessment methods will receive a Post Graduate Certificate of Education degree which awards you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which you need to be able to teach in any state maintained school in England and Wales.
