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A different way of becoming a teacher
A Taste of Teaching Days
Come and visit The Learning Institute South West on our introductory 'taster' days - meet the team and discover more about training to be a teacher in Cornwall on our school-based PGCE course! Contact Jacky Olver on [email protected] or 01579 386123 to find out the latest dates.
Train to be a Teacher in Cornwall, Devon & the South West
The Learning Institute South West’s Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a one-year SCITT programme that is entirely school-based across Cornwall and Devon. Teacher trainees will have access to invaluable school classroom experience that will equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to become a teacher.
Outstanding schools recognised for their work in initial teacher training
The Learning Institute South West is a partnership of schools and academies in the South West. These schools have driven national initiatives, developed high quality research programmes and led innovative projects on pupil aspirations and staff motivation. They are colleges with outstanding records of success in providing excellent education for young people and trainee teachers.
The award of Qualified Teacher Status as part of PGCE
The Learning Institute South West PGCE programme leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The programme is designed to help trainees develop their teaching skills and improve their subject knowledge. It meets the requirements of the TDA and is founded on the national standards for qualified teacher status - these can be found on the TDA website.
The course is validated by the University of Exeter and leads to an Exeter PGCE. The award of PCGE and QTS are made together and trainees must meet the requirements of the PGCE to receive qualified teacher status. The Learning Institute South West PGCE award carries credits at masters level (Level 7) which can be used towards a full masters degree with further study completed with an accredited provider.
The Learning Institute South West Programme
The Learning Institute South West programme is wholly school-based. We feel that this is the best way to experience all aspects of life in a school, learning to teach from excellent, practising teachers. The 2012/13 programme runs from September 2012 to July 2013.
As a trainee you will have a special link with two schools where you will gain your classroom experience. You will attend lead sessions about key aspects of teaching, and tutorials to help you develop your teaching skills subject knowledge. In class you will have the support of experienced tutors and the opportunity for paired teaching with other trainees.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a Professional Portfolio in which you will build evidence of how you are meeting the standards for qualified teacher status. This evidence will include observations of your teaching and written assignments where you will show your understanding of the profession. Your classroom experience will increase in each successive term of the programme as your confidence and ability develop.
As part of the University of Exeter PGCE programme, you will be expected to complete a research assignment based on teaching and learning. These focus on how to improve student learning and relate to a trainee's classroom practice.
Meeting individual needs
In the The Learning Institute South West we recognise that each trainee teacher has individual needs. Our programme is designed to help meet your needs whether they are in subject knowledge, teaching skills or other aspects of professional practice. The process of auditing needs starts at interview. Shortly after you are offered a place on the programme, we will contact you to agree pre-course tasks and reading. This is the start of a process of audit, learning and review which directs your development towards qualified teacher status.
Support for trainees
Staff in The Learning Institute South West schools will give every support to trainees on the programme. We welcome you and wish you to succeed. We also want you to enjoy your time with us. As a trainee you will have a subject specialist tutor and a general tutor in each of the schools you are attached to. We will provide you with access to web-connected computers and full technical support. We ensure that trainees can access books and journals to support their study.
Becoming a subject specialist teacher
The Learning Institute South West programme is offered in 10 specialist subject areas.
Courses covering key stages 3 and 4 (focus on teaching 11 - 16 year olds):
• Information and Communications Technology
• Mathematics
• Modern Foreign Languages
• Combined Science
• Science with Chemistry
• Science with Physics
• Science with Biology
Courses covering key stages 4 and 5 (focus on teaching 14 - 19 year olds):
• Applied Business Studies
• Health and Social Care
• Media Studies
Entry requirements
General entry requirements for all intial teacher training courses in secondary are:
• A degree relevant to the subject studied from a recognised university (2:2 or above)
• GCSE in English and mathematics at grade C (or equivalent)
Specific subject requirements include:
• Applied Business Studies - relevant work experience is an advantage
• Health and Social Care - relevant work experience is an advantage
• Media Studies - relevant work experience is an advantage
• Modern Foreign Languages - degree and/or experience in languages
• Science - qualifications in biology, chemistry or physics but the applicant must show capacity to improve subject knowledge in subjects not studied
Applying for mathematics - subject knowledge enhancement courses
Some students may need to take advantage of Mathematics Subject Knowledge Enhancement Courses prior to starting the course. For example, you may have an A level in Maths, and a degree with a majority of modules that are not mathematics related.
You would need to apply for your Initial Teacher Training Course with us, and be accepted for the September 2012 start. At this point, we may set a condition of completing a Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course before you start your Initial Teacher Training Course.
There are two courses available in the local area which can be completed before September 2012:
A 6 unit course (MEC) running from 16th April to 13th July. This is a full time course and has a bursary of £2400.
A 1 unit course running from 16th July to 27th July. This is a full time course and has a bursary of £400.
Please contact us for more information on these courses if you feel you would benefit from some subject knowledge enhancement before you start your training.
Expectations of trainees
Trainees on all courses leading to qualified teacher status must meet the requirements for professional values and practice set out in the national standards. This includes high standards of dress and behaviour. The Learning Institute South West will treat trainees in the same way as all members of staff. Trainees on the Learning Institute South West Programme will be expected to attend for the full period of the course and to observe the same standards of punctuality as teachers. Prospective applicants who are unclear about the professional expectations of teachers should seek opportunities to spend time in schools before applying.
Student Finance
Tuition fees for 2012-13 are £9000.
The table below summarises the financial incentive scheme that will operate in 2012/13:
|
Physics, mathematics, chemistry, modern foreign languages |
Information and communications technology, biology |
General science, business studies, health and social care, media studies |
| Training bursary 2012/13 |
Trainee
with 1st |
£20,000 |
£9,000 |
£0 |
| 2:1 |
£15,000 |
£5,000 |
£0 |
| 2:2 |
£12,000 |
£0 |
£0 |
If you would like any further details or assistance, please feel free to contact our resident Student Finance expert Claire King (claire[email protected]).
Upcoming Taster Days!
We regularly hold Taster Days at Callington Community College in Cornwall (where we are based) for prospective students and encourage you to attend, as it will give you an insight into teacher training.
Please contact Jacky Olver on i[email protected] or 01579 386123 for more details.
Visit our 'How to Apply' page to learn more about how to begin your teacher training.
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