Graduate Teacher Programme

Employment-based Initial Teacher Training

Trainees spend a whole year employed by a high quality school, training to be a teacher as they work.

Campus Chester
Course Employment-based Initial Teacher Training
Length Normally one academic year but less in exceptional circumstances. Full-time
Start dates September 2011
September 2012

The university provides support sessions and a tutor to support an individualised training programme for each candidate.

Why study this course?

This course prepares you for the award of Qualified Teacher Status as you work as an unqualified teacher.

It is designed for those who have experience working with children in school OR who wish to change careers. You will earn while you learn.

The course requires you to be self motivated and an independent learner. You will need good subject knowledge in the areas you wish to teach.

Features

  • Experienced partnership schools in the local area support the programme
  • Your previous experience is taken into account
  • You contribute to the design of your training plan
  • Your school provides many of the learning opportunities you need
  • You must have placement in a second school and be assessed in two key stages
Next: Modules

Programme Structure

60 days must be spent in structured training activities; the university support programme is half a day most weeks.

Next: Assessment

The Standards for QTS must be met by the end of the programme. Assessment involves practical teaching, audits of subject knowledge, assignments and completion of a standard portfolio of evidence. Trainees are assessed against the Ofsted Grading Criteria.

Next: Careers

As this is a vocational programme, those gaining the qualification typically enter the teaching profession.

Next: Entry requirements

To be eligible for the programme you must:

  • normally hold a first degree (minimum of a 2:1 degree for Primary and 2.2 for Secondary)
  • hold GCSEs in Maths and English Language at grade C or above (or equivalent). Applicants for primary teaching will also need GCSE in a Science subject at grade C or above (or equivalent)
  • obtain a satisfactory Enhanced CRB Disclosure and Health Declaration.
  • provide an academic reference and/or work-based reference.


You will need to find a school willing to employ you for the length of your training on the Graduate Teacher Programme. You must be aware that there is no obligation for the school to employ you at the end of the training, or that you remain with the school once your training has finished.

Beginning: Overview

Who to contact

  • For admission enquiries

    PGCE Admissions
    T:
    01244 511000 - Please ask for PGCE Admissions
    enquiries@chester.ac.uk

  • For enquiries about course content

    Faculty of Education and Children's Services
    T:
    01244 511596
    education@chester.ac.uk