Course description
With the Graduate Teacher Programme, you can study for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while also being paid to work as a supernumeracy unqualified teacher. You can train to teach in the primary or secondary age range. For most students there are no fees to pay, and a contribution will be made towards your salary of approximately £14,000. A small number of schools take on GTP trainees and fund both their salary and their training fees.
The University of Sunderland EBR is rated very highly by OFSTED and we have a strong Partnership of schools that work with us throughout the primary and secondary phases in the North East region.
The University will work with the school where you work, together creating an individualised training plan. Most of your training will take be designed and delivered in the school context, but you will also take Level 3 and M Level modules at the University.
You can expect to spend at least one day a week in the University for part or all of the year. You can also expect at least one 20-day placement in another school, which will broaden your experience.
During the year, you will gradually build up the amount of time that you teach. You will be observed regularly by colleagues in school and by tutors from the University.
By the end of the year, you should have gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as well as having earned a salary. Your QTS is a nationally recognised qualification and your employment prospects will therefore be excellent. You will have also built up a network of professional contacts - fellow trainees and working teachers in schools.
All applicants to this course are required to have undergone the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure process prior to commencement of study on their chosen programme.
Applicants are also required to complete a medical pro forma.
The provision of DES Circular 9/93 concerning the disclosure of criminal convictions of those with access to children apply to all Education programmes.
Course Content
The content depends on your particular needs, which are defined by an Initial Needs. You will work towards the national standards that have been laid down by the Training and Development Agency for Schools.
Your training plan will be devised and largely delivered by the school in which you work, although you will also attend module sessions at the University. You will work closely with an identified mentor to make sure that the training suits you an the school.
Teaching and Assessment
Assessment is through university-based modules, observation of teaching and compilation of a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates that you have met the required standards laid down by the TDA/DCSF. Trainees must also take and pass the QTS computer based tests in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT.
Most teaching/training takes place in the school context based on individual needs as laid down in the Individual Training Plan. Trainees will also access appropriate modules at the University.
Work Experience
The main part of your placement will be in your employing school for most of the year, but you would be expected to undertake at least one additional placement in another school for a minimum of 20 days.
Career Opportunities
As the programme suggests you main career step will be to gain Qualified Teacher Status. As a holder of Qualified Teacher Status, you will be able to undertake secondary teaching posts throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, and employment prospects are excellent.
Supplemental Information
The Training and Development Agency for School (TDA) will fund up to £14,000 towards your salary and make a contribution towards your training costs. For most students there will be no fees to pay.
A small number of schools take on GTP trainees and undertake to fund all their training salary and fees - these are known as 'self-funded' places.
