Graduate Teacher Programme

The course begins at the start of the autumn term (early September) and normally lasts for three terms. The training period ends after final assessment in June, but most schools employ their trainees until the end of the school year.

After an induction period trainees are introduced to a gradually increasing timetable of teaching, ranging from 25% in term 1 to 80% in term three.

Trainees are assessed in two consecutive key stages and, for secondary, one subject area.

Throughout their training, trainees are assessed by the placement school and the Graduate Teacher Programme Mentor, who represents the Accredited Provider. Qualified Teacher Status is awarded upon the successful completion of the training programme, normally 3 terms.

In order to achieve Qualified Teacher Status trainees are judged against the standards as set out in "Professional Standards for Teachers: Qualified Teacher Status". The standards cover 3 key areas and trainees have to provide evidence to show that they have met the standards for:

  • Professional attributes
  • Professional knowledge and understanding
  • Professional skills

The GT Programme is designed to be flexible and to meet the needs of each individual, according to their prior experience. However, competence must be demonstrated in all standards.

Trainees are assessed by a process of continual assessment. Termly graded reports are made by the school and GT Mentor jointly. An end of year assessment takes place at the end of the programme, and if successful QTS is recommended. This is subsequently awarded by the General Teaching Council for England and Wales.

Trainees must demonstrate evidence of having met all QTS standards. This is achieved through:

  • regular observation of the trainee's teaching
  • a compilation of a portfolio of evidence (at least 3 pieces of evidence are required for each of the standards)
  • a reflective journal
  • 3 assignments covering a range of topics.

    Trainees undertake the majority of their training in the placement school, but in order to meet the standards visits to other phases are necessary as is a second placement of between 4 – 12 weeks in a different school. 
    Trainees who wish to gain experience in a special school may do so for up to one term but will also be required to complete at least two terms in a main stream school.

 

About the scheme