The Primary SCITT course

This is a full time course lasting for one academic year. The course lasts 38 weeks (190 days) from September through to July. 110 days are spent in at least 2 schools and 80 days spent on centre-based work including lectures, tutorials, lesson preparation and assignments. The emphasis is on applying and developing skills of teaching in your specialist areas.

You may choose between two specialist areas of study:

Early Years Education across the 3 – 7 age range or

Primary Education at Key Stage 1 and 2 (5-11 age range)

Additionally you will be required to study 7 modules which fall under three main headings:
• The National Curriculum, RE in Key Stages 1 & 2
• “Key Aspects” (such as special educational needs, teachers and the law, cultural diversity)
• Professional Studies and models of learning and teaching.

Everyone follows the whole course. If there are particular gaps in your knowledge and skills you will be provided with additional opportunities and support to reach the expected level of competence.  Primary specialists will have placements in both Key Stages 1 and 2 and the Early Years specialism encompasses teaching placements in Key Stage 1 as well as the Foundation Stage and requires trainees to develop strong subject knowledge for teaching throughout the primary age phase.  By the end of the course you will have to show that you meet DfES requirements and the national standards to gain qualified teacher status together with the University criteria to be awarded a PGCE. Assessment will be by written assignments for most modules, lesson observation during teaching practice and a portfolio of evidence matched to the standards. On successful completion of your studies you will be awarded a Professional Graduate Certificate of Education with Qualified Teacher Status.

You will, of course, be guided through this process by mentors and tutors. The Programme Leader will monitor individual progress, particularly in developing the portfolio.

You will be supported by your school based mentor and the Programme Leaders will have oversight of the whole course. Modules will be tutored by staff from the partners. All of these professionals are very keen that you successfully complete the course and will, therefore, do all they can to guide you through the course.

If you have any problems your school-based mentor, the Programme Leader or any one of the partners in whom you feel able to confide or who you think can help to resolve the problem are always available to help. You can have access to the professional counsellors at UCS if you feel you need them.

Tuition fees for Primary SCITT will be £2,700 for Sept 2008.  Enquiries about grants and payment of fees should be made to your Local Authority. Financial support is administered by the Student Loan Company.

 A government bursary of £4,000 is paid to you in 9 monthly payments of £444.44 while you are studying. If you leave before completion of the course the payments will cease immediately.

Lists of accommodation are available in July from UCS. You will be expected to pay for your own local travel – we shall make every effort to keep the costs as low as possible.

Apply for Primary SCITT