The Full-Time Course
The most typical way for a person to train as a teacher with us is on the full-time, fee-paying course.
Fee-paying courses are sometimes referred to as 'SCITT' (school-centred initial teacher training), 'provider-led' or 'School Direct' courses.
Although there are tuition fees to pay, some subjects are eligible for a government-funded bursary of up to £29,000. Upon successfully completing the fee-paying course, trainees will be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
This route is suitable for candidates who have not had much (or any) school experience, as the course will start off with a period of observation and then build up to teaching, with a timetable that increases steadily. Trainees on this route will always have a mentor in the room with them. Trainees will have two placement schools: one 'A placement' school, and a second, shorter, 'B placement' school.
Our full-time course lasts ten months from September to June, whereas the flexible part-time course lasts up to two years.
Below is an outline of how it all typically works. For details on the alternative routes, visit the pages listed.
Tell me about the course....
- There is a combination of school-based training & provider-led training
- You will train in two different schools
- We will prepare you to teach ages 11-16 with post-16 enhancement (in a majority of subjects offered)
- You will have a visit to a primary school
- You will also visit a special educational needs school
- Core Training takes place every Thursday morning
- Subject Expert Training takes place every Thursday afternoon
- You will have the support of at least three different mentors
How long is the course?
If you choose the full-time course, it is one academic year. If you choose the part-time course, it will be up to over two academic years. You can read more about how the part-time courses operate here.
Every year, our induction training runs over two days in July. You will then start in your placement school at the beginning of September.
What ages will I teach?
Mid Essex ITT offers courses in secondary teacher training only. Depending on which subject you train in, we will prepare you to teach across the 11-16 age range, with a post-16 enhancement or the 14 -19 age range if you are training in Business Studies, Psychology or Media Studies. Across the two school placements, all trainees must have gained experience and an understanding of at least four school years.
What qualification will I get at the end?
If you successfully complete the course on the fee-paying route, you will be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE. We currently offer a Level 7 PGCE programme which will enable you to gain 120 credits - 60 of these credits can be used towards further study at Master's level. Read more about the PGCE here. Salaried trainees usually work towards QTS only
Is QTS of equal value to a PGCE?
QTS is the professional qualification that is required to teach in state schools in England and Wales. However, regulations vary in different countries – some insist on the academic qualification of PGCE. If you intend to teach abroad you should check the regulations in the relevant country.
How am I assessed?
In order to be awarded QTS and a PGCE, you will have the following assessments throughout the year:
- Observation of your lessons
- Completion of tasks aligned with the Mid Essex ITT curriculum
- Assignments and Action Research
We will then make a final judgement as to whether you have met all eight of the Teachers' Standards at the end of the course.
What support will I receive?
At your placement schools you will receive support from a Mentor (a teacher in your chosen subject) and a Professional Tutor. You will also see a Lead Subject Tutor once a week for additional subject-specific training. You will also receive support from our three Course Tutors and the Director and Assistant Director.
What resources can I access?
Trainee teachers can borrow books from our well-stocked professional development library at Notley High School. PGCE students will also have access to the library at Anglia Ruskin University.
