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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
  • Support of at least three different mentors

How long is the course?

If you choose the full-time course, it is one year. If you choose the part-time course, it will be over two academic years. You can read more about how the part-time courses operate here.

Every year, our induction training runs over three 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 will gain experience and an understanding of at least four school years. 

What qualification will I get at the end?

If you successfully complete the course, 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.

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.

Will I automatically gain a PGCE? 

All fee-paying trainees work towards a QTS and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. However, salaried trainees work towards QTS only. Both routes are equally promoted and valued and we have found that schools will want to employ great teachers regardless.

Who awards the PGCE?

Anglia Ruskin University

 

 

 

Anglia Ruskin University accredits the Postgraduate Certificate in Education element of our course. You do not need to regularly travel to the university - all your learning will still be at your placement school and in our training sessions online or in Braintree. You will, however, be invited to attend the university's graduation ceremony.

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
  • Trainees following the School Direct (fee-paying) and SCITT route also work towards the PGCE

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 school 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 Programme Director.

What resources can I access?

Trainee teachers can borrow books from our well-stocked professional development library at Notley High School.