What are the routes into teaching?

School-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) is a programme for graduates, run by and based in schools.

All SCITT courses offered are PGCE with qualified teacher status (QTS).  As an established training provider we offer CORE training in a range of subjects.

School Direct Salaried

School Direct Training Programme (salaried) is an employment-based route for high-quality experienced graduates with at least three years’ work experience.  You will earn a salary while you train.

Apprenticeship Programme

The new apprenticeship programme which involves a combination of classroom teacher, practical learning and a salary.  This is a unique way of funding your training and it will support you financially through the programme.  In addition, you’ll be required to undertake an end-point assessment (EPA) in the final term to ensure you’re on track to be an effective newly qualified teacher.

PE with EBacc Subject

We are offering places to train in PE along with an EBacc subject. To be eligible to apply you need to have a degree in PE or sports related subject area and you will also need an A level at grade C or above in the EBacc subject you would like to train to teach in. We are particularly looking for candidates who have an A level in history, maths, English or science. You will also need to complete a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course prior to starting the course in the EBacc subject you will be training to teach.  The SKE course will be fully funded and you could receive a government bursary whilst completing it.  Places for PE with EBacc subject are limited, therefore, we recommend you apply as soon as possible.

Our course provides the best of both works combining relevant up to date central training sessions with a high percentage of time spent developing those essential skills where it counts….. in the classroom.  Central training sessions are held in a partnership school where trainees will receive theoretical sessions covering both specialist subject knowledge and professional themes.

An additional feature of our course is the emphasis which we place on the knowledge of Special Educational Needs.  Through our own research, it is evident that this is an element of ITT which is frequently neglected by many providers.  At best they offer their trainees with one or two instructional sessions which is hardly sufficient given the number of children with special educational needs whom we encounter daily within main stream classrooms.  We deliver a minimum of 24 hours central training on SEN to all our trainees and then facilitate the deployment of this knowledge during school diversity placements when trainees will be able to experience, observe and participate in the teaching of children with SEN within a specialist environment.  Our programme is flexible enough to be able to offer a small group of trainees the option to undertake an SEN specialism; it is anticipated that these trainees will have made a conscious decision to pursue a career within Special Education.

In summary the Basingstoke Alliance SCITT offers trainees the opportunity to:

• undertake exceptional training lead by current excellent practitioners
• become familiar with schools and colleagues across the town
• gain first access to available appointments across the town
• develop a SEN specialism which will provide an excellent knowledge base for employment both in mainstream and special school environments be party to an ‘all through’ two year training programme including attendance at ECT residential conference, if they are appointed to an Alliance School.
• obtain Outdoor Leader qualification.
• attend awards ceremony when celebrating PGCE with QTS achievement.

The Basingstoke Alliance SCITT also offers the opportunity to train to teach with a SEN specialism.  Trainees who pursue this option will have their main placement (autumn and summer term) in a secondary special school with their contrasting experience in a secondary mainstream context.

This will enable them to gain first-hand experience in teaching children with SEN within a specialist environment.

The school’s professional themes programme will provide trainees with an opportunity to develop further their knowledge and application of effective teaching and learning of children with SEN.  Applicants interested in pursuing this route should indicate this in their letter of application.

Dove House Academy, Mary Rose Academy, Redwood Park Academy, Littlegreen Academy and Baycroft School provide the SEN placement schools.

Dove House Academy is an 11-19 Moderate Learning Difficulties school (MLD) in Basingstoke, Hampshire.  We provide an outstanding education for over 200 students with SEN.

Student’s needs are wide ranging and include autistic spectrum conditions, social communication needs, developmental delays and physical disabilities.

We follow the National Curriculum and all students work towards national qualifications. Our staff team is outstanding and provide expertise, knowledge, care and support that lead to aspirational outcomes for all students.

We are the lead school in the BASCITT and as such provide a unique insight into the teaching of SEN onto the course.

SAFEGUARDING

The Basingstoke Alliance SCITT together with Dove House Academy (lead school) and its partnership schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all trainees and staff to share this commitment.  We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices also reflect this commitment and at least one member of the interview panel will be Safer Recruitment trained.  All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks that may also include an online search along with our relevant compliancy checks.