Teaching practice and partner schools
We work very closely with our outstanding partner schools to carefully craft inspiring and innovative initial teacher training programmes. The School Direct route is underpinned by a coaching and mentoring model to ensure you receive the highest quality teacher training experience. Throughout your training you will have regular built in opportunities to observe and learn from outstanding teaching in a range of contexts.
Our partner schools include a range of settings from rural to inner city. You will practice teaching at least two schools and across two key stages based on your entry pathway.
The course is designed with periods in University where you will: develop a Masters' level understanding for the complex nature of teaching and learning; be taught by expert University tutors; and come together in peer group subject communities to reflect on your professional development as a trainee teacher. You will be allocated a personal Pedagogy and Professional Practice (PPP) tutor who will oversee your training journey and act as one of the key links in this.
In each school you will be supported by a Lead Mentor, as well as your class teacher and University Supervisory Tutor. Your progress will be supported and developed by this key team as part of a three way tripartite model, underpinned by professional dialogue between trainee, School and university. You will receive an inspiring range of additional professional development across your training for example Early Years conferences, training in Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOPS) and recognised external speakers. Your progress and development will be regularly reviewed with additional support and enrichment and extension for high performing trainees. Throughout your training your Reflective Portfolio (RP) will enable you to gather evidence of your professional development against the Teaching Standards Parts1 and 2.