School Direct Herefordshire

School Direct Herefordshire programme is an inspiring and immersive school-centred training route into teaching. We are working with University of Worcester and our partnership schools to create an inclusive and innovative training programme. Our aim is to provide high calibre new teachers for the 21st Century.

As the DFE website explains School Direct courses are designed by groups of schools – with a university or a SCITT. 

Want to see our School Direct Teacher Training programme in action?

Come and meet the team at our open events where you will have the opportunity to meet the staff, children and current School Direct trainees at Lord Scudamore Academy (Hereford).

We currently have a number of School Direct non-salaried positions available. You may apply to train with us through the DFE website.

Successful applicants will have access to teaching experiences at HMFA (Herefordshire Marches Federation of Academies) which consists of 8 primary schools that vary in size. In addition, there are opportunities for placements in our other partnership schools. The teaching experiences will take place in different size schools in urban and rural areas. Trainees work alongside expert teachers and fantastic children.

The School Direct route puts school at the heart of the process and will provide a sustained school experience throughout the year giving success applicants the opportunity to be fully immersed in the school community.

  • Full immersion in the daily life of a school and all the exciting challenges that brings
  • Breadth and depth of experience across a range of schools
  • Outstanding additional opportunities for enrichment and extension
  • A dynamic taught programme, ensuring depth and breadth across all Early Years and Primary subjects
  • Unparalleled personal and academic support throughout the programme and beyond

Want to see our School Direct Teacher Training programme in action? Come and meet the team at our Open Day where you will have the opportunity to meet the staff, children and current School Direct trainees at Lord Scudamore Academy (Hereford).

Thursday 20th April

5:00-6:30pm

For further information on the School Direct programme at HMFA and to book your place at the open day please contact Sarah Carter on 01432 273951

Trainees on the Primary School Direct Training will study the following modules:

 

The Developing Teacher (30 credits at Masters level)

Indicative overview of content

This module looks at your development as a teacher.  It will focus on creating your teacher identity through critically reflective models, experiences and analysis of relevant theories and research. There are three distinct strands. These are:

  • Developing professional behaviours including reflective practice and professionalism;
  • Developing behaviour management including the learning environment and behaviour for learning;
  • Developing inclusive practice.

This is the first assessed module and will help develop your philosophy of teaching.

The Learning Child (30 credits at Masters Level)

Indicative overview of content

This module looks at understanding how to support children to learn. It will focus on understanding how children develop and learn, subject specific pedagogies, adapting teaching to meet different needs of learners and the role of assessment. You will cover all of the core and foundation subjects from the National Curriculum in this module.  There are three distinct strands. These are:

  • Child Development and Learning Theories;
  • Pedagogy and Curriculum (including all core and foundation subjects);
  • Professional Development.

This is the second assessed module and will help you research effective methods of teaching and learning to support all children.

Life in School: School Experience (Qualified Teacher Status)

Indicative overview of content

This module is your School Experience (SE) module and will involve school placements. There is also an enhanced placement (in person or virtually) to further your knowledge and expertise. In order to pass this module, you need to demonstrate that you have met all of the Teachers’ Standards including Part 2. It will also provide you with experiences to aid your reflections and mentoring to support your progress. There are 3 professional development days within the module, designed to support your progress with meeting the Standards. This is the final module which will be assessed at the end of your placements.

 

  • Comprehensive induction programme;
  • Personalised school mentoring and University Tutor support throughout the programme;
  • Taught days at the University with subject specialist university tutors to link theory and classroom; practice and to support research into written assignments;
  • On-going assessment against the Teachers’ Standards;
  • Reflective portfolio of evidence to achieve the Teachers’ Standards

During the School Direct course you will be placed in more than one school. This will ensure that you experience a wide range of settings.

Teaching students may be placed at Lord Scudamore Academy and/or our partnership schools. See the list below of our partnership schools:-

  • Lord Scudamore Academy
  • Kings Caple Primary Academy
  • Llangrove CE Primary School
  • Sutton Primary Academy
  • Marden Primary Academy
  • St Weonards Academy
  • Pencombe CE Primary School
  • Clehonger C of E Primary School

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

  • Honours degree normally (2:2) or higher from a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification. Applicants with a 3rd class degree will be considered on an individual basis.
  • All entrants have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (formerly grade C) in the GCSE examinations in English Language, mathematics and science. (or equivalent) (for 2022 entry, applicants must have these qualifications by the start of the course).

Alternatively, we offer an equivalency test if you don’t have the required GCSE grade to apply for our courses. Trainees who begin courses before providing evidence of the required GCSE standard (or equivalent) will not be eligible for financial incentives, such as bursaries or grants until they achieve the required standard.

Qualifications not listed? Contact the Admissions Office for advice by email: AdmissionsB@worc.ac.uk 

Additional requirements

  • An Enhanced DBS check. You will be sent details of how to apply for your DBS in the summer term. You will need to pay for this.  You may already be part of the DBS update service. Find out about the update service here. As part of the DBS process you will be checked against the Children’s Barred List.
  • A check against the Prohibition List.
  • If you have lived, studied or worked overseas for three months or more in the last five years a Certificate of Good Conduct from the country of residence will be required. Further information and guidance associated with additional costs are available from the Home Office.
  • An online occupational health check. All those on a teacher training programme must be certified as meeting national requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach, as set by the Department for Education.
  • International students: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
  • Other information

     

    • School experience is desirable, but not essential.
    • Interviews will be conducted online. Applicants will be contacted directly with more details.

    All applications for PGCE should be made via the Government’s Find Postgraduate Teacher Training website.

    Additional useful information is available on the Government’s Get Into Teaching website.

    To help you prepare for your interview, you can expect questions covering the following:

    • the role of being a teacher – both the positives and the challenges
    • your ability to identify the skills and qualities a teacher requires
    • your understanding of current issues in education and the wider role of a teacher
    • your knowledge of professionalism and how teachers demonstrate this
    • how schools and teachers keep children safe

    In addition, we are looking for enthusiasm, commitment and potential. Clear communication skills are integral to this which you will have an opportunity to demonstrate throughout the interview.

We currently have a number of School Direct non-salaried positions available.

Applications for PGCE courses should be made online through the government’s Find Postgraduate Teacher Training website.

Visit the Get Into Teaching website for detailed information on how to apply for a PGCE.

Read our How to apply pages for more information on applying and to find out what happens to your application.

For further information on the School Direct programme at HMFA please contact Sarah Carter

You may be able to get help with the costs of teacher training. A student finance package will include a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan. You may also be eligible for extra help if you have children or are disabled.

For information regarding course fees please visit:

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