We aim to develop our trainees into practical, resilient, independent,
professional and reflective teachers.
Our programmes encourage trainees to learn from the experience and
enquiry of others.
Research provides both a better understanding of existing practice and a
launching pad for innovation. Trainees will increasingly regard research and
practice as mutually supporting, developing habits of thinking that will
continue to support their development as teachers throughout their careers.
A blend of in-school training from good or outstanding practitioners and
centrally delivered training will provide you with a quality programme of
learning.
We hope the following information helps you decide your next steps forward
to becoming a teacher
For further information please contact Chris Ludlow, cludlow@bucksteachingschool.org.uk
SCHOOL DIRECT TRAINING PROGRAMME
Interested in a Career in Teaching?
Do you want to have a career that involves you in making a real difference to the lives of
young people? Do you want to work alongside colleagues who are passionate about
learning? Do you like to face a new challenge every day?
If the answer to these questions is ‘Yes’ perhaps teaching is the profession for you. Being a
teacher is one of the most rewarding jobs you could have. At BTSP we can start you on a
career to develop skills that will enable you to become a teacher. Not only will you help to
give children and young people the best possible start but you can empower them so that
they can be successful and contribute positively to the society they live in.
What is School Direct?
Our new innovative school based teacher training route allows trainees to work alongside
outstanding practitioners and spend a great proportion of their time training in the
classroom and in school. A bespoke school led training programme will meet your individual
needs. There is an expectation that trainees, should they meet the required standards, will
be offered their first full time teaching post in one of our partner schools.
Buckinghamshire Teaching School Partnership offer places for Primary and Secondary
trainee teachers. Salaried places are limited. We have a range of schools working with us
and we are able to offer a bespoke training package to meet your individual needs.
BTSP offer places for Primary and Secondary trainee teachers. For 2015/16 two types of
School Direct training places are available:
1. The School Direct Training Programme, which is open to all graduates and funded by
tuition fees paid by the trainee, who may receive a bursary from the Department for
Education.
2. The School Direct Training Programme (salaried), which is an employment based
route into teaching for high quality graduates with three or more years’ career
experience. The trainee is employed as an unqualified teacher by a school. The
Department for Education provides funding, which the school can use to subsidise
the trainee’s salary and/or training.
For more information on School Direct and the funding options available visit:
http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching
SCHOOL DIRECT TRAINING PROGRAMME
Why BTSP should be your first choice:
 Be part of a leading Teaching School
 Application through UCAS at the end of October 2014 managing all undergraduate
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admissions
Candidate applies – 40 day turn around
Teaching experience through placements in good or outstanding mainstream
provision and special school provision across Aylesbury – know your placement
school before you start
Academic tuition from both University staff and Outstanding school based
practitioners
In 2015 our training partners will be Oxford Brookes
University http://www.education.brookes.ac.uk/Partnerships/SCITTS-and-Schooldirect/
School based training complemented by BTSP professional development programme
Excellent local venue for training
School based training induction and support from Outstanding teachers trained as
mentors
Opportunities to bespoke your own practice through visits to other schools in the
partnership to deepen your awareness of school based practice
Opportunities to visit schools in different phases and sectors beyond your placement
schools
You will work towards QTS and have the opportunity of gaining PGCE
Subject to local school needs we can customise and diversify training to suit priorities
You will qualify as an outstanding teacher who is also able to bring excellent subject
knowledge to a first teaching post
Future access to the Newly Qualified Teacher Programme, including opportunities to
study for Masters qualifications
Support in finding future employment
SCHOOL DIRECT TRAINING PROGRAMME
For 2015-16 we have the following places:
21 x Salaried placements at the Primary Schools
13 x Student placements at the Primary Schools
3 x English Salaried placements (Aylesbury Grammar, Highcrest Academy & The Chiltern Way
Federation)
1 x Geography Salaried placement (The Chiltern Way Federation)
1 x Maths Salaried placement (Highcrest Academy)
8 x Maths Student placements (Aylesbury Grammar, John Colet, The Grange, Aylesbury High,
Highcrest Academy, Sir William Ramsay, Pebblebrook and The Chiltern Way Federation)
5 x English Student placements (Aylesbury Grammar, John Colet, The Grange, Highcrest
Academy and Sir William Ramsay)
5 x Physical Education Student placements (Aylesbury Grammar, John Colet, The Grange,
Aylesbury High and Highcrest Academy)
4 x Drama Student placements (Aylesbury Grammar, The Grange, Aylesbury High and
Highcrest Academy)
3 x Biology Student placements (The Grange, Highcrest Academy and Sir William Ramsay)
2 x Chemistry Student placements (Aylesbury Grammar and Highcrest Academy)
3x Religious Education Student placements (John Colet, Aylesbury High and Highcrest
Academy)
2 x Geography Student placements (Aylesbury High and Highcrest Academy)
3 x History Student placements (John Colet, Aylesbury High and Highcrest Academy)
2 x Business Studies Student placements (The Grange and Highcrest Academy)
3 x Modern Foreign Languages Student placements (The Grange, Highcrest Academy and
John Colet)
2 x Art and Design Student placements (John Colet and Highcrest Academy)
3 x Computer Science Student placements (John Colet, Highcrest Academy and Pebblebrook)
2 x Physics Student placements (John Colet and Highcrest Academy)
2 x Design and Technology Student placements (Highcrest Academy and Pebblebrook)
1 x Engineering Student placement (Highcrest Academy)
The schools offer an exciting bespoke opportunity to experience school based training within
the Aylesbury Vale local area. BTSP is at the forefront of the new teacher training initiatives.
You will be joining us and be part of our journey at this exciting time as we develop our next
generation of outstanding teachers.
The Schools/settings working in partnership with BTSP for Schools Direct
Our School Direct route is delivered in partnership with Oxford Brookes University.
When applying for a place with us you should apply via the UCAS website to Bucks Teaching
School. Our provider is Oxford Brookes University.
Our Partner primary schools are as follows:
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Ashmead
Bearbrook
St Mary’s Amersham
Bedgrove Infant
Haydon Abbey
St John’s Lacey Green
Elmhurst
Great Missenden
Haddenham St Marys
Long Crendon
Oak Green
Padbury
Spinfield
Bedgrove Junior
Turnfurlong Infant
Our partner secondary schools are as follows:
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Aylesbury Grammar
Aylesbury High
Chiltern Way Federation (Special)
Highcrest Academy
John Colet
The Grange
Sir William Ramsay
Pebble Brook School (Special)
Entry requirements for BTSP 2015/16
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GCSE at grade C or above in English, Mathematics and a science subject (Science is
for primary only), or an equivalent qualification
Degree in relevant subject (1st, 2.1, 2.2)
Relevant classroom experience and the ability to demonstrate a commitment to
working with children
Further experience of working with children
See Person Specification for BTSP trainees
Skills Tests
If you are applying for a teacher training course, you will need to take the numeracy and
literacy skills tests as part of the application process, and ensure you have passed them both
before the start of the course.
The first attempt at taking your skills tests in each subject is provided free of charge. You can
book up to two resits if required, but you will be expected to pay.
You can book your tests in advance for a date by which you are expecting to have submitted
an application. When you take the tests you will need to provide proof that you have applied
for a teacher training course. The tests are held at a Pearson Professional Test Centre (which
also delivers Driving Theory tests, so you may be familiar with them already).
BTSP will use the skills tests results to help them decide the suitability of an applicant, so
candidates should ensure that they take the tests before interview for the best possible
chance of a successful application. For more details on skills tests visit
http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/apply-for-teacher-training/skills-tests.aspx
Bursaries
Funding for postgraduate teacher training is available for eligible graduates on the nonsalaried school direct programme. If you are on the non-salaried programme you will have
to pay tuition fees. Home and EU students may be eligible for a tuition fee loan to cover the
cost of tuition fees charged. This is available through Student Finance England.
You can calculate an estimate of your loan repayments on the GOV.UK website.
Training bursaries are available for eligible trainees who are not on the salaried route.
Bursary amounts will vary depending on teacher training subject and degree class or highest
relevant academic qualification.
For more information http://www.education.gov.uk/get-intoteaching/funding/postgraduate-funding
About this Training Programme
This is a one year full time training course which runs from the beginning of September to
the end of June. The course is tailored to individual needs and students will progress from
observing to leading lessons across the full range of primary subjects. An emphasis on
developing reflective practice underpins all aspects of professional learning. Modules
covered include:
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Motivating and engaging learners
Lesson planning
Behaviour management
Assessment for learning
Special educational needs and disabilities
Subject knowledge and curriculum development Inclusion and differentiation
Professional Development
Trainees are based in a main placement school for most of the course, with a six week
placement in a contrasting school during the spring term. Training is led by school-based
mentors who guide trainees through an individual training plan. This is supplemented by
centrally provided training, a visiting tutor and online support.
Assessment
The course will be assessed through a range of formative and summative assessment
strategies. Students are required to compile an online portfolio and reflective commentary
outlining their progress towards meeting the Teachers’ Standards, together with two
assignments of 5000 words each. Evidence from lesson observations, lesson plans and
teaching files all contribute to the assessment process.
Assessment for QTS and PGCE will be carried out by Oxford Brookes University.
Costs
QTS only £7000
QTS + PGCE £9000 (trainees on salaried route would be required to pay £2000 for PGCE, not
lead school)
Person Specification for Trainee Teacher (Schools
Direct)
Essential
Education,
Training and
Experience
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Desirable
1st/2:1 degree or equivalent. 2:2 degree Additional SEN
Qualification
may be considered in exceptional
Further/continued CPD
circumstances. In secondary at least
50% of the content of the degree should
be in the subject in which the applicant
is applying to train.
At least grade C in GCSE English
Language and GCSE Mathematics, or
equivalent, at the time of application.
At least grade C in Science (for Primary).
Level 2 Literacy and Level 2 Numeracy
are NOT equivalent qualifications.
All candidates applying for initial
teacher training (ITT) courses beginning
after 1st July 2013 are required to have
passed the literacy and numeracy
professional tests before starting
teacher training
Evidence of commitment to own
professional development
Recent (i.e. since January 2012),
extensive experience as a classroom
practitioner
Clear understanding of the role of the
teacher, and the time commitment the
job requires
Good knowledge of the current
curriculum in the applicants chosen
area/subject
Experience of working within a team
Professional
Knowledge,
Understanding
and Skills
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Excellent communication skills,
especially communicating with children.
Ability to work well with parents and
carers
Able to motivate pupils with a
commitment to using inclusion
strategies to maximize the potential of
all pupils.
Using a positive approach to promote
learning and excellent behaviour
Confident and competent user of ICT
High standard of written and spoken
English, including a clear speaking voice
and good presentation skills
Excellent organisational skills
Confidence, initiative, self-motivation,
perseverance and resilience
The ability to work effectively in high
performing teams, working under
pressure, meeting deadlines and
securing professional relationships with
both staff and children
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Support for an
enriched curriculum
through out of hours
learning and
educational visits
Essential
Professional
Values
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Personal
Qualities
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Desirable
High expectations of everyone
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Willingness to use a variety of teaching
strategies to engage all learners
Learning being creative and fun
A commitment to practical learning
Commitment to the personal welfare
and safeguarding of children
Commitment to equal opportunities and
raising standards
Values and behaviours suitable for
working with children and young
people.
Passionate about Learning and Teaching
Displays warmth, care and sensitivity in
dealing with children
Open minded, self-evaluative and
adaptable to changing circumstances
and new ideas
Able to enthuse and reflect upon
experience
Willingness to be involved in the wider
life of the school
Ability to work cooperatively and
collaboratively
Have good organisational skills and be
able to manage a diverse workload
Good interpersonal/communication
skills
Ability to maintain a good sense of
humour, a willingness to learn and to
continue to strive for excellence
Very good attendance record
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Support for an
enriched curriculum
through out of hours
learning and
educational visits
Insight into what is
important in our
schools
Brings personal
interests and
enthusiasms to the
school community