Why Choose West Ipswich Teaching School
The West Ipswich Teaching School are offering an exciting and innovative School Direct Initial Teacher Training programme. School Direct is a path into teaching and is a great opportunity to gain the qualifications and practical skills you need to become a teacher. It is an innovative school-based teacher training route where trainees work with outstanding schools and practitioners within the WIT gaining on the job experience.
West Ipswich Teaching School is a hub of two outstanding and inclusive schools. We have a proven history of developing quality early years practice in Ipswich and across Suffolk specialising in SEND.
The West Ipswich Teaching School are offering an exciting and innovative School Direct Initial Teacher Training programme. School Direct is a path into teaching and is a great opportunity to gain the qualifications and practical skills you need to become a teacher. Ours is an innovative school-based teacher training route where trainees work with outstanding schools and practitioners within the WIT alliance gaining on the job experience. An application through our alliance will give a duality of benefits. In addition you will have your core training through SCITT which has an outstanding reputation providing a quality start for your career in a dynamic and exciting career.
WIT will be able to provide extra input which will be extremely beneficial in preparation for the demands of the classroom. We provide:
Why train with us?
Do you want to get into schools early and start to practice teaching as soon as possible?
Do you want to be part of a very supportive cohort of trainees who receive personal support from committed, experienced and enthusiastic tutors?
If so, you might want to consider training with us. Suffolk and Norfolk Primary SCITT Tuition has an excellent reputation for providing high quality training and support for all trainees.In 2017, 68% of trainees graduated with a grade of ‘outstanding’, the perfect start to any teaching career. The programme has been rated by Ofsted as 'outstanding' in the last two consecutive inspections. We feature on the Ofsted website as a good practice example and our SCITT programme has been listed regularly in the top twenty teacher training providers in the country (‘Good Teacher Training Guide’ published by Buckingham University). The programme offers excellent employment prospects with 96% of our trainees gaining teaching posts on completion of training in the last two years. The course offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with 60 Masters Level credits as well as Qualified Teacher Status. Our geographical location means that you have the choice to trainin either Norfolk or Suffolk with training bases in Norwich and Ipswich.
The one-year PGCE programme, starts in school from the second week of term so that trainees have practical experience from the start of the course. Trainees are supported by school mentors who are enthusiastic, committed and well-trained individuals. The centre based training is provided by expert trainers, many of whom are still serving teachers.Ofsted 2013 commented on our ‘highly personalised training that is carefully tailored at every step to maximise trainee progress and enhance their confidence and wellbeing’. The training includes 3 placements in 2 contrasting schools over the course of the year combined with 66 days in centre training.
All trainees have a personal tutor who is committed to supporting each trainee over their training year. This includes weekly email contact, visits to observe teaching and end of term progress interviews. Ofsted 2013 commented on the ‘very high-quality pastoral and academic support for trainees which results in outstanding outcomes’. Trainees are overwhelmingly positive about every aspect of the course as evidenced by trainee exit questionnaires and Ofsted.
We offer multiple specialisms in General Primary, Early Years, Special Needs or Key Stage 2. We provide a unique opportunity across Norfolk and Suffolk for trainees to immerse themselves in a diverse range of teaching and training experiences which by the final term are highly personalised.
Entry Requirements
GCSEs
GCSE English Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)
GCSE Mathematics Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)
GCSE Science Grade C or above (or equivalent)
You need to have your English and Maths GCSE qualifications before you apply, but we will accept a pending result for GCSE Science. (Please note that Level 2 Adult Numeracy and Literacy are not accepted as equivalents)
Degree
A UK first degree (or equivalent). Honours Degree, normally 2.2 or better (or equiv. 360 CAT points)
If your qualifications were not gained in the UK, you can visit the National Academic Register Centre (NARIC) website to find out whether your qualifications are equivalent to UK GCSEs and degrees. Please note that the responsibility is on you to prove that your qualifications are equivalent and you must include a NARIC statement with your application verifying this.
Professional Skills Tests
If you are thinking of 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 before the start of the course. When you take the tests, you will need to provide proof that you have applied for a teacher training 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 for these yourself. If you are unsuccessful on the third attempt, you will be unable to begin your training and cannot re-sit the tests for 24 months.
For this reason, applicants are advised to use the online guidance and practice resources first before sitting the tests and may also like to attend our skills test preparation sessions prior to sitting. We strongly advise applicants to contact Suffolk and Norfolk SCITT before attempting tests for the second time to seek support and training first.
If any candidate is likely to experience difficulties taking a test and has needs that entitle them to reasonable adjustments, they can apply for special arrangements.
Disclosure and Barring Service
It is a condition of all ITT courses that trainees must have a satisfactory enhanced DBS check before commencing training.
Arrangements for completing DBS check applications will be explained as part of the selection and induction process.
Your Health
All PGCE trainee teachers must meet the Secretary of State's requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach. We welcome applications from people with disabilities. Candidates offered a place must complete a health declaration form. If this reveals a need, Primary SCITT Tuition provides appropriate adjustments, which may include particular school placements, and other support and monitoring during the course.
Recent School Experience
All Suffolk and Norfolk SCITT programmes will require potential trainees to have some recent school experience.
They should have completed at least 10 working days in a UK school within the age range or phase for which they intend to train. If possible, they should also seek to spend some time in schools or colleges which cater for the ages preceding or succeeding the relevant phase.
For more information please look on our website at www.suffolkandnorfolkscitt.co.uk
What we are looking for
We are looking for committed, resilient individuals who are ready to undertake an exciting but rigorous training year. We are interested in recruiting people who are passionate and enthusiastic about children's learning and have a desire to promote the best outcomes for children of all abilities within the primary age range. This will be demonstrated by meaningful experience of working with young people of this age. This does not need to be paid work but might be helping with a sports team, drama group or youth club. You need to be open to constructive feedback and see it as a tool to help you to achieve your potential by the end of the year. You must be organised and self-motivate as although there is lots of support, you also need to be focused on the commitment involved within this training year.
How we select our trainees
The Primary Tuition SCITT team will be co-ordinating the recruitment process with their partnership school Headteachers. You will lead a 10-minute teaching activity in a partnership school. If this this is successful, you will also have a formal interview.
There is an additional requirement to attend the SCITT centre for a half day to undertake some short written tests and some interpersonal tasks. This may be before or after the interview. We will correspond with you via email.
You will need to bring your original degree and GCSE English, Maths and Science certificates alongwithidentififcation appropriate for an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.
Interview Dates
If you apply for this training programme and are successful in being shortlisted, we will contact you directly via email to arrange an interview.
You are advised to apply as early as possible because we will close this training programme to further applications as soon as all places have been filled.
About this training programme
The Primary Tuition SCITT team will be co-ordinating the recruitment process with their partnership school Headteachers. You will lead a 10-minute teaching activity in a partnership school. If this this is successful, you will also have a formal interview.
There is an additional requirement to attend the SCITT centre for a half day to undertake some short written tests and some interpersonal tasks. This may be before or after the interview. We will correspond with you via email.
You will need to bring your original degree and GCSE English, Maths and Science certificates alongwithidentififcation appropriate for an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.
Interview Dates
If you apply for this training programme and are successful in being shortlisted, we will contact you directly via email to arrange an interview.
You are advised to apply as early as possible because we will close this training programme to further applications as soon as all places have been filled.
About this training programme
Our cohort is split into two separate groups, one based in Ipswich on the University of Suffolk campus and the other at Keswick Hall, Norwich. Each group consists of approximately 35 trainees who form a strong supportive unit and often remain in contact after they have qualified. The training follows the school year. The training sessions are interactive, hands on and engaging and are delivered by highly experienced trainers and current inspirational teachers.
Trainees spend one third of the year in one of our centres receiving training. For the other two thirds of the course, trainees are in school on placements gaining practical experience and deepening their knowledge and understanding. Trainees have a combination of centre based training and school placements each term.
Trainees gain experience in at least 2 schools in two consecutive key stages. Usually, Primary trainees return to their term 1 placement for term 3. In term 2, they gain experience in a contrasting key stage in another school. Early Years trainees complete a first placement in KS1 and then two subsequent placements in an EY setting in a different school.
Centre training includes significant training in Maths, English and Science as well as Computing, the Foundation subjects and RE. Other areas covered are SEN, EAL, learning theory, working with teaching assistants and contemporary issues. Training in lesson planning, assessment and behaviour management is layered throughout the training year.
Who will support trainees?
Each trainee has:
What will Ido during the training?
At the start of your training in your placement school you will carry out focused observation of lessons. You will gradually progress from observing other teachers to working with small groups of pupils in a lesson and then to planning and teaching your own lessons. You will receive formative guidance and feedback from your tutors and mentors and you will be supported to reflect critically on what you do.
Career Progression
Career opportunities within the teaching profession are now far wider and more diverse than ever before. Within a few years of beginning teaching many of our alumni have gained promotion to leadership positions within their key stage, subject, or for pastoral responsibilities, with the prospect of further subsequent progression to senior management.
You can also use your 60 Master’s credits to work towards a full MA in Learning and Teaching
To apply visit: https://find-postgraduate-teacher-training.education.gov.uk
SCITT Primary Tuition website
View SCITT Primary Tuition website information on training provider's website.
Accommodation
Suffolk and Norfolk Primary SCITT does not provide any accommodation for trainee teachers. However, house prices in the area are reasonable and there is a good range of rental accommodation available.
Child Care Facilities
There are no childcare facilities at the individual partnership schools although there will be nurseries within the local area.
Disability Access
Suffolk & Norfolk Primary SCITT has full disabled access as do all the schools in the partnership. However, applicants who would benefit from disabled access should let us know on their application so that they can be considered for placements at the most appropriate schools.
Public Transport
The transport system across Suffolk and Norfolk is excellent and all training locations and schools are accessible.
For further information visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/Travel_and_transport/index.htm or www.suffolkonboard.com
Study Facilities
All trainees will have full access to all the facilities available at the University of Suffolk. Trainees will also have access to the University of East Anglia library upon request.
Where to Find Us
We have two training bases. Our main office and training location can be found at:
Primary SCITT, SCITT Centre
University ofSuffolk , Ipswich , IP4 1QJ
Our Norfolk based training centre can be found at:
Keswick Hall, Keswick, NR4 6TJ
