2017 Teacher Education Prospectus
BE CREATIVE. BE A TEACHER.
BE CREATIVE. BE A TEACHER.
DIFFERE THINKIN
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Contents
Outstanding Teacher Education at Bath Spa University
02
Teacher Education Programmes
07
Highly Rated by Ofsted
13
Bath Spa Institute for Education
14
Study Facilities
16
Student Support
18
Entry Requirements and Applications
20
Fees and Funding
26
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Outstanding Teacher Education at Bath Spa University Bath Spa University has a long and successful tradition of Initial Teacher Education dating back over 70 years. Newton Park was officially opened as Bath Teacher Training College in the 1940s and the University, in partnership with local schools, is now the largest provider of teacher education in the area. BATH SPA UNIVERSITY TEACHER EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP Partnership between the university, schools and other educational settings is central to effective teacher education. Our partnership is committed to training the next generation of high quality teachers. Our Teacher Education Partnership has established an understanding that in working together we can successfully prepare teachers who are committed to success and educational achievement for all children and young people. VISION OF EXCELLENCE OF THE BATH SPA PARTNERSHIP We believe that children deserve the very best teachers and that excellent teachers make a difference! The partnership is committed to the successful learning and progress of all children and young people and therefore we will offer you high quality training experiences that ensures both your success as a teacher as well as achieving the best possible outcomes for the children you teach.
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BATH SPA TEACHERS (BSTs) The partnership believes that from the start of the journey to be excellent teachers, our trainees must understand their professional responsibilities, as well as the impact they will have on the lives of children and young people. We therefore recognise you as a ‘Bath Spa Teacher’ (BST) from the outset, embracing the necessary professional qualities and attributes.
ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL Teaching is a rewarding and popular choice of career. We are committed to diversity and equality of opportunity and welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds and those with disabilities. If you have the commitment and drive to becoming a successful teacher, we will support you in realising your career choice.
Within the partnership, BSTs train in some of the most exciting, innovative and challenging schools and learn first-hand from experienced trainers. Commitment to inspiring, motivating, challenging and promoting high expectations in learning and behaviour for all children and young people is an essential quality you must demonstrate and will be an ongoing expectation from you throughout your training.
Many candidates join us straight from university but an increasing number of people are choosing to pursue teaching as a second career, bringing with them valuable knowledge and experience from the workplace. The unique study and social environment we offer is a key factor in our distinctiveness, and in our popularity. Our trainees come from a range of backgrounds and cultures, from all parts of this country and from overseas, and with a variety of academic credentials and practical experiences.
The partnership will provide you with challenging and highly effective training. You will be supported through your training year and into your NQT year and beyond.
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TEACHERS WHO CARE All colleagues within the partnership are accessible, supportive and passionate about teaching, children’s learning, their subjects and the age phase of children they teach. They are also enthusiastic about developing creative and exciting approaches to teaching and learning. They are actively engaged in research and scholarship so that their professional and academic expertise is current, and often cutting edge – their research is of direct benefit to you as a BST. It is relevant and applied, and used to inform the why, how and what you are taught.
“Teaching is one of the noblest professions. It requires an adequate preparation, training, patience, devotion, and a deep sense of responsibility. Those who mould the human mind have wrought not for time, but for eternity.” –– Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the USA, 1924 “Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning.” –– Nelson Rolihiahla Mandela. President of South Africa. 1994–1999
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Teacher Education Programmes The Bath Spa University Teacher Education Partnership offers prospective trainees a wide variety of ways of training to become a teacher and achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), as well as gaining the academic award of Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). PROGRAMMES, PATHWAYS, ROUTES AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES All of our teacher education training programmes are planned, taught, moderated and evaluated in partnership with our colleagues from partnership schools and settings. Together, the partnership supports the development and progress of our Bath Spa Teachers through their training year, their year of entry to the teaching profession and their early careers. Within the partnership we currently offer the following range of training programmes (subject to national and local change): – PGCE with QTS Secondary and Primary – PGCE with QTS School Direct (training): Secondary and Primary – PGCE with QTS Teach First South West: Secondary and Primary – PGCE with QTS Teach First Cymru in Wales: Secondary – QTS Assessment Only – QTS Troops to Teachers In each training programme the majority of your time is spent in schools developing the expertise, knowledge and skills necessary to become a teacher and achieve QTS. A range of professional development and enrichment training experiences are also available across centre-based and schoolbased training. The PGCE award is intrinsically linked to the recommendation for QTS, with academic assessments focusing on aspects of children and young people’s development, learning and progress.
POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION (PGCE) WITH QUALIFIED TEACHER STATUS (QTS) The PGCE with QTS programme at Bath Spa University is offered through our Teacher Education Partnership. This is a one-year, full-time programme that incorporates both school and centre-based training. There are opportunities for you to achieve recommendation for QTS through selecting to train within a cluster of schools specific to local regions, or across a range of schools within our partnership. A substantial part of your training will be school-based, ranging from four days per week school-based / one day per week centre-based, to alternative blocks of school and centre-based training. We offer PGCE programmes in: – Primary (3–7 age phase) full-time – Primary (5–11 age phase) with options to specialise in English, maths, modern languages, science, art, PE, behaviour for learning and Special Educational Needs and Disability – Primary (7–11 age phase) with options to specialise in English, maths, modern languages, science, art, PE, behaviour for learning and Special Educational Needs and Disability –S econdary (11–16 age phase) full-time in a range of subjects including art & design, business studies, computer science with ICT, design and technology, drama, English, geography, maths, modern languages, music, PE, RE, biology, chemistry, physics. In addition, there is a new PGCE Secondary PE with Maths programme proposed for 2017 – please check the university website for further information.
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For each of the above programmes our partnership schools are developing clusters of schools across the region to offer training opportunities to our BSTs. Primary clusters are organised as four days per week school-based / one day per week centre-based. For Secondary they are organised in a similar way to the core programme, with blocks of time in school and at university. You will have an opportunity to express an interest in training within a cluster during the application process. PGCE ASSESSMENT All trainees register for the academic award of Postgraduate Certificate in Education. This qualification carries 60 credits, at level-7 (Master’s level). As stated previously, the PGCE award is intrinsically linked to the recommendation for QTS. The focus of your assignments is fully related to aspects of children’s and young people’s learning, education and schooling and each assignment is designed to develop your understanding of the relationship between teaching and learning and the teacher as a reflective educational practitioner. The research necessary for completing each assignment will be gained during your time in school. Your practical experience in the classroom or educational setting will be indisputably enhanced by your research and study. ACCURACY AND ASSESSMENT OF YOUR LEARNING AND PROGRESS A personalised process of continuous assessment against the Teachers’ Standards will ensure that your learning is appropriate and effective and that you will achieve the recommendation for QTS. Likewise with your academic progress, feedback from each assignment will ensure your progress towards achieving the PGCE academic award.
The partnership will support you in both developing a rigorous evidence-based account of your professional journey towards becoming a teacher and your academic achievement of PGCE. SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE ENHANCEMENT COURSES Subject knowledge enhancement courses are designed for graduates who are interested in teaching a secondary priority subject but who may not necessarily have a degree in that subject. The courses will help you identify your individual training needs and top up your subject knowledge in areas that would be difficult to address on your own. They run prior to the teacher education programme and vary in length depending on the subject. At Bath Spa we offer SKE courses in mathematics and physics. E: skeadmin@bathspa.ac.uk W: www.bathspa.ac.uk/skec SCHOOL DIRECT Bath Spa University collaborates with a range of school partners in the local region to offer a School Direct Training Programme. This programme gives you the opportunity to train within an alliance of schools, under the direction of a lead school. This is a one-year, full-time programme that will allow you to achieve recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as well as the academic award of Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with 60 level-7 Master’s credits. The training on this programme is directed by the lead school and will incorporate training within their alliance of schools. It will also include centre-based training at Bath Spa University. The training arrangements may differ for each alliance and for particular age phases. Participating schools will recruit applicants directly to their alliance. During the academic year of 2017/18 Bath Spa
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University will be in partnership with the following school alliances for the School Direct training programmes: – Backwell (North Somerset Teaching Alliance) – Bristol Early Years Teaching Consortium (BEYTC) – The Bath and Mendip Partnership Teaching School – Cotswold Edge Teaching Alliance (CETA) – West Wilts Alliance (WWA) working with The Mead National Teaching School – Excalibur Teaching School Alliance W: www.bathspa.ac.uk/school-direct
TEACH FIRST Bath Spa University work in partnership with the educational charity Teach First (South West) and Teach First Cymru in Wales (along with Cardiff Metropolitan University) to train, support and prepare participants to become outstanding teachers and for the Teach First Leadership Programme. Participants will train within challenging schools in socio-economic deprived areas. Bath Spa University leads on delivering both primary and secondary programmes for Teach First South West and work in partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University to deliver secondary programmes in Wales. The Teach First vision is that ‘No child’s educational success should be limited by its socioeconomic background’. Teach First is supported by individuals and organisations that share the vision.
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The Teach First Leadership Development Programme is an employment based two-year programme. Training commences in the summer prior to year one with an intensive Summer Institute, which focuses on the essentials of teaching theory and practice. In year one, participants work full-time in a school and will achieve NQT status by the end of the first year. In year two, participants continue in their employment whilst receiving a structured programme of leadership development designed to prepare them for senior positions in education, business or politics. Throughout the two years, participants will work towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) – an advanced and highly transferable qualification in education and leadership that carries twice as many credits as a PGCE (120 credits at Master’s level). For further details of this programme, including information on recruitment, selection, training and employment, please visit the Teach First website. W: www.bathspa.ac.uk/teach-first W: http://graduates.teachfirst.org.uk ASSESSMENT ONLY The Assessment Only route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a way to become a qualified teacher within three months while teaching in school. It is designed to enable experienced teachers without QTS to undergo a period of assessment (maximum 12 weeks) in order to meet the Teachers’ Standards and gain QTS. There are specified national requirements which have to be met by all candidates which include the need for at least one year’s previous teaching experience.
You will undertake a 12-week assessment period but it is important to note that this is not a training course so you are expected to be meeting the teachers’ standards before starting the 12-week assessment period. A significant teaching role in your supporting school will be necessary to enable you to demonstrate your ability to meet the Teachers Standards in order to gain QTS. During the assessment period your progress will be monitored by a school mentor and you will meet him/her on a regular basis. You will also be expected to develop a portfolio of evidence against the Teachers Standards. The university assessor will observe you alongside the mentor on three occasions and you will meet together for a final tutorial to agree the recommendation of Qualified Teacher Status. E: assessmentonly@bathspa.ac.uk W: www.bathspa.ac.uk/assessment-only TROOPS TO TEACHERS This two-year undergraduate programme with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), aims to support Service Leavers from all branches of the Military to a career in teaching. It has been designed to ensure a smooth transition from military service to civilian life and to employment within the teaching profession. Bath Spa University is a member of a consortium of seven universities, led by the University of Brighton, and a range of outstanding primary and secondary schools, to support the development and delivery of the Troops to Teachers programme. The programme, funded by the Department for Education, aims to recruit the best Service Leavers into teaching, including those with the highest qualifications, qualities and experiences, who have the potential to become outstanding teachers. If you are interested in this pathway, please visit the following website: E: teaching@bathspa.ac.uk W: www.bathspa.ac.uk/troops-to-teachers
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Highly Rated by Ofsted In 2015, Bath Spa University teacher education programmes were inspected by the quality regulator Ofsted and were awarded the highest Grade 1, ‘Outstanding,’ for its primary and secondary teacher education programmes. This is the second successive Ofsted inspection resulting in a grade 1 Outstanding score for the Institute for Education’s Primary and Secondary programmes which builds on a long established history of teacher training, excellent education research, and teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The report followed a two stage inspection during which all aspects of the University’s teacher education programmes were examined, along with follow-up visits to investigate the progress of newly qualified Bath Spa Teachers in their first year of teaching in schools.
The report highlighted several key areas of strength relating to the primary and secondary programme inspection including: –E stablished close school partnerships: The report commended the excellent way in which “Bath Spa University has established very close partnerships with local schools and contributed to the design of new routes into teaching” and in particular highlighted “the seamless relationship between the university and its diverse range of partnership schools.” – Exceptional trainee teachers: In particular the report championed Bath Spa’s trainee teachers who are “exceptionally reflective practitioners, continually seeking ways to improve their teaching.” The report said they have “extremely high expectations of themselves and of the pupils that they teach.” – L ocal influence. The report emphasised that employment rates are high for those training at Bath Spa University, and made it clear that “these newly qualified teachers are very much the first choice for employers in the local and wider area.” –H igh praise for leaders and managers. The report continually praised Bath Spa Institute for Education’s leaders and managers calling them “exceptionally ambitious for [the University’s] continuing success and expansion. This means that they are always striving to provide the highest quality teacher training.”
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Bath Spa Institute for Education
We know a lot about education – this year we’re celebrating 70 years of inspiring students, teachers and other education professionals. As educationalists, we work in classrooms and other settings across the world, providing the highest quality teaching and research – working with over 670 school partners, as well as colleges, early years settings and anywhere where learning takes place. Over 600 undergraduates study with us each year alongside over 500 student teachers and an increasing number of postgraduate students – all committed to building creative, connected education communities focused on bringing theory and research to quality education practice. Bath Spa University’s Institute for Education brings together all our experience, expertise and the latest technologies to meet the needs of the rapidly changing educational landscape. The Institute is
a place where students, teachers, governors, researchers, support staff and everyone interested in education can come together in a community of research and practice. Our mission is to promote excellence and expertise in educational research and professional practice across the globe. From Bath in England to Newcastle in Australia, via New York City and Lusaka, Zambia, our educationalists make a difference to the lives of all children and young people. We are committed to providing a creative space to encourage innovative educational practice, through the promotion of debate, professionalism, expertise and partnership that creates globally aware, socially responsible and successful learners. Come and join us – be creative, educate! Twitter: @bathspa_ife #becreativeeducate
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Study Facilities As a university that emphasises high quality teaching we put a lot of effort into helping you get the most from your studies. You’ll expect first rate lecturers, and you’ll also get modern, well-equipped libraries and IT suites; innovative teaching methods – and much more! LIBRARIES Each campus has a library with stock that reflects the courses that are taught there. BSTs may use any of the University libraries and a regular book transport service runs between them. At Newton Park the impressive new academic building, Commons, has outstanding facilities. There are over 1,000 square metres of Learning Commons and 400 study seats, including open access, technology enabled study space, two large quiet study rooms, social learning space and bookable group working rooms – as well as a café to relax in. The Learning Commons is open 24/7 in term time and complements the campus library where you will find a course focused collection of books, journals, CDs and DVDs, covering the wide range of subjects we teach. As a BST, there is a separate collection of resources to use when you are working in schools. As well as traditional library materials, there’s also a wealth of digital resources such as electronic journals, electronic books and online services to help you access high quality information for your university work. The Bath School of Art and Design at Sion Hill has a well-equipped library facility. Here you can seek creative inspiration from a wide range of specialist books and journals as well as collections of exhibition catalogues, images and DVDs. The postgraduate centre at Corsham Court has a fully stocked library with a wide range of books and journals, and staff available during the week to help with your enquiries.
GETTING HELP Professionally qualified librarians are available to help. You’ll have access to sessions that teach you how to find, evaluate and use information as well as one-to-one tutorials, an electronic enquiry service and advice as and when you need it. If you’re a disabled student, help will be available on an individual basis to make sure we best meet your library and information needs. Visit www.bathspa.ac.uk/library for more information and for guest access to our catalogue. STUDY AREAS There are separate areas in the libraries for different kinds of study. If you really need to concentrate, you can work in silent study areas. However, when you need to work on group projects we’ve set aside areas where you can talk, use mobiles, eat and drink. The foyer of Newton Park Library provides collaborative learning space and laptop docking points as well as a modern and welcoming reception area and library information point. TECHNOLOGY There are several hundred networked computers available for you to use, many in open access rooms which are open in the evenings and at weekends as well during the day. And you’ll find user-friendly online help pages covering all aspects of IT at the University. There are also specialised computer facilities across the campuses for subjects such as music, art and design, and media production. We have both PCs and Apple Macs as well as wireless connections for your own laptops.
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If you’re planning to bring your own laptop or tablet with you, bear in mind that there’s a minimum specification for devices to work on the University wireless network. Do check the specification before you buy a new device to make sure it’s compatible – www.bathspa.ac.uk/byod WRITING AND LEARNING CENTRE The Writing and Learning Centre offers guidance on academic writing, research, independent learning, referencing, and a range of other topics including digital literacy. You can drop in, book a 1:1 appointment, access information online, or simply email us a quick question. Our trained professional tutors have a wide range of academic backgrounds and are ready to help you rise to the challenges of studying for your PGCE. ONLINE LEARNING We’re proud of our great reputation for high quality teaching, and we make sure we’re right up to date with the most advanced teaching methods, and all BSTs have access to our online virtual learning environment, Minerva. This allows your lecturers to send course materials to you via the web – and makes these easy for you to find. Minerva has all sorts of useful features, such as discussion boards which allow you to have online conversations with others from your course, and lets you submit coursework electronically. It also includes links to reading lists and digitised material from the library collections as well as a library tab for all of your research needs. Whilst at Bath Spa you will also have full access to Lynda.com which provides a range of software tutorials, academic skills advice as well as information on how to start businesses etc.
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Student Support We have a range of support services designed to help you get the most out of your time at university. You’ll find advice, guidance, information and ideas on a range of issues, provided by specialist staff who will share their expertise and help guide you through the many activities and issues that you may encounter. STUDENT SUPPORT Most students find themselves needing a bit of help at times as they juggle different priorities and demands. Common concerns include balancing study, work and social life, personal issues, friends and relationship difficulties, health or loneliness. We won’t make decisions for you – but we’ll help you to make them for yourself. MONEY ADVICE We can guide you through the intricacies of funding your postgraduate studies and give advice on loans and other forms of funding, on budgeting and how to handle and negotiate debt. We also administer loans and grants which are available in special circumstances to students experiencing financial hardship. SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS DISCLOSING A DISABILITY, MEDICAL CONDITION, MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS OR SPECIFIC LEARNING DIFFICULTY (SUCH AS DYSLEXIA) We’ll work with you from the point you are made an offer to study at Bath Spa to ensure that your learning experience at Bath Spa is as wide-ranging and successful as possible. We will be in contact with you, to discuss any academic access requirements. You don’t need to wait until you get here – contact us for an individual appointment.
CHILDCARE If you’re a parent of children under five you can arrange for them to be looked after at Oak Tree Day Nursery at our Newton Park campus. Children of staff and the local community use the Nursery too, which provides a happy, secure and stimulating environment. The Nursery is in two adjoining houses, arranged for children of different ages (six months to two years, and two to five years). The services and activities provided are tailored to the needs of the babies and children, enabling them to explore and learn through play. The standards of care and nursery education are high – this was confirmed by an Ofsted inspection in 2009. The report comments: “Children are happy and confident in a well-managed, stimulating care and learning environment”. You can book morning, afternoon or full-day sessions, with student rates ranging from £24–50 depending on the age of the child and the session you require. Full details can be found at www.oak-tree-nursery.co.uk or call the Day Nursery Manager on 01225 875590
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Entry Requirements and Applications We are looking for applicants who are well suited to the teaching profession both personally and academically.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS In order to apply for a teacher education programme you will need to have completed, or be in the final year of a UK degree (or an equivalent qualification). For primary programmes your degree can be in any subject. For secondary programmes your degree normally needs to be in the subject you are applying to teach. For most PGCE programmes you need to have achieved a second class honours degree at 2.2 or above. For the primary programmes with a subject specialism you are expected to demonstrate a good understanding of the subject. This could be through having a degree in the subject, or as part of your degree. Applicants with an A-level in the subject are welcome to apply and will be considered. Applicants are also expected to show a strong interest in children’s learning in the subject. Before applying for a secondary programme you will need five GCSE passes at grade C or above (or recognised equivalents) including English Language and Mathematics. Before applying for a primary programme you will need five GCSE passes at grade C or above (or recognised equivalents) including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject. In addition, for some secondary programmes you are also required to have an A-level in the subject. EQUIVALENCE TESTS If you do not have the required GCSE qualifications we will accept equivalency tests from www.equivalencytesting.com for all PGCE programmes.
SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE ENHANCEMENT COURSES Entry to some PGCE programmes is conditional upon completion of a Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course (SKEC). These courses run in the year prior to the PGCE programme and vary in length depending on the subject. They are designed to develop subject knowledge where your undergraduate degree is not fully relevant to the subject chosen. If you wish to be considered for one of these courses you should receive a referral from your PGCE awarding institution and submit an application to the SKEC Administrator at skeadmin@bathspa.ac.uk.
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INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS Applicants with qualifications from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) should contact the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) who will be able to give advice on how qualifications relate to the entry requirements, and may be able to provide certification where appropriate. W: www.naric.org.uk T: 0871 330 7033 E: info@naric.org.uk When you complete the application, please ensure that you state your actual qualification titles, not the UK qualifications you believe them to be equivalent to. Where English is not your first language you may offer IELTS 7.0 (a minimum of 6.0 in each component) as an equivalent to GCSE English language. NON-ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS All applicants are subject to a number of non-academic entry requirements: –P rofessional Skills test – you are required to pass literacy and numeracy QTS skills tests and you need to have registered to take these prior to being offered an interview. If successful at interview, you will be made an offer with the condition that you pass your skills test within three months of the offer date or the 1st September, whichever is sooner. For more information visit: www.sta.education.gov.uk – Fitness to Teach check to ensure you are medically fit to take a teacher training course. – Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks – this is the Government scheme that replaces the Criminal Records Bureau, to enable the identification of people who are barred from working with children and vulnerable adults. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check – Declaration of criminal convictions – if you have a criminal record it won’t necessarily prevent you
becoming a teacher. You’ll need to disclose any criminal convictions and agree to an enhanced criminal record check. – Information and Communications Technology (ICT) – you will be given the necessary teaching and support to meet what is required of a newly qualified teacher (NQT), however, we expect a degree of ICT competence before you start the programme. – Classroom experience – desirable to have recent experience of observing in a UK school before you start your teacher training. This would normally be observing teaching and learning and helping out in the classroom. We recognise that it’s not always possible to gain classroom experience, so if you have other examples of working with children and young people, please highlight this in your application. In your personal statement you should describe what you have gained from your experiences and how this relates to your desire to become a teacher. At interview, you may be asked questions relating to experiences within a school, so spending a few days in school may be of benefit to you. – Non-Cognitive Assessment (NCA) tests may be included in the recruitment and selection process. You will be notified of any requirements prior to interview. PREMIER PLUS The NCTL offer a Premier Plus service to those who hold (or are predicted) a 2:2 degree or above and are interested in teaching secondary maths, physics, chemistry, biology, languages, geography or computing. Your dedicated Premier Plus adviser will: – give you practical advice and guidance at each stage of your application – help you arrange school experience via the School Experience Programme (SEP) – provide information about financial support Further information can be found at: getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/premier-plus
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SCHOOL EXPERIENCE School experience gives you the chance to observe teaching and see for yourself what it’s really like to be a teacher. Spending time in a classroom will strengthen your application and prepare you for potential interviews. You can arrange your own school experience directly with a school, or if eligible, you can also join the School Experience Programme (SEP) which is run by the NCTL and offers places to those considering secondary teaching in a range of subjects. Further information can be found at: getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/school-experience HOW TO APPLY Applications for PGCE and School Direct programmes are made through UCAS Teacher Training. There can be a lot of competition for places on each programme, so you should apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of obtaining a place. You’ll be able to apply for 2017 teacher training programmes from 18 October 2016. UCAS Teacher Training charges a small application fee of £24. There are two ways in which you can make your application, Apply 1 and Apply 2 –A pply 1 – You are able to apply for up to three training programmes, including both primary and secondary. You have to apply for these at the same time and can’t add to them at a later date. You don’t have to use all three choices and there’s no restriction to your choices – you can choose from any route, subject or age group. – Apply 2 – You only use Apply 2 if you didn’t get a place in Apply 1. This could be because your application was unsuccessful or you chose not to accept an offer or interview. In Apply 2 you can make an unlimited number of applications, one at a time.
Once UCAS Teacher Training has processed your application, you will be able to follow its progress and reply to offers online using their Track service. For more information about the application process visit: W: www.ucas.com/teacher-training T: 0371 4680469 INTERVIEWS If your application is selected you will be interviewed before you can be offered a place. It is your opportunity to share with us your personal qualities and experiences that will allow us to assess your suitability to teach and identify your personal training needs. Interviews are held throughout the year from November until we have filled the available places for each programme. This is likely to differ between subjects. Primary interviews are conducted in groups and Secondary interviews are made up of subject group and one-to-one interview sessions. You will be expected to carry out tasks in preparation for and during your interview. The interview will involve university tutors and school teachers. SCHOOL DIRECT Recruitment and selection of trainees to School Direct Programmes is primarily the responsibility of the cluster of schools to which you are applying. You will make your application to the Lead School of the cluster via UCAS Teacher Training and details of the programmes offered by each Lead School will be available on UCAS. When making your application, you should ensure that you have read the programme information provided by the Lead School. Your personal statement should take account of this information. Bath Spa University will work with schools to assess the suitability of candidates for the programme.
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TEACH FIRST In order to apply for Teach First you will need to satisfy the following minimum requirements: –2 :1 degree or above, 300 UCAS points (or equivalent, excluding general studies) – have a degree or A-levels that satisfy the teaching subject requirements – g rade C (or equivalent) in GCSE maths and English Language (grade C in one science GCSE also required for primary teaching) –p roof that you have the right to remain and work in the UK for the duration of the two-year programme In addition to this, candidates need to demonstrate relevant subject knowledge and the following competencies: humility, respect, and empathy; interaction; knowledge; leadership; planning and organising; problem solving; resilience; self-evaluation. Applicants must register their interest and apply on the Teach First website: graduates.teachfirst.org.uk
TROOPS TO TEACHERS All applications for the Troops to Teachers programme are made through the UCAS website. Further information can be found at: www.bathspa.ac.uk/troops-to-teachers ASSESSMENT ONLY Applications for the Assessment Only route to QTS are made directly to the University. Further information and the application form can be found at: www.bathspa.ac.uk/assessment-only EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES We actively welcome applications from mature students, valuing their experience of life and of the workplace, as well as applicants straight from their first or higher degree. We particularly welcome applications from groups underrepresented in teaching, notably black and minority ethnic and disabled applicants. Male teachers are also in short supply, particularly in Primary schools and Early Years settings.
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Entry Requirements GCSE (C OR ABOVE) Before applying Primary
Maths English Science
Art and Design
Maths English
Business Studies Computer Science with ICT
Before starting
Maths English Maths English
DEGREE (OR EQUIVALENT) Not needed
Min Award
Recommended subject
2:2 Honours
Any subject area
Science
2:2 Honours
Fine Art or Applied Art & Design e.g Ceramics, Textiles, Photography, Graphics
Science
2:2 Honours
Business Studies or a related subject
Science
2:2 Honours
Computer Science or a related degree
Design and Technology
Maths English
Science
2:2 Honours
Degree relating to one of three specialisms e.g. control & systems (electronics, computer control, pneumatics or mechanisms); textiles technology; resistant materials (wood, metal, plastics)
Drama
Maths English
Science
2:2 Honours
Drama or a related subject.
Science
2:2 Honours
English or a related subject. Joint degrees should have a text-based second subject
Maths English
Science
2:2 Honours
Geography or a related subject
English
Maths English
Geography
Mathematics
Maths
English
Science
2:2 Honours
Mathematics or a related subject
Modern Languages
English
Maths
Science
2:2 Honours
At least 50% in French/ German/ Spanish/ Italian. Or foreign nationals with fluent English holding a non language degree from the above countries
Music
Maths English
Science
2:2 Honours
Music
Physical Education
Maths English
Science
2:2 Honours
Sports Science, Sports Studies or PE
Maths English
Science
2:2 Honours
Religious Studies, Theology (or combination with Philosophy), Anthropology, African Studies, Sociology, Classics, History
Religious Education Science / Biology
Maths
English
Science
2:2 Honours
Biology or a related subject e.g. Environmental Studies, psychology, zoology
Science / Physics
Maths
English
Science
2:2 Honours
Physics or a related subject
Science / Chemistry
Maths
English
Science
2:2 Honours
Chemistry or a related subject
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OTHER A-Level (or equivalent)
SKEC Accepted
Notes
Not needed
No
2:1 honours degree is preferable
Desirable to have A&D or related subject
No
All applicants are required to bring portfolio to interview
No Desirable to have Computing or related subject such as ICT
Yes
Desirable to have D&T or related subject
Yes
No
Must have English (min. grade C)
Yes
Linguistics or EFL background beneficial
Yes
Must have Maths
Yes
Suitability for the MEC and the nature of the Mathematics in the first degree will be discussed at interview
Must have Language(s)
Yes
All applicants must speak at least one European language fluently
Desirable to have Music/Music Technology
No
Some keyboard skills would be desirable
Desirable to have PE or related subject
No
Desirable to have RE,Sociology, History or related subject
No
Must have Science
Yes
Must have Science
Yes
Must have Science
Yes
Any degree with belief systems components. We’ll also consider candidates who have a strong interest in religions and spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC)
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Fees and Funding At the time of printing this information is correct for teacher education programmes starting in September 2017. It is advisable to check all arrangements for financial support with the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) on 0800 389 2500 or getintoteaching.education.gov.uk There’s a wide range of funding available to support you during your teacher training – depending on the subject you want to teach, you could receive a generous bursary or scholarship. TUITION FEES Tuition fees for the PGCE and School Direct Training Programme are £9,250 in 2017/18 for UK and EU full-time students. Fees for full-time international students are £12,500 in 2017/18. There are no tuition fees for the School Direct Training Programme (salaried). You are paid a salary by the school in which you train. Details of funding for this route are available from the NCTL website. There are no tuition fees for the Teach First Leadership Development Programme. You are paid and employed by the school throughout the two years. For more information visit: www.bathspa.ac.uk/teach-first The fee for the Assessment Only route to QTS is £3,000. TUITION FEE LOAN UK/EU PGCE or School Direct students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. It is non-means tested and will be paid direct to the university on your behalf. The maximum loan for 2017/18 is £9,250 and you have to pay it back.
MAINTENANCE LOAN FOR LIVING COSTS UK PGCE or School Direct students can apply for a Maintenance Loan to help towards accommodation and other living costs. If you’re an EU national, you may be eligible for help with living costs if you’ve been living in the UK for more than 5 years before the first day of the first academic year of your course. – If you are living at home you can get a loan of up to £7,097 – If you are living away from home you can get a loan of up to £8,430 You will have to give details of your household income when you apply as part of the loan is means tested. The loan is paid to you at the start of term and you have to pay it back. REPAYING STUDENT LOANS – Loans become repayable in the April following course completion and are combined into a single payment. – You only make repayments when your income is over £21,000 a year and are taken direct from your salary. If your income drops below this amount repayments stop. – T he amount you repay each month is based on your income, not what you borrowed. – You pay interest from the time your first payment is made until you pay your loan back in full. – Any loan remaining 30 years after you’re due to start making repayments will be cancelled.
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GETTING EXTRA HELP – If you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia) you may be able to get extra help through Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs). – If you have children, or there’s an adult who depends on you financially, there may be extra help available – for example, through the Childcare Grant, Parents’ Learning Allowance, Adult Dependants’ Grant and Child Tax Credit. For further information on student finance visit: www.gov.uk/student-finance SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE ENHANCEMENT COURSES There are no course fees for UK and EU students and you may receive a tax-free NCTL bursary. For maths the bursary is £2,760 and for physics the bursary is £2,300. For course fees for International students please contact the course administrator at skeadmin@bathspa.ac.uk. International applicants are not eligible for the NCTL bursary. BATH SPA TRAINEE TEACHER FUND A university fund established to help BSTs who may be experiencing financial hardship or to assist in a financial emergency. To be eligible to apply you must be a full-time UK PGCE student in receipt of all possible statutory funding (includes student finance, government benefits, tax credits etc.). You can apply to the Trainee Teacher Fund at any point throughout the academic year, but applications must be submitted a minimum of 4 weeks before the end date of your course. For more information visit: www.bathspa.ac.uk/pgce-funding
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION (DFE) TRAINING BURSARY Generous tax-free bursaries of up to £30,000 are available while you train on the PGCE or School Direct (non-salaried) course. Your eligibility and the amount you can expect to receive will depend on the subject you chose to teach and your degree classification or highest relevant academic qualification. Under current rules, EU nationals can access this support if they have resided in the European Economic Area or Switzerland throughout the three-year period before the start of the course. It will be paid to you in 10 monthly instalments and you don’t have to pay the bursaries back. If you have a degree from outside the UK, you should refer to the overseas degree equivalency table on the NCTL website to see the bursary your degree may attract. TEACHER TRAINING SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships of up to £30,000 are available for those training to teach physics, maths, chemistry, computing, geography and modern languages. They are aimed at high-quality graduates with a 2:1 or first-class degree, who are passionate about their subject and have the potential to be inspirational teachers. Scholarships are awarded by professional bodies for these subjects, and scholars will be selected through an additional application and assessment process. Each scholarship also comes with a package of non-financial benefits, such as early career support and membership of the appropriate professional body. To apply for a scholarship and for further information, you should visit the appropriate subject association website.
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– Physics – Institute of Physics (IOP) www.iop.org – Maths – Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) in collaboration with the London Mathematical Society (LMS), the Royal Statistical Society (RSS), The Mathematical Association (MA), Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI), and the National STEM Learning Centre www.ima.org.uk – Chemistry – Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) www.rsc.org – Computing – BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT www.bcs.org – Geography - Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) www.rgs.org – Modern Languages - British Council www.britishcouncil.org
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NON-UK EU NATIONALS FOLLOWING THE REFERENDUM RESULT There has been no change to the rights and status of EU nationals, as a result of the referendum. This means EU nationals applying for teacher training in 2017/18 will still be able to access tax-free bursaries or scholarships, and a tuition fee loan. Under current rules, EU nationals can access this support if they have resided in the European Economic Area or Switzerland throughout the three-year period before the start of the course. You may be eligible for the maintenance loan to help with your living costs if you’ve lived in the UK for more than 5 years before the first day of the first academic year of your course.
The scholarship will be instead of the standard bursary, but trainees who are not awarded the scholarship will still be eligible for the standard bursaries.
Subject
Scholarships
Bursaries First/PhD
2:1 / Master’s
2:2
Physics
£30,000
£30,000
£25,000
£25,000
Mathematics
£27,500
£25,000
£25,000
£25,000
Chemistry
£27,500
£25,000
£20,000
£20,000
Computing
£27,500
£25,000
£25,000
£25,000
Modern Languages
£27,500
£25,000
£25,000
£25,000
Geography
£27,500
£25,000
£25,000
£25,000
Biology
–
£15,000
£12,000
£10,000
Design & Technology
–
£12,000
£9,000
£0
English
–
£9,000
£9,000
£0
Music, RE
–
£9,000
£4,000
£0
Primary
–
£3,000
£0
£0
* Trainees are able to apply for a teacher training scholarship with the appropriate professional body. Trainees in physics, maths, languages and geography will usually need a 2:1, but can still apply with a 2:2 and significant experience. Trainees in chemistry or computing are able to apply with a 2:2 or above. Scholarships are awarded in place of a bursary.
** B ursaries are available for trainees in French, German and Spanish. They are also available for other modern, community or ancient languages. Languages scholarships are only available if you train to teach French, German or Spanish.
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Design: Mytton Williams Front cover illustration: Neil Stevens www.bathspa.ac.uk 29