PGCE Primary School Direct

The Bridge Teaching School Alliance

INTERVIEWS

Guidance for Candidates

2014 Entry

Mission Statement

"Edge Hill University is a higher education institution seeking to provide an innovative, high quality and inclusive learning experience underpinned by a commitment to the advancement, dissemination and application of knowledge. Edge Hill University is dedicated to developing individuals as skilled and autonomous learners in challenging and supportive environments."

Equal Opportunities

Edge Hill University aims to provide an institutional environment which is welcoming; and which values and affirms the positive contributions of all its members.

Edge Hill University seeks to identify and to eradicate any practices which promote racism, sexism or homophobia or which discriminate against people with disabilities, or from particular socio-economic backgrounds, or because of their age.We ask everyone to be aware of their behaviour at all times so that we can continue to develop an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome”.

Alternative FormatsThis booklet is available in alternative formats or larger font. Please contact the Admissions Office on 01695 650950 to request a copy.

Learning Support Needs

Students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties, please refer also to section 6.

This is a one year course for graduates that wish to achieve Qualified Teacher Status.

School Direct students will be trained jointly within the cluster of schools and Edge Hill University. Trainees on the programme will receive a comprehensive training programme with the schools involved providing specific training on a number of areas including assessment, phonics, Early Years Foundation Stage, curriculum design, mathematics and SEN/D.

As you are aware it is our intention to recruit those candidates who have the potential to be outstanding primary teachers, applicants for the 2014 intake will be involved in a rigorous selection process over one day including:

Subject knowledge multiple choice test Academic writing task Observation of you managing a group of learners Short interview

Good Luck in your interview

Lisa Murtagh, Head of School Direct Programmes

Edge Hill University

Congratulations on reaching the interview stage for a School Direct place with Edge Hill University and The Bridge Teaching School.

We hope that the successful candidates will enjoy working alongside our staff in our friendly and supportive schools.

We look forward to meeting you at interview and to working with you in the future.

Gary MorrisseyThe Bridge Teaching School Director

Contents 

1. YOUR INTERVIEW

1.1 Introduction and Arrival1.2 The Structure of the Day1.3 What to Bring with You1.4 Preparation for Your Interview  1.5 Students with Disabilities or Learning Difficulties1.6 Selection Guidance1.7 Interview Outcomes

2. PROGRAMME INFORMATION

2.1 Introduction2.2 Full time Programme2.3 Course Details and Awards2.4 Full time PGCE outline calendar

Appendix: Information Update Form

1. YOUR INTERVIEW   

1.1  INTRODUCTION 

Congratulations, you have successfully reached the interview stage.

A significant number of applications have been considered by school colleagues and we wish you well as you progress further through the competitive selection and interview process. The Bridge Teaching School Alliance works in Partnership with Edge Hill University to provide candidates the opportunity to gain a Primary PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) through School Direct.

The alliance involves twenty schools all of which have significant experience in delivering outstanding Initial Teacher Training (ITT) in partnership with Edge Hill University.

The schools who would be involved in delivering the training include,

Woodfield SchoolSt Mary Magdalene AcademyShaftsbury High School

New North School Robert Blair School Drayton Park School Christ the King School Poole’s Park School North Islington Nursery School Winton School Ashmount School St John Evangelist School Ambleside Children’s Centre

Hungerford SchoolSamuel Rhodes SchoolTavistock Children’s Day UnitThe Village SchoolOak Lodge SchoolPhoenix SchoolCastelbar School

This is a one year course for graduates that wish to achieve Qualified Teacher Status.

School Direct students will be trained jointly within the cluster of schools and Edge Hill University. Trainees on the programme will receive a comprehensive training programme with the schools involved providing specific training on a number of areas including literacy, phonics, early years, the creative curriculum, differentiation, planning for mixed age classes, supporting children who have English as an

1

additional language, intervention programmes, modern languages and forest schools.

As you are aware it is our intention to recruit those candidates who have the potential to be outstanding primary teachers, applicants for the 2014 intake will be involved in a rigorous selection process over one day including:

Subject knowledge multiple choice test

Academic writing task

Observation of you delivering 20 minutes of a planned lesson in class

Short interview

Enjoy the day

Gary Morrissey Teaching School Director The Bridge London

ArrivalYour interview will be held at:

The Bridge Training & Consultancy Centre

251 Hungerford Road

Islington

London

N7 9LD

Telephone: 020 7619 1000

You should aim to arrive at The Bridge by 9.00am and directions can be found at.

www.thebridgelondon.co.uk

If you have any queries about the day please contact:

gary.morrissey@thebridge.islington.sch.uk

2

1.2  THE STRUCTURE OF THE DAY

Proposed Schedule of the Day There are several aspects to the process so individual timetables will be distributed on the day but it is expected that the last activity will be completed by 15.30.

A typical day will look as follows09.00- 09.30 Registration and admissions staff check qualifications.

09.30 – 15.30 Welcome and overview of the programme

Subject knowledge tasks

Academic writing task

Classroom Experience

Individual interviews

We will provide lunch so if you have any specific dietary requirements do please let us know in advance.

Interview tasks 1. Subject Knowledge Test – 45 minutes

You will complete a written test containing multiple-choice questions each for English, Mathematics, and Science. It will relate to the knowledge required of trainee teachers and will be set at approximately Level 6 of the National Curriculum. This is below the levels required during the programme and related national assessments, so you will be expected to work quickly and to score high marks. No spelling aids or calculators will normally be allowed.

English

You will be given a short text and asked about the author's use of written English, including:

identifying and explaining the author's use of certain styles or features

explaining the meaning of the whole text and individual words

identifying parts of speech and types of sentence

identifying word structures identifying errors of spelling,

grammar and punctuation

During the rest of your interview you must also speak and write clearly and correctly, using Standard English and cursive handwriting.

Science

how to carry out investigations and interpret results

Life Systems (biology) o the functioning of organisms o continuity and change o ecosystems

Materials and their Structure (chemistry) o particles o compounds and reactions o changes of state

Physical Processes (physics) o electricity and magnetism o energy, forces and motion o light and sound

the Earth and beyond

3

  

4

2. Academic Writing Test – 45 minutes

You will respond to a short extract providing a written response.

Note dictionaries are not permitted.

3. Classroom Experience

You will need to plan a teaching session to be taught within a mainstream primary class. If you have a preference for a particular Key Stage or Year Group, you may certainly make a request which we make every effort to accommodate – but we cannot guarantee.

The focus and learning outcomes for this session can be chosen by you. You may bring additional teaching resources and you should plan for the session to take twenty minutes. You should produce a plan for the session and have copies available for interviewers.

Enjoy this part of the day, it is your opportunity to demonstrate that you already possess all the skills and qualities required to be an outstanding primary teacher teacher.

4. Individual Interview

This is the final stage of the interview and selection process and is your opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the nature and needs of young learners and your commitment to meeting these needs as a primary teacher.

5

1.3  WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU 

Photo Identification

You will be required to bring photographic identification (current passport or photo driving licence) to your interview. Any candidate not able to show photographic identification on their interview day will not be able to proceed to interview.

Qualifications

Please bring with you original and photocopies of certificates, if already achieved:

a. your degree, or degree equivalent qualification to include a transcript of modules achieved;

b. GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science at grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications

c. Confirmation that you have passed the national Professional Skills Tests in numeracy and literacy if already attained. Please see page 12 for further information regarding the tests.

d. any portfolios, samples of work and other materials that can demonstrate your suitability for the programme

Admissions staff will check your copied certificates against your originals and sign them as a true copy to be kept on your file. You will be able to take your original certificates home with you on the day. Please note, we will not have photocopying facilities available on the day, so it is important that you bring copies as well as your original certificates.

Please note:

If you have changed your name since the certificates were issued, please provide evidence (e.g. a copy of your marriage certificate, change of name deed) and advise us of this when you hand in your photocopies

If you do not bring photocopies of your certificates on the day and the decision of the panel is to offer you a place, we will withhold the offer until we have verification of your original certificates

For your interview:

A watch to monitor the time during your written tasks A children’s book or object

6

To give to the Interview Panel at the start of your Interview:

Please put the following information into a clear plastic wallet.

(1) Photographs

Please bring TWO passport-sized photographs of yourself, with your name on the back. Your interview panel will use one to identify you on the interview day. If you are successful, the second will be used to identify you during your course.

(2) Information Update

Please complete the Information Update form at the back of this booklet. This will give your interview panel more information about:

Your Choice of ProgrammeSection 2 of this booklet describes the Full time programme only.

Subject SpecialismYou should have chosen a subject in which you have a genuine interest and significant personal knowledge and experience. You have to demonstrate that you have an A level in the subject or significant coverage of the subject in your degree.

Pre-course dayYou will be asked to confirm that, if you are offered a place, you will be able to attend a pre-course day on the dates shown. It will be a condition of any offer that you attend a pre-course day; if you have a prior, unalterable commitment you must tell us about it on your Information Update form.

Additional InformationYou may add information that was not on your application form.

7

Partnership Agreement

Training in Educational Settings

The Partnership team will source all ITT professional practice in school.

You will be expected to travel to your professional practice venue and you must be prepared that this may involve travelling some distance. You will be expected to drive or travel on public transport to your professional practice.

We do provide some reimbursement for travel to and from training. Please see the Faculty travel policy for more details.

'Where will placements be located?

Based upon your individual training plan a professional practice will be allocated according to your needs. This means that the periods of professional practice are not decided on geographical location but on your specific individual training needs identified in conjunction with a tutor. Therefore there is an expectation that you will be required to travel to the professional practice. There is no set criterion for what is/could is deemed as a reasonable journey (this could mean several hours travel).

Travel will be via car or public transport (please refer to the Trainee travel and accommodation policy). It is your responsibility to ensure that you are able to get to your professional practice by the time required each day. In addition you should be aware that, we make use of placements located at a distance from Edge Hill, in areas such as Shropshire and the Isle of Man. If you are allocated a distance placement we will provide either accommodation or travel as appropriate.

Please bring a signed copy of the Trainee Partnership Agreement which will be collected from you (a copy of this is at the back of this booklet)

Additional Documents

You do not need to submit anything else. If you want the panel to consider concise additional documentation, such as an additional reference, then please include it in the plastic wallet along with your photographs and Information Update form. It will not be returned to you.

If you have additional documentation that you want to show to the panel and then take away at the end of the day, such as a portfolio of experience, then you may show it during your individual interview.

8

1.4  PREPARATION FOR YOUR INTERVIEW 

Time in School

If you are able to spend more time in school before your interview, you should use it to gather relevant experiences and information. If all your experience has been in one school or class, try to broaden your experience by spending time elsewhere.

General Reading

You may also need to do some general preparatory reading and research, to develop your understanding of educational issues and current developments. The following text is currently used on the PGCE courses and is also a useful introductory reader.

Cockburn A (3rd ed) (2012)

Teaching Children 3 to 11: a student's guide

Sage

 A read through recent issues of the Times Educational Supplement, or the educational supplements of broadsheet daily newspapers may be helpful. You might prefer to use one of the following websites. Don't feel that you have to build up detailed knowledge of facts and figures, however - we only expect a general knowledge and awareness of educational issues at the interview stage.http://www.tes.co.uk The Times Educational Supplement.

http://news.bbc.co.uk The BBC News site. Click on the Education link.

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk Ofsted. Click on Publications for on-line reports on topical issues.

http://www.education.gov.uk The latest Department for Education thinking. Browse anything that interests you.

Subject Knowledge Preparation

You may feel that you need to improve some areas of your knowledge in preparation for the interview test, or at least to reassure yourself that you understand the levels at which questions will be pitched - i.e. approximately National Curriculum Level 6, which is the average expected at the end of Key Stage 3. If you use any of the following resources, you should check its content in relation to the interview test content outlined in section 1.2. 

Most major publishers produce Key Stage 3 revision guides for English, mathematics and science, as books or as CD-ROMs. These are readily available in shops or from an internet seller. On-line revision guides and sample questions include:

BBC Bitesize http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/schools/revision

9

Skool.co.uk (maths and science) http://www.skool.co.uk

The books listed below are currently used as core texts for subject knowledge on the PGCE course. They go well beyond the levels required at interview, but you may find them useful. You will certainly need to study them before starting the course.

EnglishMallett M (2011)

The Primary English Encyclopaedia 4th Edittion

Fulton 

 MathematicsCotton T (2013) Understanding and Teaching Primary

MathematicsPearson

 Science

Johnsey R et al. (2011)

Primary Science: knowledge and understanding 5th edition

Learning Matters 

 

Written and Spoken English

You should be able to write Standard English with accurate grammar and spellings, normally without using a dictionary or other aids. You should normally be able to use cursive (joined-up) handwriting, with standard letter formations and joins, because your handwriting will be a model for children in school. Your handwriting does not need to be beautiful, but it should be legible. You may need to practise it before your interview.

If you normally speak in a local dialect, please be aware that you must demonstrate throughout your interview that you can use the grammar of Standard English; as a teacher, you will need to do so when you are in the classroom. For instance, you should avoid saying such things as "When the children were sat on the carpet." All accents are acceptable if you speak clearly. If you are unsure about your spoken English, ask someone suitable to advise you.

10

1.5 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES OR LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

Applicants with disabilities or learning difficulties should note that the decision to offer a place on a course of Initial Teacher Training is made only on the selection criteria outlined in this booklet. However, you should note the following:

If you normally have additional time for examinations or tests, or large font type, or any other specific arrangements, please inform the Admissions Office by completing the online form. Please provide a copy of your LA ‘statement’ or a letter from your school, college or employer to confirm that additional time for tests is a requirement. If you require a BSL interpreter, it is important that you tell us about this and that you allow at least 5 working days for us to locate one for you. Unfortunately, there is a very limited supply of suitably qualified BSL interpreters and, therefore, the demand for these is high.

Given the need for all trainee teachers to communicate clearly in spoken and written Standard English and to have excellent presentational skills, you should ensure that you have fully explored for yourself any issues in relation to teaching arising from your disability or learning difficulty, and have thought through any coping strategies and/or adjustments which will need to be made in the workplace to assist you. Please note that discussions about adaptations to the workplace would normally take place after an offer has been made to assist us in placing you in a school/setting, but you should begin your thinking about this as soon as possible.

If you would like any confidential advice or information on Edge Hill University’s student support services for students with disabilities or learning difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact the following staff:

Inclusion Team Telephone: 01695 584190 01695 584746 Email: inclusiveservices@edgehill.ac.uk

 

11

1.6 SELECTION GUIDANCE

Are You Ready for a Primary PGCE? Assess yourself against the following statements - can you demonstrate at your interview that they all apply to you? 

Do these Statements Describe You? Why Do They Matter?

I am enthusiastic about becoming an outstanding primary teacher.

Children need enthusiastic teachers who will stimulate them to enjoy learning.  You need to know that you will get personal enjoyment out of teaching, to sustain you through the very hard work that is involved in a PGCE course and a teaching career.

I already know a lot about children and primary education.

You need to be able to 'hit the ground running' on this course because there is a lot to learn in a short time.  You also need to know what the job of a teacher entails, so that you can be sure it is the right career for you.

I communicate well and form good relationships.

You will need to help children to learn and to feel secure in your classroom, and you will need to command their respect.  You will need to work effectively with professional colleagues and with parents.

I have good intellectual and organisational skills.

You will need to learn a lot in a short time.  You will need to make constant, flexible decisions about how to apply your learning in complex classroom situations.  You will need to organise your time around a busy schedule and to monitor and plan your own development.

I have good knowledge of the subjects of the primary curriculum.

You will need to teach English, mathematics, science, ICT, history, geography, RE, art and design, design and technology, music, and PE.  A good knowledge of English, mathematics, science and ICT are particularly important.  You must be able to speak and write Standard English at appropriate times and to read well.

Selection for Interview

To be selected for interview, you will normally have demonstrated that you already have:

1. A commitment to and understanding of primary education, founded on significant, recent and relevant school experience.Candidates for the Full time PGCE should normally have at least 10 days recent experience in primary classrooms.

2. Suitable personal and presentational qualities, including a good standard of written English

12

3. C-grade GCSEs or above in English Language and in Mathematics.

and that you already have, or are in the process of obtaining:

4. A first or second class United Kingdom honours degree

5. A C-grade GCSE or above in combined Science* (single or dual award) or in Physics, Chemistry or Biology.

6. Two further C-grade GCSEs in National Curriculum subjects.

Equivalent qualifications are accepted in all cases, including Edge Hill University entry tests in English, Mathematics and Science.

An A level or significant coverage in your degree in the chosen specialism.

The interview panel may ask questions to check how well you meet the above criteria.

Criteria for Selection at Interview 

You should satisfy the panel in respect of your:

1. Commitment to, experience, aptitude and understanding of primary education,

2. Personal, intellectual and presentational qualities, subject knowledge, skills, experience and qualities

3. Competences in English, mathematics and scienceincluding the abilities to read effectively and to communicate clearly and grammatically in spoken and written Standard English

4. Suitability for employment

Further Information The programmes often have many more suitable candidates than the number of available places; when selecting from those who meet the criteria, preference will be given to the strongest candidates.

Successful candidates are normally required to attend a pre-course day before the programme begins. You should have regular Internet access through a PC. You must meet statutory requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach and must not previously have been excluded from teaching or working with young children nor have a criminal background that might prevent employment as a teacher.  You will need to have passed the Skills Tests in literacy and before starting the programme.

13

1.7 INTERVIEW OUTCOMES

If You Are Successful 

You will not be informed of the outcome of your interview on the day. You will be informed of the decision by the Admissions Office as soon as the University is in a position to commit to an offer of a place. Please note decisions will not be given over the telephone – you will be advised in writing only. All decisions will be transmitted to UCAS which will update your UCAS Track.

If You Are Successful

Edge Hill University, along with all providers of Initial Teacher Training, is not permitted to make any formal offers to applicants until we receive formal notification of our student number allocations from the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL).

If your interview is successful and you are made an offer, you will be notified in writing. The letter will advise you to login to UCAS Track to check the specific conditions of your offer. If you have any queries regarding your offer conditions, you must contact the Admissions Officer immediately and certainly within 14 days of the date on the offer letter.

Your letter will also identify targets for you to begin to address before you enrol on the programme.

If You Are Unsuccessful

If you are unsuccessful, we will send you interview feedback with an indication of the selection criteria that most influenced the decision of the interview panel together with any other relevant comments and guidance. Admissions tutors cannot offer you further feedback on your interview. You are welcome to reapply next academic year. If you choose to do so, you should reflect upon the feedback provided in order to help you plan what to do so that you can improve your application.

14

Professional Skills Tests

As you have applied for an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme which starts after 1st July 2013, you will be required to have passed national Professional Skills Tests in numeracy and literacy as part of the admissions process.

Passing the tests will be a condition of entry and we will expect applicants who are successful in obtaining an offer of a place to have passed the tests by the date specified in the offer letter.

Applicants who have passed their tests prior to attending an interview should bring confirmation of the pass to the interview.

Please note the tests do not replace the GCSE grade C equivalence entry requirement.

For more information on Professional Skills Tests, visit our website or the Department for Education website.

Admissions Information

Initial Teacher Training Programmes at Edge Hill University and its partner institutions are predicated on the principle that as an aspiring teacher you will receive the highest quality experience at Edge Hill to enable you to have opportunities to be an excellent teacher. As you study on a programme of Initial Teacher Training at Edge Hill, you will be placed in settings that will provide you with a depth and breadth of experience. Edge Hill will provide you with a number of Professional Practice settings that may be geographically diverse and that will, across the duration of the programme, provide you with an appropriate curriculum, age phase and learner- based experience.

If you agree to accept the offer of a place on your chosen programme then it is essential that you agree to the following criteria:

If you accept the place on the programme offered to you, then you must ensure that all documentation in relation to you being legally able to train within educational settings, is provided by you within 3 weeks of you receiving documentation from Edge Hill University’s Admissions Department.

An enhanced disclosure check will be undertaken through the Disclosure & Barring Service (previously Criminal Records Bureau) on all those successful in being offered a place and you must provide relevant documentation to support this as required.

Ensure that all medical paperwork is completed.

If you have lived abroad for 3 months then you may need to obtain a criminal record check from the country/ countries that you resided in. Please contact admissions@edgehill.ac.uk for information.

Please refer to the documentation you will receive from Admissions for further details on the above requirements.

15

You will not be able to do any training in an educational setting unless you are: medically cleared, have DBS clearance processed by Edge Hill, have successfully completed the national Professional Skills Tests in numeracy and literacy (see page 15 for further information) and fully enrolled as a trainee at Edge Hill University.

If your interview is taking place within 10 weeks of the commencement of the programme then you will have been advised to bring all documentation to the interview. If your interview is successful, then we will endeavour to process the DBS check immediately but there is no guarantee that it will be processed in time for your first placement. If this is the case, then you will supported in starting your placement later than your peers.

Additional notes to applicants who are subsequently made an offer after interview

In order to ensure your smooth entry to Edge Hill University and your professional training programme, it is important that you adhere to the national criteria for entry to the profession by following guidance notes issued by the DFE/NCTL/UCAS/Edge Hill University Prospectus and that you are:

a) able to comply with the requirements of the offer sent to you and any other requests as soon as they are asked for and certainly by no later than 31 August or an agreed date

b) able to meet the national requirements for full clearance to work with children in respect of the Police Act and the health standards to enter the profession

c) responsible for:

i. completing all forms sent to you and the prompt return of the forms

ii. professional/academic references: Contacting your academic referee, if requested to do so, to arrange for a reference to be sent or faxed to the Admissions Unit on 01695 584628. (The decision on your application will be delayed until we are in receipt of this).

iii. providing the Admissions Unit with academic qualifications or examination results as soon as they are known.

iv. formal application through UCAS if appropriate

If you are having difficulties locating previous examination results/certificates it is important that you initiate a search on receipt of the offer either by or through contacting your previous school/college or the relevant examination boards. Please be aware that search fees are in place and searches take a number of weeks to complete.

16

We have listed below some of the examination boards:

Assessment and qualifications GuildfordAlliance (AQA) Stag Hill House Tel 01483 506506

(for NEAB,AEB,JMB,SEG) Guildford Fax 01483 300152

Surrey e.mail: postmaster@aqa.org.uk

GU2 7XJ website:www.aqa.org.uk

ManchesterAQA Tel 0161 953 1180

Devas Street Fax 0161 273 7572

Manchester e.mail: postmaster@aqa.org.uk

M15 6EX website:www.aqa.org.uk

Edexcel Foundation Stewart House Tel: 0870 240 9800

32 Russell SquareFax: 0207 758 6960

London e.mail:enquiries@edexcel.org.uk

WC1B 5DN website:www.edexcel.org.uk

Oxford Cambridge and RSA Head Office Tel: 01223 552552

Examinations (OCR) 1 Regent StreetFax: 01223 552553

Cambridge e.mail helpdesk@ocr.org.uk

CB2 1GG website:www.ocr.org.uk

Welsh Joint Education 245 Western Ave Tel: 029 2026 5000

Committee (WJEC) Cardiff Fax 029 2057 5994

CF5 2YX e.mai: exams@wjec.co.uk

website:www.wjec.co.uk

Failure to comply with this could result in you having to take and achieve a satisfactory standard in the Edge Hill University equivalency tests for which a fee may be charged. For more information on the equivalency tests please visit our website.

For applicants who have any doubts about complying with the national requirements to train as a teacher or Edge Hill University’s offer it is important that you are aware of the financial and enrolment implications of this when joining the professional training programme.

17

a) Provisional enrolment only will be undertakenb) Limited access to IT and other learning facilitiesc) Restrictions in being allowed into schools/settingsd) Financial support will be withhelde) Edge Hill University has the right to cancel an application if it is

subsequently found that information has been omitted or false statements made on the application form.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The Admissions Unit is here to help and assist you. If you are experiencing any difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Telephone: Email:

01695 657143 admissions@edgehill.ac.uk

01695 650955

DISCLAIMER

Edge Hill University makes every effort to ensure that this information is accurate at the time of printing. Edge Hill University reserves the right to change or discontinue any course, programme or module, or the specific content thereof or to amend any other information without notice. Edge Hill University does not accept any liability arising out of or in connection with any such changes.

2.  PROGRAMME INFORMATION 

2.1  INTRODUCTION  Edge Hill University's primary PGCE programmes will train you to teach across the 5-11 age range, in Key Stages 1 and 2. We aim to train outstanding quality primary teachers who: make an extremely positive contribution to the development and wellbeing of

pupils and schools have excellent subject knowledge and can teach English, mathematics, science,

18

and ICT have excellent subject knowledge and can teach a broad range of foundation

subjects meet the Teachers’ Standards, 2012 reflect and further develop during their induction and throughout their

professional careers  We try to enable you to learn an enormous amount in a short space of time by providing intensive and rigorous programmes, underpinned by outstanding training from across the Edge Hill University Partnership and quick responses to trainee feedback. We believe that these are reasons for our programmes' high reputation and for our trainees' excellent employment record.

Trainees will enrol onto a Postgraduate Certificate in Education that carries 120 Level 7 (Master’s Level) credits. This will lead to Qualified Teacher Status.

Trainees regularly tell us how exhilarating and enjoyable their training has been. It is not just that they have launched themselves successfully upon a career in teaching, but also that they have unlocked and developed many talents that they never knew they had! Teamwork has a high profile on the course; a very strong, supportive ethos quickly develops amongst students and many lasting friendships are formed. Trainees also tell us that they value the close support and encouragement they receive from tutors.

2.2  Full time Programme

Full time: for 1 yearThis programme leads to a Primary PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). It runs on a fixed timetable, with some flexibility in adapting the content of school placements to meet your needs.

School DirectThis programme leads to a Primary PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education. You will be directly linked to a cluster of schools in which you carry out your placements. The interviews and choice of candidates are decided by the school with the support of the University.

19

Overview of The Programme

FULL TIMEPRIMARY PGCE School Direct

Pathway single pathway

Entry criteriaFull time criteria

You will have spent at least 10 days in primary classrooms; you may have been a classroom assistant.

Length of training

1 year full-time

Start of training September

Subject ModulesAll modulesTaught at The Bridge Training Centre

Professional PracticeAll placements: minimum 120 daysFixed dates

Final Award PGCE, (Postgraduate)Recommended for QTS

This is an approximate summary of the programmes; details may vary.

20

2.3  COURSE DETAILS

Needs Assessment

Full time PGCE

You will begin a developmental Needs Assessment before you begin your course. You will analyse your pre-course needs, develop an action plan to prepare yourself for the course, and compile a portfolio of evidence of your achievements. You will complete your Needs Assessment in the first week of the course, analysing your principal development needs at course entry and submitting an Individual Training Plan that sets out the options you have chosen

Subject Modules

Full time PGCE

You will take all these modules. A Personal and Professional Development double module will underpin your

learning in all other modules. You will study how children learn and how their needs differ. You will develop strategies for the core skills of planning, assessment, teaching, and class management. You will develop your understanding of the education system and of the wider professional role of a teacher in school.

English, Mathematics, Science, and Technologies for Teaching and Learning (TTL) modules will prepare you thoroughly to teach the core National Curriculum subjects. You will learn about the National Curriculum for each subject and how to plan, teach and assess it across the whole primary age range so that you can teach confidently and independently in school. You will develop your personal subject knowledge and use of ICT.

A Broad Curriculum double module will prepare you to teach the full range of non-core subjects in the primary curriculum, with the support of an experienced teacher. It will introduce you to the curriculum and teaching strategies for each subject and will prepare you to take both a single-subject and a cross-curricular approach in the classroom and on out-of-school visits.

Professional Practice

Full time PGCE

You will spend 120 days in school. You will take all Professional Practices described below at fixed times, including one Professional Practice in Key Stage 1 (5-7 years) and one in Key Stage 2 (7-11 years). Flexibility is built into each one to take account of your individual needs, by varying the pace of your development and by setting aside time for you to implement your own action plan.

Edge Hill University will choose the schools for your Phase 1A, Phase 1B and Phase 2 Professional Practices; you will be expected to find your own Additional Experience placements apart from EYFS and SEN/D. It will be your responsibility to travel to

your Professional Practices; we will take account of your circumstances when making them but cannot guarantee you a convenient location. Most Professional Practices are in partner schools where a trained mentor will supervise your development, supported by regular visits from an Edge Hill University tutor. Please see the additional information in the section below, Training in Educational Settings.

Phase 1A – 25 days

This part of your training takes place in high quality schools and introduces you to practical aspects of the role of a teacher in school, in a highly structured context. It will help you to build up your confidence in the classroom and to develop your understanding of teaching and learning processes, related to your studies at Edge Hill University. You will be placed with a partner wherever possible. You will observe your class teacher and the pupils, work with groups and steadily take on more responsibility until you can teach the whole class on your own for at least 6 lessons.

Phase 1B – 35 days

This solo Professional Practice builds on your Phase 1A by enabling you to teach in a different setting, on your own, for longer, and to a higher standard. You will teach for up to 60% of the timetable, including group and whole-class teaching. You will assess children’s learning, evaluate your teaching and plan how to improve them both. You will carry out directed tasks, including observations across the primary age range and research into your specialist subject.

Additional Experience – 10 occasional days

You will broaden your experience by visiting other educational settings, such as the Early Years Foundation Stage (3-5 years), Key Stage 3 (11-14 years), Special Schools (3-18 years), English as an Additional Language settings, museum education departments, etc. You will be expected to find your own Additional Placements, relevant to your needs and interests. You will share your reflections on these experiences with other trainees at Edge Hill University.Everyone will undertake an 8 day EYFS experience and 7 day SEN/D experience in addition to the above.

Phase 2 - 40 days

This solo Professional Practice is the culmination of the programme. It allows you to demonstrate that you are ready to be recommended for QTS. You will teach and manage the whole class for approx. 70-80% of the timetable, taking on the full role of a class teacher, and you will teach your specialist subject with pupils in other classes. You will make detailed assessments of pupils’ learning and will prepare a report to parents.

Training in Educational Settings

Initial Teacher Training Programmes at Edge Hill University and its partner institutions are predicated on the principle that as an aspiring teacher you will receive

the highest quality experience at Edge Hill to enable you to have opportunities to be an excellent teacher. As you study on a programme of Initial Teacher Training at Edge Hill, you will be placed in settings that will provide you with a depth and breadth of experience. Edge Hill will provide you with a number of experiences that may be geographically diverse and that will, across the duration of the programme, provide you with an appropriate curriculum, age phase and learner- based experience.

If you agree to accept the offer of a place on your chosen programme then it is essential that you agree to the following criteria:

Ready for Training?

If you accept the place offered to you, then you must ensure that all documentation in relation to you being legally able to train within educational settings, is provided by you within 3 weeks of you receiving documentation from Edge Hill’s Admissions Department.

You are required to complete a DBS and provide relevant documentation to support.

Ensure that all medical paperwork is completed.

If you have lived abroad for 3 months then you may need to obtain a criminal record check from the country/ countries that you resided in. Please contact admissions@edgehill.ac.uk for information.

Please refer to the documentation you will receive from Admissions for further details on the above requirements.

You will not be able to do any training in an educational setting unless you are: medically cleared, have Edge Hill DBS clearance, and have enrolled as a trainee at Edge Hill University.

If your interview is taking place within 10 weeks of the commencement of the programme then you will have been advised to bring all documentation to the interview. If your interview is successful, then we will endeavour to process the DBS check immediately but there is no guarantee that it will be processed in time for your Phase 1A. If this is the case, then you will be supported in starting your Phase 1A later than your peers.

Training in Educational Settings

The Partnership team will source all ITT placements.

You will be expected to travel to your placements and you must be prepared to travel some distance. You will be expected to drive or travel on public transport to your Professional Practice.

We do provide some reimbursement for travel to and from training. Please see the Faculty travel policy for more details.

We have training partnership arrangements in a range of locations and including the North West, the North East, the Isle of Man, Staffordshire, Cheshire, the West Midlands including Shropshire and London. We expect that you will approach each Professional Practice with a flexible and conscientious attitude, acting with integrity and commitment. We will ensure that we take into consideration your personal circumstances and needs.

Specialist Subject

You will follow a specialist subject strand at Edge Hill University and in school as part of your course; pursuing your own interest in the subject area and also helping you to prepare for an eventual leadership role in school.

You will develop your knowledge of the subject, research the role of a subject leader and you will observe, assist with and teach appropriate lessons across the age range. The available options are English, Mathematics, Science and Modern Languages. You will express preferences at application and interview according to your qualifications and/or experience, and will be allocated to an appropriate subject.Teaching and Learning Strategies

A wide variety of strategies are used in Edge Hill University-based modules: formal presentations and lectures by tutors group and individual work and presentations by trainees small-group tutorials a range of active learning contexts, including seminars and practical workshops directed study, supported by study packages independent study use of ICT, including Blackboard/ Learning Edge, our VLE

Assessment Strategies

Assessment of Edge Hill University modules is made through a carefully chosen combination of assignments, presentations, assessed tasks, and audits. Detailed information is given in a handbook at the start of the course, so that you know exactly what will be required throughout the year. All assessments are clearly cross-referenced to the relevant Teachers’ Standards and are made on a pass/fail basis with all modules assessed at Level 7. If any of your work requires improvement, it is normally returned to you with specific guidance so that you may make the necessary improvements before a final assessment.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education award includes 120 credits at Level 7 (Master’s) which can be used to obtain credits towards an MA or other qualification.The Professional Graduate Certificate in Education award includes 90 or fewer Master’s credits which can be built upon by subsequent study towards an MA or other qualification.

On Professional Practices, assessment is made through a combination of observations of your teaching, examination of your file and discussions with you. Detailed criteria clearly set out the requirements in relation to the Teachers’

Standards. Formal assessment is on a pass/fail basis; indicative grades and an interim assessment in each Professional Practice to help you to monitor your own development and to set yourself targets.

You must pass Edge Hill University subject knowledge tests in English, mathematics, science and TTL. You must also complete a Career Entry and Development Profile at the end of your training, together with a TNA, Trainee Needs Analysis. This latter document helps you to move smoothly into your NQT year.

Workload

Full time PGCE

We will make very high demands on you, in order that you will learn to teach the whole primary curriculum to a high standard and be able to move on to successful careers. The course is extremely strenuous. The normal working hours for full-time trainees are from 9 until 6 every day at Edge Hill University, or 8.15 to 4.30 in school, plus an average of three hours at home every night and one full day at the weekend, studying or preparing for school. This equates to an average of about 60 hours of training every week. It will require good organisation and commitment, not just on your part but also from your partner, family and friends. We advise full-time trainees not to undertake any part-time work while studying for a PGCE and, if you live more than 30 miles away, to consider taking lodgings in or close to Ormskirk for the first two terms; our Accommodation Office can provide lists of suitable places.

Support for Trainees

Full time PGCE

If you are offered a place, you will be sent guidance on how to prepare for your course and how to analyse your achievements and needs in a Training Profile, which you will continue to use throughout your course. You will be given further guidance and preparatory tasks at a pre-course day. During your course, you will have regular meetings with a Personal Tutor, and detailed guidance on how to apply for teaching jobs.

2.4 Full time PGCE outline calendars

There is a pre-course day at the beginning of July. The full time year runs from the first week of September to the last week of June, with two-week vacations at Christmas and Easter.

Teaching at Edge Hill University is normally from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Several hours of independent study will be expected every evening and at the weekend. A typical week’s timetable is:

Mondays Personal and Professional Development and EnglishTuesdays Maths, Science and TTLThursdays schoolWednesdays school Fridays Broad Curriculum (foundation subjects)

Illustrative Outline for the three main Professional Practices *Please note that you will also undertake 8 days in an EYFS setting and 7 daysIn an SEN/D setting. These may be arranged flexibly and at any time duringyour training.

PGCE Primary Interviews

INFORMATION UPDATE

Name

Programme and Pathway

For which programme and pathway do you wish to apply?

[ ] Full time PGCE

Specialist Subject

Which specialist subject would you prefer to study? List 3 in order of preference from the four choices below and outline your relevant strengths.

EnglishMathematicsScience

Modern Foreign Languages

You will be allocated to a subject at the start of your course. The availability of subjects may vary.

Subject Personal qualifications/subject knowledge/strengths/experience/interest

1.

2.

3.

Pre-Course Day

Successful candidates will be required to attend a pre-course day, unless you notify us now that you already have a prior, unalterable commitment. Please tick the relevant box:

[ ] I will be able to attend the pre-course day for my chosen programme: Full time PGCE Tuesday 1 July 2014

[ ] I will not be able to attend because… (please explain)

Additional Information

You do not need to write anything here, but you may want to give the interview panel information that you did not write on your application, such as: additional school experience that you have had or planned (give precise details of

where & when) additional qualifications or study that you have undertaken or any other information that you feel is relevant

Signature Date

Please remove this form from the booklet and put it into a clear plastic wallet.Add two passport-sized photographs of yourself, with your name on their backs.

You may add other documents such as an additional reference if you wish.Give the wallet to your interviewer at the start of your interviews.

Trainee Partnership Agreement

Name _______________________________________________________________

Date of interview ________________________________________________________

Programme ____________________________________________________________

It is a priority of the Faculty of Education to ensure all trainees are provided with a quality placement. To facilitate this, ITT Placements will be allocated based upon individual training needs, rather than on geographical location. This means that you may be placed at a remote placement which may require Edge Hill University to provide accommodation or a distance placement which means you may be required to travel daily using public transport.

Do you agree to be placed anywhere within the *Edge Hill University Partnership?

YES

Signature: ………………………………………………………………………….

Date: ………………………………………..

NO

Signature: ………………………………………………………………………….

Date: ………………………………………..

(If no please state reasons)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

*Edge Hill University Partnership extends across the whole of the North West as well as other regions including Yorkshire, West Midlands, Wales, Isle of Man, North East Lincolnshire and all other areas where professional practice placements are sourced.