At Charters we pride ourselves in our teaching and the strength of our training programmes. We have many years’ experience of supporting trainee teachers with talented mentors and a supportive Leadership team. A number of trainees continue at Charters after their Initial Teacher Training, completing their NQT year here and then developing their careers further.
There are two routes into teacher training and Charters supports both. The PGCE route is run in conjunction with University of Reading. As of September 2013 the GTP route will be replaced with ‘School Direct’. The School Direct route is based within the teaching school, as opposed to being based within a Higher Education Institution with placements in schools. Whichever route you choose, places are always limited, so early application is recommended.
Post Graduate Certificate in Education – PGCE
This is a one year course run by University of Reading with formal sessions in educational practice and subject material suitable for 11 -18 year olds. Charters accepts placements organised by the University for initial and block experience in a wide variety of subjects. *Charters have accepted school visits from prospective PGCE students, wishing to have some exposure to secondary school life before embarking on the course.
You may receive a bursary; however PGCE courses will charge tuition fees.
For further information about the PGCE, see the University website:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/education/pg-taught/ioe-secondaryITT.aspx
School Direct (salaried)
This is a one year course, and is primarily based in school. Charters School is part of two consortium providers (Berkshire and Windsor & Maidenhead), whose training is accredited by the University of Reading and the University of Buckingham respectively. The School Direct training programme is intended for high quality career changers. There is an expectation that candidates for this pathway will have at least a 2.1 classification for their first degree, and they must demonstrate three years’ career experience. Key elements of the School Direct programme are that:
- You will receive a salary, at unqualified teacher rates, during your School Direct training year
- During the year you will spend at least 4 weeks at a different school to give you a range of experience.
- You will have the support and guidance of an experienced school-based mentor
Although a permanent job is not guaranteed once the course has been passed, it is expected that successful School Direct trainees will find employment within the consortium.
As part of the Berkshire Teaching Alliance and WAM, Charters will be offering a placement in each of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Modern Foreign Languages, Humanities and English.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for the School Direct programme, you must first register your interest on the government website:
http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/teacher-training-options/school-based-training/school-direct
For further information about the School Direct programme, as part of the Berkshire Teaching Alliance, please see the University of Reading website:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/education/pg-taught/ioe-SchoolDirect.aspx
The lead school for the Berkshire Teaching Alliance is Maiden Erlegh School
http://maidenerleghschool.co.uk/home/
For further information about the School Direct programme, as part of the Windsor and Maidenhead Group (WAM), please see the borough website:
http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/ed_graduate_teacher_programme.htm
The lead school for the WAM School Direct programme is Cookham Nursery School http://www.cookhamnursery.org/default.htm
*If you are interested in a career in teaching and would like to spend some time in schools, try the School Experience Programme. Please see the government website:
http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/school-experience/sep.aspx?keywords=school+experience
Charters School main point of contact: Rachel Roberts (GTP/School Direct Coordinator)
E: rober005@rbwm.org or T: 01344 624826