Bitterne Park Teacher Training Alliance Drama (S623)

Postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) with qualified teacher status (QTS)

Accredited body
University of Winchester
Financial support
Student finance if you’re eligible
Qualification
PGCE with QTS

A postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) with qualified teacher status (QTS) will allow you to teach in state schools in England and may allow you to teach in other parts of the UK.

It may also allow you to teach overseas, though you should always check what qualifications are needed in the country you’d like to teach in.

Many PGCE courses include credits that count toward a Master’s degree.

Age range
11 to 16
Course length
1 year
Date you can apply from
11 October 2022
Date course starts
September 2023
Website
https://www.bitterneparkschool.org.uk/train-to-teach/trainee-teacher-vacancies

Contents

Course summary

The Bitterne Park Teacher Training Alliance is a growing partnership comprising a diverse range of secondary schools across Hampshire and Wiltshire which present dynamic and exciting training possibilities for those wishing to pursue a career in teaching. Working in partnership with the University of Winchester, we have developed a bespoke teacher training package designed to produce reflective, analytical and effective classroom practitioners. During your training year, you will build upon your prior experience to gain the specific subject, curriculum and pedagogical knowledge that you need to become an effective and confident teacher with the full support of the University of Winchester and access to all facilities. The University of Winchester has a long history in teacher education and is recognised by Ofsted as an ‘Outstanding’ provider. Successful completion of our course will lead to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The programme also contributes towards a Master’s level qualification.

As a BPTTA School Direct trainee, you’ll be given the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in school life and will be welcomed as a member of staff in your placement school from day one. This approach will allow you to experience all aspects of the role of a teacher, both inside and outside the classroom. The practical nature of our course, combined with the opportunity to work alongside and learn from experienced, outstanding practitioners, constantly reinforces the link between theory and practice. We aim to ensure that by the end of the course you can teach your subject confidently and successfully by developing your skills as a problem-solver and by encouraging you to explore theoretical ideas and their practical application in the classroom.

Our core training involves:

  • a four-week induction at the start of the programme;
  • a progressive training programme delivered each Friday throughout the year;
  • a half term second school placement in a contrasting school; and
  • a primary school and sixth form experience.

Throughout the programme, you will be supported by a highly skilled and trained curriculum mentor, a professional mentor who will oversee your training, and a university tutor.

School placements

Our partnership currently consists of 14 secondary schools, predominantly in Hampshire with three schools in Wiltshire. During your training year, you will have two school placements - your main placement and a six-week second placement at another school in our partnership. You will also be offered a primary school and sixth form experience. You will have the opportunity to apply to a specific school on your application, or alternatively you can submit an ‘open’ application and discuss the various options available at interview. We are happy to arrange for you to visit any of our partner schools prior to submitting your application form.

Secondary Schools in the Bitterne Park Teacher Training Alliance:

  • Bitterne Park School, Southampton – age range 11-19
  • The Burgate School, Fordingbridge – age range 11-19
  • Cams Hill School, Fareham - age range 11-16
  • Cantell School, Southampton - age range 11-16
  • Matravers School, Westbury – age range 11-19
  • The Petersfield School, Petersfield - age range 11-16
  • Pewsey Vale School, Pewsey – age range 11-16
  • Priestlands School, Lymington - age range 11-16
  • Redbridge Community School, Southampton - age range 11-16
  • Regents Park Community College, Southampton - age range 11-16
  • Sarum Academy, Salisbury – age range 11-19
  • St George Catholic VA College, Southampton - age range 11-16
  • Upper Shirley High School, Southampton - age range 11-16
  • Weston Secondary School, Southampton – age range 11-16

Locations

You can select one of the following locations when you apply.

List of locations and vacancies
Location Vacancies
Bitterne Park School
Dimond Road, Bitterne Park, Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 1BU 		Yes
Cantell School
Violet Road, Bassett, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 3GJ 		Yes
Matravers School
Springfield Road, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 3QH 		Yes
St George Catholic VA College
Leaside Way, Swaythling, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 3DQ 		Yes
The Petersfield School
Cranford Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3LU 		No
Weston Secondary School
Tickleford Drive, Weston, Southampton, Hampshire, SO19 9QP 		Yes

Entry requirements

Qualifications needed

An undergraduate degree at class 2:2 or above, or equivalent.

We do advise that around 50% of the content of your degree should relate to the subject you wish to teach, but if you have an A-Level in your subject this might also be taken into account, as will any other experience or recent study experience that you have. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, please do get in touch with us at alliance.office@bitterneparkschool.org.uk

Your degree subject should be in drama or a similar subject. Otherwise you’ll need to prove your subject knowledge in some other way.

Grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths, or equivalent qualification.

We’ll consider candidates with pending GCSEs.

We’ll consider candidates who need to take a GCSE equivalency test in English or maths.

If you do not have GCSE equivalent qualifications with Grade 4 (C) or above in English or maths, we will accept equivalency tests from either Equivalency Testing (www.equivalencytesting.com) or A Star Equivalency (www.astarequivalency.co.uk). You do not need to apply for equivalency tests(s) in advance of your application and can wait until you have received a teacher training offer from us. These are the only equivalency tests that we can accept and your offer would be conditional on passing the equivalency test(s).

Personal qualities

Personal qualities that we are looking for:

  • A genuine desire to teach and enthuse young people
  • Commitment
  • A strong subject-based academic background
  • Good communication skills
  • Experience of working with young people
  • Energy, perseverance and stamina
  • Flexibility and humour
  • The ability to learn, reflect on your practice and act on advice
  • The ability to work collaboratively

Other requirements

Before you start our course, we will ask you to complete the following:

  • A DBS criminal records check to prove you have no criminal convictions that might prevent you from working with children or young people;
  • A Declaration of Health questionnaire to confirm that you are physically and mentally fit to teach, and are capable of undertaking a course of study to become a qualified teacher.

You should demonstrate the ability to:

  • communicate clearly and accurately in both written and spoken English;
  • cope with the demands and rigours of the profession.

Fees and financial support

The course fees for UK students in 2023 to 2024 are £9,250.

Trainees on a School Direct non-salaried training course currently pay tuition fees of £9,250. You will be eligible for the same financial support as other fee paying postgraduate teacher training routes. There may be a bursary or scholarship available depending on your subject choice. More information can be found at: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-and-support

We do not offer Visa sponsorship for international students.

If you are offered a place after attending an interview, you will additionally need to complete an enhanced DBS check and health check as a condition of your offer. These will be organised by our accredited ITT provider (the University of Winchester) but you will need to cover the cost of these checks.

About the training provider

The Bitterne Park Teacher Training Alliance currently consists of 14 secondary schools located in the South and South West of England working with the Universities of Southampton, Chichester and Winchester to provide a one-year full-time School Direct teacher training programme leading to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the opportunity to gain up to 60 credits at Master’s level. We feel our School Direct training programme combines the best elements of a traditional university-led PGCE training model with the benefits of a school-centred approach. We are proud to celebrate a 100% pass rate for trainees completing our programme. Many of our trainees choose to remain with us and forge successful careers in the BPTTA family of schools.

About the accredited body

The University of Winchester has a long history in teacher education and is recognised by Ofsted as an ‘Outstanding’ provider. The University offers a stimulating and supportive learning environment that challenges and inspires trainees. The city of Winchester is a beautiful, historic cathedral city, which has a rich heritage and vibrant contemporary culture. During your training year you will have the full support of the University and access to all facilities.

Interview process

Once shortlisting has taken place, we will contact you to confirm whether you have been selected for interview. The interview process will consist of:

  • a formal interview with our Director of ITT and representatives from our partner schools;
  • a written task; and
  • a presentation or teaching activity.

Your interview will be face-to-face in school unless you have requested an online interview due to your location or availability. If your interview is in school, you will be asked to teach a 20-minute micro lesson to a small group of pupils. If your interview is online, you will be asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation.

The selection panel will take evidence from all aspects of the interview into consideration when making their judgement.

If you are successful at interview, you may request a visit to the school where your main placement will be, so that you can meet the staff that will be involved in your training.

Unsuccessful applicants will be offered feedback on their interview.

International candidates

You’ll need the right to study in the UK. You already have this if, for example, you:

  • are an Irish citizen
  • have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (you may still be able to apply)
  • have indefinite leave to remain in the UK

If you do not already have the right to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa. The main visa for fee-paying courses (those that you have to pay for) is the Student visa.

To apply for a Student visa, you’ll need to be sponsored by your training provider.

Sponsorship is not available for this course.

If you need a visa, filter your course search to find courses with visa sponsorship.

Alternatively, check if you’re eligible for a different type of visa, such as a Graduate or Family visa, that allows you to train to be a teacher without being sponsored.

Find out more about training to teach in England.

International qualifications

If your qualifications come from a non-UK institution, we may want to see a ‘statement of comparability’ from UK ENIC. This will show us how they compare to UK qualifications.

You can call Get Into Teaching on 0800 389 2500 for:

  • guidance on the UK equivalents of your qualifications
  • a free statement of comparability once you’ve submitted your application (if we ask you for this)

Training with disabilities and other needs

If you have a disability or learning difference, we encourage you to get in touch before you apply so we can discuss tailored support for your individual needs. Disability access varies across the alliance sites, so you may wish to contact individual schools for further information. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-placement Health Declaration before starting our teacher training programme and, based upon the responses provided, may be invited to attend an assessment. This will assist us to make workplace adjustments where possible.

The Bitterne Park Teacher Training Alliance currently comprises the following schools:

Contact this training provider

Email
alliance.office@bitterneparkschool.org.uk
Telephone
02380294133
Website
https://www.bitterneparkschool.org.uk/train-to-teach/trainee-teacher-vacancies
Address
Bitterne Park School
Dimond Road
Bitterne Park
Southampton
SO18 1BU

Support and advice

You can speak to a teacher training adviser for free, dedicated advice. They are all experienced teachers who can give you one-to-one support with your application. They can also help you get school experience, and find events where you can speak to training providers and teachers.

Call Get Into Teaching free of charge on 0800 389 2500, or chat online Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm (except public holidays).

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