Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the GTP at saffron Walden & Comberton Training Schools?
What will the training programme be like?
How will I be Assessed?
How do I apply for the GTP?
Is GTP better than PGCE?
Can I apply for the GTP at Saffron Walden & Comberton Training Schools?
Yes if you:-
- Possess an approved university degree (2nd class or better) in the subject
you wish to teach.
- Possess GCSE Maths and English at Grade C (or the equivalent).
If in doubt about the validity of your qualifications, contact NARIC on 01242 260010 or the general qualifications section on 0870 001 0308
Further advice is available from the Training and Development Agency For Schools (TDA) at www.tda.gov.uk
What will the training programme be like?
Each programme is individualised according to the trainee's needs,
as assessed by the DRB.
You will be employed by your main placement school at a salary on the Unqualified
Teacher scale.
You will have experience of at least two schools during your training programme.
To reach Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) you must satisfy an assessor
that you meet the award of QTS. These can be viewed on the TDA website.
Your Individual Training Plan will be designed to train you to
meet the QTS standards.
You will receive the support of a teacher mentor who has been
trained in mentoring. They will guide you through yout training plan.
You will produce a portfolio of Evidence to demonstrate that
you are meeting the QTS standards. The portfolio will be a reflective log of
your experiences. It will include a series of formal written assignments, lesson
plans, observations of your lessons, of pupil work etc..
You will be visited at scheduled intervals by an external tutor
who will review your portfolio and report on your progress.
You will be required to pass the Skills Tests in Literacy, Numeracy
and ICT.
Whilst you will be continuously assessed as part of the teacher
training programme, your final assessment for QTS will be conducted towards
the end of the programme by an assessor appointed by the Training School. The
assessor will:
- See you teach in each of the Key Stages for which you have
been trained (normally KS3 and 4, but training for 16 - 19 is also possible)
- Scrutinise your portfolio
- Interview you, your mentor and Porfessional Tutor.
This is a two stage process. You must be accepted by:
a) The Accredited Provider (Saffron Walden & Comberton Training Schools)
b) A school within the partnership that is prepared to accept you.
DRB Acceptance:
Saffron Walden & Comberton Training School accept applications from the start of October preceding the programme start in September. You can apply online by downloading the application form from the Useful Links page and send it to gtpinfo@saffronwalden.essex.sch.uk or send it by post to:
Ian Clarke
Deputy Headteacher
Saffron Walden County High School
Audley End Road
Saffron Walden
Essex
CB11 4UH
If shortlisted we will then interview you with a partner school to establish an initial view of your suitability for training. If successful you will be offered a place for training, conditional on a satisfactory needs assessment in the employing school.
No. It is different. Both lead to the award of QTS. The GTP is especially suited to those who are keen to follow an employment than a more academic route into QTS. We are keen to ensure that it is no less rigorous than a PGCE. All the schools involved in our programme have extensive experience of Initial Teacher Training via both routes. Many of our mentors have been trained for both programmes, including the Faculty of Education at Cambridge University.
