Primary Training

THE PRIMARY ROUTE PUTS EXPERIENCE IN SCHOOL AT THE HEART OF THE TEACHER TRAINING PROCESS AND IS COMMITTED TO VALUING, SUPPORTING AND GUIDING TRAINEES TO BECOME INSPIRING CLASSROOM TEACHERS.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The primary route is a one-year full-time course, which runs from September through to July leading to Qualified Teaching Status (QTS) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Our post-graduate teacher training programme operates within the Southwest London area with placement schools in Sutton and Merton.  The lead school is Aragon Primary School, part of the successful Willow Learning Trust in Merton.  The primary programme offers first class training across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (5-11 year olds) with successful applicants working two of our partner schools across both key stages.  In addition, there are also opportunities to gain experience within early years settings (Nursery and Reception), specialist provision and secondary education.

PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Each week, trainees attend professional studies training sessions that teach the Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework, learning theories, and subject knowledge of the broad Primary National Curriculum.  Within these sessions, trainees can expect to observe expert practice, review current educational research and literature and work alongside other trainees to develop their knowledge of teaching and learning.  Sessions are delivered by a range of specialists including Professional Studies Tutors, Headteachers, Lead Teachers and Consultants; all who are experts in their field.

“The carefully designed curriculum means that trainees routinely review and apply their learning.  Primary trainees learn about systematic synthetic phonics from the start and deepen their expertise by revisiting early reading throughout the year” – Ofsted 2021

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Throughout the year, trainees will complete professional placements in two of the schools within our partnership, where they will be fully immersed in the culture and life of their school.  At each school, trainees will be assigned an experienced mentor who will support them in planning, delivering and reflecting on lessons, putting theory into practice.

Across the programme, teaching builds gradually starting with observations of colleagues, moving on to teaching small groups and part of lessons before teaching whole lessons, whole days leading to taking responsibility for the full teaching timetable of the class.  This allows trainees to build their confidence, develop relationships with pupils and refine their teaching practice.

ASSESSMENT

Throughout the year, trainees complete a variety of written tasks which are designed to demonstrate understanding of different aspects of teaching and learning.  Alongside this, trainees compile a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates their knowledge and understanding of the five competencies outlined in the Core Content Framework (CCF).