We are proud to offer 2 different routes in to teaching through our Teaching School. We are very experienced in teacher training and have worked with Suffolk and Norfolk SCITT and the University of East Anglia successfully for many years training close to 100 teachers.
Below is a brief synopsis of both routes but for more information please click on the following links:
School Direct UEA Full PGCE
This is an exciting partnership between the Teaching School Alliance & the UEA, where we are able to offer a full PGCE through School Direct. We have placements available based in our partnership schools which are spread throughout Norfolk.
What's the difference between a core UEA PGCE and a School Direct PGCE?
Same Qualification
Same time / lectures at the UEA
School Direct has no paired placement
School Direct trainees spend longer in one school allowing deeper relationships to develop
With School Direct you know your school and mentor before the course begins
General Primary PGCE(M) at UEA information:
All students follow a general programme of professional studies as well as programmes of teaching core and non-core subjects. All students experience two main school placements in two consecutive age bands. Teaching based at the University employs a range of methods and group sizes including lectures, seminars, practical workshops and tutorials. The academic component of the course is assessed at M level and successful students will gain 60 Master’s credits. The course gives students the opportunity to develop their understanding of the principles, knowledge and skills involved in being a reflective teacher. Through both University based and school-based training, a thorough knowledge of child centred learning and how to devise a rich curriculum that is appropriate for all children will be gained. The course provides a challenging, critical introduction into how to meet the needs of young learners through principled practice.
School Direct Suffolk and Norfolk SCITT
We offer specialisms in General Primary, General Primary with Mathematics, Early Years, Special Needs or Key Stage 2. We provide a unique opportunity across Norfolk and Suffolk for trainees to immerse themselves in a diverse range of teaching and training experiences which by the final term are highly personalised.
The training comprises of 3 placements in 2 contrasting schools over the course of the year combined with 66 days in centre training.
The centre based training is provided by expert trainers, many of whom are still serving teachers. It covers all National Curriculum subjects and key aspects of primary education such as behaviour management, SEND and assessment. Trainees also have sessions focused on the two assignments and one presentation which contribute to their PGCE qualification (including 60 credits at M Level).
All trainees have a personal tutor who is committed to supporting each trainee over their training year. This includes weekly email contact, visits to observe teaching and end of term progress interviews. Ofsted 2013 commented on the ‘very high-quality pastoral and academic support for trainees which results in outstanding outcomes’.
Trainees are supported by school mentors who are enthusiastic, committed and well-trained individuals.
Trainees spend approximately 26 weeks on school placement. Most of this is in the main placement school in the autumn and summer terms, with at least 6 weeks in the spring term in a contrasting school.
The distance to school placements will vary. These take into account the trainee’s home address, whether they have their own transport and the placement that the school is able to offer. Our policy is to endeavour to keep journey times to school to a maximum of 50 minutes each way.
Partner Schools
Although we are the lead school your placement school could be with one of our partner schools. Below are some of the schools we have successfully worked with in training teachers: Cromer Junior, Holt Primary, Suffield Park Infants & Nursery, John of Gaunt Infants & Nursery, Hevingham Primary, Marsham Primary, St. William's Primary, Norwich, Heacham Infant & Nursery, Gresham Village, Heather Avenue Infants, Caister Junior, Colby Primary, Rackheath Primary.
This is not an exclusive list and we are always willing to work with other schools.