How do I get school experience in preparation for interview?

Contacting a local school is often a good way to get experience. Many schools are often happy to welcome potential teachers for short periods of voluntary work. However, if your already have a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, you are potentially more useful to a school as you may be permitted to work with pupils unsupervised.

Do I need to have a CRB check before I apply?

You do not, and you may not request it yourself. If you are successful at interview, you will complete the necessary paperwork and we will request CRB clearance for you, before you can begin on the course.

Will I get a job in Newham?

One of the course aims is to train teachers for teaching in Newham and so our trainees become well versed in the cultures, needs and aspirations of our pupils and schools. Many are long-term residents of Newham or neighbouring boroughs and want to give something back to their home community. Therefore, strong candidates for jobs in Newham are able to demonstrate this at interview.

Who will teach me on the course?

The extensive school experience in itself a good teacher. The quality of this is ensured by the strong commitment and expertise to be found in the mentoring skills of our head teachers, school-based tutors and other school staff. The course also benefits from the expertise of school-based curriculum leaders, LEA advisors, Advance Skills Teachers, Health experts, and a number of well-known educational consultants.

What is the difference between a SCITT course and a University-based course?

The environment: the campus environment and the school environment are different. On our course you will be ‘in school’ all year round. Children and practicing teachers are as it were, ‘on tap’ as necessary.
Our PGCE course is validated by the Roehampton University and successful trainees receive a university award of PGCE.