About the programme

The Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) is an exciting and challenging Initial Teacher Training programme that operates within the counties of Suffolk and Norfolk. Excellent, reflective practitioners emerge from the training to provide schools with high calibre primary and secondary teachers who will help shape the future of education.

The GTP Accredited Provider takes pride in being a supportive and forward-looking ITT provider that values trainees, partnership schools and mentors alike.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PLACES AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER 2012.

What qualifications will I gain?

The GT Programme is run by the Suffolk and Norfolk Accredited Provider, which has been accredited by the Training and Development Agency to train and assess trainees leading to the award of Qualified Teacher Status. This is a recognised qualification which all new teachers have to gain to be employed as a qualified teacher. You will also be given the opportunity to gain M level credits – an important addition as teaching moves towards becoming an all Masters profession. Although this course does not lead to a PGCE, the TDA advises that teachers who wish to teach in countries other than England and Wales can normally apply for QTS elsewhere with relative ease.

Earn as you learn

For candidates wishing to train in the primary or secondary phases, the GT Programme is an employment based-route into teaching, where the trainee undertakes their training towards Qualified Teacher Status whilst working in a school and receiving a salary. The programme attracts a wide variety of graduates into the teaching profession, including those seeking a career change. It is particularly suitable for those who are able to develop their reflective skills and to set high standards for their own professional development. Many, though not all, of those who train via this route already have some relevant school experience.

Join the team

The Programme is characterised by extensive classroom and school-based experience supported by a core training programme provided at our training schools. You will become part of a team of experienced professionals in a school from the start of the school year and will, therefore benefit from opportunities to work and learn alongside experienced and expert teachers. Being immersed in the life of a school from the start of the training period means that you will have the opportunity to make rapid progress and utilise skills gained in prior employment where relevant. Trainees are in a position to learn from the experts and link educational ideas and research to current practice.

The course in outline

GTP Trainees receive a 9.5 month contract from their schools. Training begins in early September and normally lasts for three terms. The training period ends on 15th June following final assessment.

Trainees normally begin their training year with little or no teaching commitment, allowing them to concentrate on induction and begin training activities such as observation of experienced teachers at work; working with small groups of pupils; or focussed study. After a short period of time, they can take on a 'starring role', starting by leading a small section of the lesson and then building towards being in charge of the whole lesson. Similarly, over time there will be an increase in their timetable load, starting with one or two lessons a week and increasing by the third term to a maximum of 13 hours teaching per week.

The Suffolk & Norfolk GTP also offers a 'training grant only' route for those who already have significant experience of working as an unqualified teacher. In such cases the school funds the trainee's salary and the trainee is allowed to teach a timetable of up to 13 hours per week throughout the year.

You will be assessed in two consecutive key stages and, for secondary, one subject area.

Throughout your training, you will be assessed by your placement school and by your SNITT Mentor, who represents the Accredited Provider. Qualified Teacher Status is awarded upon the successful completion of the training programme, normally 3 terms.

How will I be assessed?

In order to achieve Qualified Teacher Status you will be judged against the standards as set out in "Professional Standards for Teachers: Qualified Teacher Status". The standards cover 3 key areas and trainees have to provide evidence to show that they have met the standards for:

Professional attributes
Professional knowledge and understanding
Professional skills

The GT Programme is designed to be flexible and to meet your needs as an individual, according to your prior experience. However, competence must be demonstrated in all standards.

You will be assessed by a process of continual assessment. Termly graded reports are produced by the school and SNITT Mentor jointly. An end of year assessment takes place in May or early June and, if successful, QTS is recommended. In reaching a final judgement as to the end of year grading, SNITT mentors will take account of the Ofsted criteria for the Assessment of trainee teachers. The award of QTS is subsequently confirmed by the General Teaching Council for England and Wales.

How do I gain evidence that I have met the QTS Standards?

Trainees must demonstrate evidence of having met all QTS standards. This is achieved through:

regular observation of your teaching (lesson observation reports)
a compilation of a portfolio of evidence (in most instances, three pieces of evidence are required for each of the standards)
a reflective journal
three assignments covering a range of topics.

You will undertake the majority of your training in the placement school, but in order to meet the standards, visits to other phases are necessary as is a second placement in a contrasting school which will normally be for six weeks.
Trainees who wish to gain experience in a special school may do so for up to one term but will also be required to complete at least two terms in a main stream school.