School Direct Secondary PGCE Programme
with FWTSA
Why train with us?
Our Secondary Teacher Training Programme is an exceptional partnership comprising of Forest Way Teaching School Alliance, six local secondary schools, all with Good Ofsted ratings, and the Universities of Derby and Leicester and Loughborough University. We have worked successfully with trainee teachers for many years as a very progressive and proactive alliance with a major focus on career development from Initial Teacher Training right through to headship. Within our alliance there are a number of major employers who all provide genuine employment links and experiences. It really is the place to learn to teach and then to continue your career. The sky is the limit for the right people! Follow the link to read a personal account of one of our Secondary Trainee's School Direct experience. |
About our training programme
The majority of time on the course will be spent in a local school, gradually taking on the role of class teacher, working closely with an experienced and skilled practitioner and mentor. Approximately 24 weeks will be spent with your main placement with an additional six weeks in a different school focusing on a different key stage to experience the full range of the secondary curriculum. At the start of your course you will spend time in a primary school that feeds into your main school placement and trainees will also have one week in a special school. A carefully devised weekly progrmme delivered at FWTSA Training Hub and at your university, will focus on all aspects of teaching pedagogy including lesson planning and evaluation, behaviour management, learning theory, diversity and inclusion, equality, safe-guarding, creative engagement,PSHE and form tutoring.. By the end of the course you will gain a PGCE with 60 Masters Credits. |
Which schools are involved?
Placements will be at any of the secondary schools in our Alliance. See our Alliance Partners page for a full list of secondary schools and links to their websites.
Placements will be at any of the secondary schools in our Alliance. See our Alliance Partners page for a full list of secondary schools and links to their websites.
What subjects do we offer
Art & Design | Biology | Business Studies | Chemistry | Computing | Design & Technology | Drama
English | Film/Media Studies - FULL | Geography | History | Mathematics | Modern Languages | Music
Physics | Psychology | Religious Studies | Social Sciences | Physical Education - FULL
English | Film/Media Studies - FULL | Geography | History | Mathematics | Modern Languages | Music
Physics | Psychology | Religious Studies | Social Sciences | Physical Education - FULL
Entry Requirements
~ At least a 2:1 degree in your subject (in exceptional circumstances in shortage subjects a 2:2 may be accepted with other experience) ~ GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics gained prior to application ~ Academic and professional references ~ Knowledge of curriculum, awareness of current education issues and initiatives and an understanding of school life.. Professional Skills Tests - The government have decided to replace the skills tests in literacy and numeracy, with a new system of provider-led assurance, where trainees will be benchmarked against a defined set of skills they would be expected to have by the end of their initial teacher training. It is planned to introduce these changes for this year's recruitment cycle, and details will be announced shortly. Successful appliacants will also need to complete an Enhanced Disclosure from the Discolsure and Barring Service and a satisfactory medical report. |
Subject Knowledge Enhancement Courses
We would usually expect that your degree would cover at least 50% of the subject you are looking to teach. However, if this is not the case and you are considering teaching maths, physics, languages, biology, chemistry, computing, English, geography or design and technology don't hold back from applying as you may be able to build up your subject knowledge with an SKE course. If we feel you have the right qualities to become a teacher, but need to acquire more subject knowledge first, we may offer you a conditional place upon you completing a SKE course. See the Get Into Teaching website for more information about SKEs or contact our Secondary Programme Manager at tsa@forestway.leics.sch.uk
We would usually expect that your degree would cover at least 50% of the subject you are looking to teach. However, if this is not the case and you are considering teaching maths, physics, languages, biology, chemistry, computing, English, geography or design and technology don't hold back from applying as you may be able to build up your subject knowledge with an SKE course. If we feel you have the right qualities to become a teacher, but need to acquire more subject knowledge first, we may offer you a conditional place upon you completing a SKE course. See the Get Into Teaching website for more information about SKEs or contact our Secondary Programme Manager at tsa@forestway.leics.sch.uk
How to apply
SEARCH for teacher training places HERE
Search for 'Forest Way Teaching School Alliance' Postcode LE67 4UU
REGISTER and APPLY for teacher training places with UCAS HERE
SEARCH for teacher training places HERE
Search for 'Forest Way Teaching School Alliance' Postcode LE67 4UU
REGISTER and APPLY for teacher training places with UCAS HERE
Cost
The cost of the PGCE course with FWTSA is £9250.00
Bursaries and loans may be availbale. Visit the Get into Teaching and Gov.UK websites for more information.
The cost of the PGCE course with FWTSA is £9250.00
Bursaries and loans may be availbale. Visit the Get into Teaching and Gov.UK websites for more information.

Progression
With Forest Way Teaching School Alliance you can go from trainee to Early Career Teacher and right through to headship. 70% of our secondary trainees have found employment with one of our Alliance Schools and we look forward to working with them again as an Early Career Teacher.
Early Career Framework (Years 2 and 3) - For Early Career Teachers employed at Alliance schools
~ A well-established programme for early career teachers to access high quality professional development, providing useful links and resources.
~ Opportunities for specialist SEN, Leadership and other training within FWTSA.
~ Continued networking and support.
We also offer a comprehensive programme of CPD and leadership training (including NPQML and NPQSL) for staff in all our schools.
With Forest Way Teaching School Alliance you can go from trainee to Early Career Teacher and right through to headship. 70% of our secondary trainees have found employment with one of our Alliance Schools and we look forward to working with them again as an Early Career Teacher.
Early Career Framework (Years 2 and 3) - For Early Career Teachers employed at Alliance schools
~ A well-established programme for early career teachers to access high quality professional development, providing useful links and resources.
~ Opportunities for specialist SEN, Leadership and other training within FWTSA.
~ Continued networking and support.
We also offer a comprehensive programme of CPD and leadership training (including NPQML and NPQSL) for staff in all our schools.