Inspiring ambitious trainees through a school-based initial teacher training programme.
Let us challenge, train & support you to realise your teaching ambitions.
Why Join Us
A structured and supported post-graduate programme of school-based, professional development opportunities for trainee teachers.
Early Years & Primary
Primary (QTS) Early Years(3-7), Later Years (5-11)
Beginning September 2023 Key features of the course • The Primary PGCE is an initial teacher training and education course, designed to empower you to become a confident and competent qualified teacher. • With 60 credits at Master’s level, the Primary PGCE can open doors to further study and other employment opportunities. • Full time route available • 120 days teaching in schools plus additional days which focus on very specific teaching skills • You can either follow the Early Years (Ages 3-7) route, Later Years (Ages 5-11) route or Later Years (Ages 5-11) with SEND specialism. • We have a strong partnership with the university and with our schools. We organise placements for you in supportive environments with access to expert colleagues and mentors to support you in completing your initial teacher training and gaining qualified status through experiential learning.
Placements
Early Years (Age 3-7) You will be placed with a host school in either Reception or Key Stage 1 during your School Experience 1 from September to the end of December and return to this school for your School Experience 3, from the end of March to the end of June. A complementary placement will take place for School Experience 2 from January to March in the other key stage and school to widen your experience. Later Years (Age 5-11) You will be placed with a host school in either KS1 or KS2 during your School Experience 1 from September to the end of December and return to this school for your School Experience 3, from the end of March to the end of June. A complementary placement will take place for School Experience 2 from January to March in a different key stage and school to widen your experience.
Later Years Pathway (5-11) with SEND specialism
The course offers: • Excellent preparation to teach all National Curriculum subjects • Opportunity to train as a teacher in the primary phase with a specialism in Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion • This pathway will enable you to develop a deeper understanding and knowledge of working with children with disabilities, within mainstream and Special School or specialist provision settings • A grounding in primary pedagogy across the curriculum • Research-informed teaching • Access to subject and priority area specialists During the course, you will: • Apply theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop in classroom settings • Manage different patterns of organisation and styles of teaching to best support effective learning and provide equality of opportunity for all children • Develop an understanding of SEND through the application of inclusive teaching practices • Develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and teaching competence which will enable you to observe, plan, teach, organise and assess children’s progress and learning across the full primary range • Develop a clear framework for your own professional values and demonstrate a critical and reflective attitude towards your practice • Evaluate sequences of learning and their impact on pupil progress, linking it to current education research
What Makes us different
Mentoring
You will develop your teaching skills with the support, guidance and coaching of well-trained expert colleagues in a school setting, with Lead Mentor Headteacher Julie Leeman and Deputy Headteacher Lucy Wretham, and through regular on campus contact with your University Mentor.
Throughout the programme, you will have continual contact with an experienced mentor who will help to guide your development, assess your progress and support you to maximise your potential.
Qualifications you will need
Entry Requirements
Successful candidates will display a range of professional and personal characteristics including:
The ability to work effectively as part of a team and a commitment to collaborative practice
The ability to critically reflect on developing professional practice
The ability to engage in high level professional discourse regarding the theory and practice of teaching and learning
Excellent levels of oral, written and presentational communication skills
A dedication to research-informed teaching
All Your Questions Answered
Our Recruitment & Selection Process
The interview process involves one online interview with school and university colleagues during which you will be asked to engage in a range of teaching and learning related activities.
The process is designed to help us decide on your potential to become a great teacher.
You will be told in advance what you will be expected to prepare and a member of the University team will be in contact with you at all points of the process to guide and advise. To help you prepare for your interview, you can expect questions covering the following:
The role of being a teacher - both the positives and the challenges
Your ability to identify the skills and qualities a teacher requires
Your understanding of current issues in primary education and the wider role of a teacher
Your knowledge of professionalism and how teachers demonstrate this
How schools and teachers keep children safe
In addition, we are looking for enthusiasm, commitment and potential to train to become a great primary teacher . Clear written and oral communication skills are integral to this which you will have an opportunity to demonstrate throughout the interview.
Applicants will be informed of the interview panel’s decision once all the necessary paperwork has been processed. Applicants can track their progress through the DFE website.
References: For your application, you will need two references.
Further details of the interview progress will be shared with the successful applicants.
Training with disabilities and other needs:
Welford on Avon School Teacher Training Hub is committed to supporting students with disabilities and additional needs.
We are happy to discuss access arrangements as needed with potential applicants.
Funding & Grants
Fees and financial support
Advice from Get Into Teaching
Financial support from the government
You may be eligible for a loan while you study – note that you’ll have to apply for undergraduate student finance.
Find out about financial support if you’re from outside the UK.
The course fees for 2023 to 2024 are as follows:
Student type
Fees to pay
This route is open to anyone who meets the minimum eligibility criteria for teaching. You will undertake the majority of your training in school, but you will not be employed by the school. The route incurs a £9,250 tuition fee, although you may be eligible for funding through tuition fee loans, training bursaries or scholarships.
UK students: £9,250
International students: £17,400
Current Fees:UK / EU £9,250 / International £17,400
Interview Process & How to Apply
All applications for PGCE should be made via the Government's Find Postgraduate Teacher Training website.
Additional useful information is available on the Government's Get Into Teaching website.
Tel: 01789 750214
email: wretham.l1@welearn365.com
website: www.welfordonavonschool.co.uk
Supportive Training That Develops Your Professional And Personal Skills
You will develop your teaching skills with the support, guidance and coaching of well-trained expert colleagues in a school setting, with Lead Mentor Headteacher Julie Leeman and Deputy Headteacher Lucy Wretham, and through regular on campus contact with your University Mentor.
Throughout the programme, you will have continual contact with an experienced mentor who will help to guide your development, assess your progress and support you to maximise your potential. So, join us and inspire a love of education in young learners and build their confidence, abilities, attitudes, aspirations forever.
Search for training provider name: Welford on Avon Primary School - provider code 2L6.
All applications should be made via https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training
Gain School Experience
If you have the right qualities and qualifications to teach but would like to refresh your subject knowledge, we also offer the option of volunteering in school to gain experience ahead of the course.
More information can be gained via the DfE site below: