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School Direct
Our School Direct Offer
We believe that teachers learn best in the classroom, however this needs to be underpinned by a deep understanding of child development, pedagogy and learning.
From September 2016 Eliot Bank (lead school) will be running the School Direct (tuition fee) Programme.
The School Direct (tuition fee) Programme is a school led training route to becoming a qualified teacher and achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
School Direct offers students the opportunity to learn whilst placed in a school. You will be in school, benefiting from the support of highly skilled and experienced teachers 4 days a week and training with Bromley Schools Collegiate 1 day a week.
If you are a graduate (2:2 or higher) and have a grade A* - C in GCSE English, Maths and Science (or equivalent) this could be your route to becoming a teacher.
If you would like to apply for a place on the Schools Direct Programme please complete our Register of Interest Form and email it to akucukkaramukl.209@lgflmail.org along with a copy of your CV. All applications must also be made through UCAS.
Testimonials
Read what our previous school direct students have to say about their experiences:
I chose the schools direct route, as opposed to the PGCE, because I felt I would personally benefit more from the daily hands on experience in a classroom full of children, rather than sitting in a lecture room and listening to other people’s experiences and trying to envision how I would deal with certain situations that could arise in a classroom. It was also comforting to know that if I was successful in my course and a vacancy became available, I could be employed within the school I was placed in.
I joined Gordonbrock Primary School in September 2014, after previously working for four years, in another Primary School. Despite several schools in both the Lambeth and Lewisham boroughs offering in-school teacher training, Gordonbrock’s exciting, creative and immersive approaches to the children’s learning stood out for me. It clearly promoted levels of outstanding quality teaching for both the staff and children; and was an environment I felt I could learn to strive and achieve in.
As it does for trainees and pupils alike, Gordonbrock has provided an inspirational learning experience, which skilfully guides and encourages each learner to reach their potential. As it is federated with Elliot Bank Primary School, I was able to gain support and experience of high quality teaching from several different outstanding practitioners, across both Primary schools. I was placed in three different year groups; working closely with fantastic mentors, who supported my development in becoming a reflective practitioner. Consequently, this enabled me to develop my understanding of what factors contribute to outstanding teaching.
Although, I had to get to know a whole new class every term, I enjoyed this style of experience and training because it helped clarify which key stage/year group I preferred to teach in; which key stage my style of teaching suited more. I initially walked in thinking Upper KS2 would be where I wanted to be, due to my previous experiences working in a school. However, after the training in Year 5, Reception and Year 1, I realised I was a more successful teacher in KS1. This hands on training has led me down a road of self-discovery, I doubt I would have discovered in a university led teacher training. The training year definitely prepared me to face the exciting challenges of being a primary school teacher. Furthermore, I feel that not only have I benefitted from the school, through my quality training; but the school, in turn, has benefitted from me; as I have started my teaching career with a great understanding and foundation of skills, to make me a successful practitioner.
Rouselle Dooknah, School Direct Student 2014/15 Cohort, currently a Year 1 class Teacher having finished her NQT year in 2015/16
I embarked on my journey into Education in September 2015 at the Eliot Bank/Gordonbrock Federation, having previously worked as a freelance Musician and teacher. I specifically chose the school-led teacher training route as it offered upfront, ‘hands on’ insight into the profession, as opposed to having shorter isolated placements on a university-led degree. As a person who learns from ‘doing’ – this route was perfect for me. Not only did I gather a wealth of teaching experience from taking responsibility early on, but I was able to enjoy each of my terms in different phases across the federation. By the end of the year, I felt well equipped with the knowledge, skills and expectations for my NQT year at Gordonbrock.
I am delighted to be spending both my SD and NQT years in the Federation. As leading schools in a culturally thriving borough, I was able to not only grow and learn from the effective mentoring of the staff and senior leadership, but from the children themselves. This Federation prides itself on the professional development of its staff, and I have particularly enjoyed the extra training sessions, such as Singapore Maths and Kagan, that this federation offers. I have felt supported throughout my SD year, and have continued to be mentored during this year as an NQT.
I would highly recommend choosing the SD route into teaching, which offers a true, enriching experience into teaching.
Katie Miner, School Direct Student 2015/16 Cohort now in her NQT year as a Year3 Class Teacher at Goronbrock School.
The Schools Direct route allowed me to carefully choose the schools I wanted to work with. The whole school ethos of Eliot Bank & Gordonbrock provides the children with an excellent academic education, balanced by a broad, relevant curriculum was one that rang true with me and I was delighted when I was accepted on to their training scheme.
The level of support from both the schools was amazing. Both the mentors and senior mentors were always on hand to guide and advise me throughout the year and help me develop the skills I needed to feel comfortable and capable when in charge of my classes.
Schools Direct is an intense year with its own challenges, but knowing that I was getting the best possible training and working with the children from day one was a huge benefit. That ‘lightbulb’ moment when one of your children suddenly understands is the best reward there is.
Sarah Addelsee, School Direct Student 2015/16 Cohort, now in her NQT year a a Reception Teacher at Eliot Bank School.
I chose to complete the Schools Direct route because it gave me a wealth of classroom experience – I spent more time in class in the first term than some PGCE courses give altogether. I felt that the best way to learn to be a teacher was by watching other professionals, and then getting the chance to implement what I had observed instantaneously. Having worked at the school as an LSA I knew that it was an inclusive and supportive environment in which to train, and being able to apply to specific schools meant that I could optimise and tailor my experience. There were several highlights to the year, and I felt that my placements and mentors were varied and enabled me to gain a wide breadth of experience. I felt well supported by the staff at both schools in the federation, and all were eager to help out with advice whenever I needed. The school have an excellent approach to continuing to support and train their staff, even after they have completed their training.
Robyn Drummond, School Direct Student 2014/15 Cohort, currently a Year 5 class Teacher having finished her NQT year in 2015/16
I chose to complete the Schools Direct route because it gave me a wealth of classroom experience – I spent more time in class in the first term than some PGCE courses give altogether. I felt that the best way to learn to be a teacher was by watching other professionals, and then getting the chance to implement what I had observed instantaneously. Having worked at the school as an LSA I knew that it was an inclusive and supportive environment in which to train, and being able to apply to specific schools meant that I could optimise and tailor my experience. There were several highlights to the year, and I felt that my placements and mentors were varied and enabled me to gain a wide breadth of experience. I felt well supported by the staff at both schools in the federation, and all were eager to help out with advice whenever I needed. The school have an excellent approach to continuing to support and train their staff, even after they have completed their training.
Rose Wilkes, School Direct Student 2014/15 Cohort, currently a Year 1 class Teacher at Eliot Bank School
I think the best way to learn is through the actual experience. School led training meant that I could be in class, teaching and learning at the same time.
Gordonbrock and Eliot Bank have high standards and are good and outstanding schools. Becuase of this, I felt I was learning from the best.
The level of support I received form all members of staff was amazing. I couldn't have gotten through the year without the support of the teachers and TA's I worked alongside over the year.
Sonia Simpson, School Direct Student 2013/14 Cohort, currently a Year 5 class Teacher and Literacy Team Leader a Gordonbrock School.
Further Information
If you would like any further information regrinding the programme content and fees please contact Bromley Schools Collegiate on 020 8300 6566 or to administrator@gradteach.co.uk.
If you would like to register your interest in applying for this programme or have any questions about the recruitment process please contact Anne-Marie Küҫükkaramuklu at akucukkaramukl.209@lglfmail.org.