The Course

What is a ‘general primary’ course?
This means you will be trained to teach children aged 5 – 11 years in key stages 1 and 2.

What does SCITT stand for?
School Centred Initial Teacher Training.

Is the course full time?
Yes, the course runs from September to July as a full time course.

What time does the course start and finish each day?
The taught element of the course generally starts at 9:00am and finishes at 4:00pm. However, on occasions, this may be slightly different. When trainees are on school placements, they must be at school at least half an hour before that school starts (which for some partner schools is 8:30am) and must stay at least 1 hour after the end of school.

How is the course assessed?
The course is on-going assessment via tasks, assignments and school placements.

How many school placements will I have?
2 main school placements with at least 2 age groups and 2 Key Stages (KS1 &KS2) over at least 2 Block Practices.

What school will I be working in?
You will be working in one of our partner schools. across Dorset.

Will I be expected to visit Kingston University in person?

No. Although Kingston University award the PGCE, you are not expected to visit the university in person. The course is delivered completely by Poole SCITT tutors and any resources from Kingston University are accessible on-line.

Can I choose my placement school?
No. Although you do not choose your own placement school, every care is taken to match you with an appropriate school depending on your circumstances. Placements could be across any of the schools in our partnership but we will work to ensure that distance, caring responsibilities and other relevant information is taken into account when allocating schools.

Can I teach in Early Years after qualifying from Poole SCITT?

Yes. We have had trainees secure jobs in Early Years after training with us.

What qualification will I leave with?
The Poole SCITT course leads to a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).  The course carries 60 Credits towards a Masters Degree.

Can I be flexible on the course hours especially when on school placement?
Unfortunately not. You will be required to be at the course at the hours specified.

When on the taught course, trainees will generally be required in tutorials between 9am and 4pm. Once on placement, trainees will mostly shadow the working hours of their class teachers.

Is there any accommodation attached to the course?
Unfortunately not. We would recommend local contacting estate agents and letting agents if you are moving to the area.

I have children, are there any childcare facilities?
Unfortunately not.

Applications

Who can apply for the course?

Poole SCITT is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in its recruitment, selection and provision of training and employment in line with the Equality Act 2010. We welcome and value diversity of origin, background and experience amongst staff and trainees as enriching the experience of all those who participate in the life and work of Poole SCITT. We understand the need to ensure that those with protected characteristics are not discriminated against and all are given equality of opportunity.

How many places do you have?
We are a small cohort of around 30 places.

When does the application process open each year?
Applications open in October each year for courses starting the following September. Visit https://www.gov.uk/find-postgraduate-teacher-training-courses for more information about the course and to make your application.

Are there any limits to applying for the course?
No. Poole SCITT is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in its recruitment, selection and provision of training and employment in line with the Equality Act 2010.

When does the course close for applications?
The course closes when all the places are filled. This is usually around June time each year.

Can I apply if I am still currently finishing my degree?
Yes you may apply but any offer made would be conditional on you obtaining your honours degree at a level 2:2 or above by the first day of the course.

Can I apply if I am waiting for exam results for GCSEs?
Yes you may apply but any offer made would be conditional on you obtaining your GCSEs at Grade C (or Level 4 with more recent GCSEs) or above by the first day of the course.

What happens if I am offered a place on the course conditional on exam results and don’t achieve the required grades?
Your offer would be withdrawn.

What if I don’t have the relevant GCSEs to be able to apply?
If you do not have the relevant GCSE’s, the alternative is to arrange to sit equivalency tests via www.equivalencytesting.com

You can undertake a distance learning course and then arrange to sit a test, or if you feel that your subject knowledge is sufficient, you can sit the test straight away.

Poole SCITT does not offer testing facilities and any courses or tests must be arranged independently by candidates.

We do not accept any other equivalency tests.

On your DfE Apply application you should indicate that you are applying for tests. Any offers of places on the course made would be subject to you obtaining these qualifications by the first day of the course.

If you are taking Science, we would recommend that you opt for the Combined/General Science option rather than a single Science.

What if I don’t have UK qualifications?

If any of your qualifications have been taken outside the UK, you will need to have these verified as equivalent to the UK qualifications required for entry. Please visit UK ENIC for more details.

What school experience would be useful?
Experience in primary schools in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

It is highly recommended, but not compulsory, that you have undertaken some experience in a state primary school  before you apply for the course.

If I am not successful at getting an interview, how can I improve my chances for the following year?
Where possible, gain some experience in primary schools in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, either as paid or voluntary work.

Look again at how you might improve your application form – have you given a good personal statement, is your reference from someone suitable who can comment on your work with children?

If I am not successful at interview, how can I improve my chances if I apply again?
There is an opportunity to receive written feedback advising areas for your development. If you act on the feedback given, you are welcome to reapply the following year.

What can I do if I feel that the decision made is unjustified or if I feel that I have been unfairly treated during the admission process?

Please refer to our 'PGCE applicants appeals and complaints policy' which can be found Here.

If I attend an interview, when will I hear if I have been successful?
Decisions are usually made within 2 days of your interview.

General

Can I read your most recent Ofsted report?

Please see Here for our most recent Ofsted report.

Policies:

Data Protection Policy

TEACH Trust, has a "Data protection and confidentiality" policy. Please see Here for a copy.

Privacy notice

TEACH Trust has a Privacy notice which can be found Here.

Complaints Policy for Trainees and Staff

Poole SCITT has a Complaints Policy for Trainees and Staff which can be found Here.

Equality Act 2010:

Poole SCITT is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in its recruitment, selection and provision of training and employment in line with the Equality Act 2010. We welcome and value diversity of origin, background and experience amongst staff and trainees as enriching the experience of all those who participate in the life and work of Poole SCITT. We understand the need to ensure that those with protected characteristics are not discriminated against and are given equality of opportunity.

Please see Here for a copy of our Equality Act statement and Here for the TEACH Trust Accessibility Plan and Here for the Poole SCITT Accessibility Plan.

Safeguarding:

At Poole SCITT & the TEACH Trust, safeguarding is of the utmost importance.  The SCITT and Trust schools aim to help protect the children in its care by working consistently and appropriately with all agencies to reduce risk and promote the welfare of children. 

Please see Here for a copy of the TEACH Trust child protection and safeguarding policy.

Please see Here for a copy of the TEACH Trust Whistleblowing policy

Contact us

What if I still have some questions?
Please contact Helen Best at the SCITT office who will be happy to answer any questions you have.