FAQ’s - Durham SCITT

SCITT training starts with a blend of in school and in house training. This means you can observe the practice that has been discussed at the training sessions, deconstructing lessons, and getting into the nitty-gritty of what makes a good lesson. The course is a perfect balance between study and hands-on experience and, of course, you are supported all the way.

We always try to place trainees within a sensible distance to their placement school. We try to ensure that placements are well within a 30-minute drive unless a trainee has made a specific request to be placed in a particular school. We work with trainees that cannot drive (or do not have access to a car) to ensure that their placement school is accessible by public transport. We will always let you know where your placement school is going to be located and discuss any issues that might arise. We are happy to discuss alternative placements if required. Those trainees who apply directly to one of our partner schools should note that they must do a second placement of at least 6 weeks in another school. We will try to ensure you are within a sensible distance from the second placement school to home.

We offer a well-planned, fully supported training programme that guides you through your training one step at a time. Secondary trainees have a dedicated Subject Specialist to support them with the development of their subject knowledge and primary trainees benefit from a well-structured programme of school experience and enhancement opportunities. All trainees are assigned a school mentor who will meet with trainees weekly and support their development. Placement schools generally offer an ‘in house’ CPD programme to supplement the training received from Durham SCITT.

As part of our SCITT programme, we provide both Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) to all trainees. Durham SCITT is the accredited provider and awarding body for QTS and Northumbria University award the PGCE element of the course.

To teach in England and Wales, teachers only need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). However, to teach elsewhere, including Australia or Dubai (for example) you must also have the PGCE qualification. We think it makes sense to have both qualifications as it equips you with an additional set of skills ensuring you are a reflective practitioner and a resourceful classroom teacher. In addition to receiving your PGCE, you will also earn 60 credits towards a Masters in Education if you choose to do this at a later date. The PGCE is an academic award, whereas QTS is the recognition of a period of classroom focused training.

Secondary training mainly takes place at The Work Place in Newton Aycliffe. Our purpose built training facility is the ideal place to learn, with comfortable break out spaces and a great coffee shop just a two minute walk away! Our mini pods and larger training spaces are equipped with the latest technology to make sure you get the best experience. We are close to the train station (5 minute walk) and to the A1 (two minute drive), so TWP is easy to access. Once the course has started, many trainees choose to car share.

Primary training: This will depend on the route you choose. Some primary training is delivered at The Work Place in a primary specific training space. Other trainees, Redcar and Cleveland for example, will be based elsewhere and come together, on occasion, for whole cohort training. For more information, please get in touch with Rachael Hunt, the Primary Training Manager.

At Durham SCITT, we are committed to supporting all trainees on their journey to become a teacher. Every trainee is different, so we do not have a ‘one size fits all approach’. We arrange regular tutorials to support trainees and we are also extremely approachable – our motto is “do not suffer in silence!” In addition to regular tutorials, we offer access to online and telephone mental health support services, as well as dedicated ‘wellness’ and ‘excelling under pressure’ training sessions. All trainees will be assigned a school mentor who will provide academic support, as well as monitoring wellbeing. Mentors regularly ‘check in’ with us to let us know how trainees are doing and staff from Durham SCITT will visit for observations or just a chat. Trainees are also supported to develop their classroom practice with bespoke training and mentor support.

We have a rigorous assessment process that is designed to support you through to the award of QTS. The training programme is split into three distinct phases. During each phase of the training, you will gather evidence of your progress through lesson observations and other academic work. You will present this evidence on three occasions. There are three check points, two that are formative (you receive feedback on what has gone well and the areas for further development) and a final, summative judgement, based on the whole of your training year. The good thing about our assessment system is that you will never get to the end of the course not knowing how you are doing. You receive feedback regularly and we are here to help at any point should you support. The whole process is transparent and completed in conjunction with the trainee.

Frequently asked questions

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Frequently asked questions

What is a SCITT?

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What is the difference between QTS and PGCE?

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Can I teach a subject in which I do not have a degree?

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