Secondary Training Courses Secondary ages 11-16 years

We offer places in a wide variety of subjects. Trainees are supported by a dedicated Subject Specialist and a mentor in school. There are lots of opportunities to take part in Enhancements, such as a mini placement at an FE college and a visit to a special school. After the first part of the training and observation, trainees start off teaching around 5-7 lesson a week. This means there is plenty of time in school to plan lessons, reflect and improve lessons and learn from expert practitioners. All trainees have a 6–8 week placement elsewhere (this placement usually takes place from January to March), to develop their skills in a different environment.

Why to teach Secondary?

Reasons why you should teach secondary school pupils …

  • Teach a subject that you are passionate about

  • Have the opportunity to teach A level and lead trips

  • Support pupils to make decisions about careers or university

Outstanding dedication to teacher training

Make a difference. By brining your knowledge and skills to teaching you can make a real difference to young people’s development. Teaching is a hugely fulfilling career with excellent job satisfaction. The course will provide a rigorous and structured programme of training leading to QTS and PGCE after one year. We offer a range of secondary subjects. Whichever subject you want to teach, you will be supported from day one. Each subject is assigned a Subject Specialist who will work with trainees throughout the training year. As well as 14 dedicated SSP days, the Subject Specialist will also run tutorials and conduct observations in school. Secure subject knowledge is key to planning and teaching effective lessons - the SSP ensures trainees are fully prepared (and supported) to be able to teach their subject. You can benefit from financial support during your training and once qualified you can enjoy enviable job security.

  • Two School based placements (Diagnostic in term one and main practice in term’s two and three)
  • The Core Content Programme (CCP)
  • Subject Specialist Programme (SSP)
  • PGCE (60 Masters credits)

Our courses

We offer a range of secondary subjects, each supported by a Subject Specialist, to ensure a tight focus on your subject area. Your Subject Specialist will support you whilst in training at Durham SCITT and when you are in your placement school. Secondary trainees follow our Professional Studies Programme (PSP) which offers a mix of research based and hands on practical activities to prepare you for the classroom.

Subjects such as Design and Technology and Science are supplemented by additional enhancement opportunities. For example, Health and Safety training to ensure trainees are safe in the workshop and a visit from The Institute of Physics for the science group. History trainees take part in Holocaust Memorial Day, and Geography trainees benefit from field trips. For more information about each subject and what to expect, please get in touch.

Design & technology

2BWP

Art & design

2f24

English

2BX7

Test

Test

Design & technology

2BWP

Art & design

2f24

English

2BX7

Test

Test

Design & technology

2BWP

Art & design

2f24

English

2BX7

Test

Test

Design & technology

2BWP

Art & design

2f24

English

2BX7

Test

Test

Interested in one of our courses?

If you’re passionate about teaching and want to embark on a rewarding SCITT teaching course, reach out to us today to explore your educational journey!

reasons choose Durham SCITT or one of our partners

As a DfE fully accredited provider, we recruit, train, support, assess and award your QTS. We are with you for the entire journey and have total control over the programme. Why train with an organisation that is unable to award QTS directly and relies on a third party to make the decision? Your training year is important, and we are with you all the way!

  • We are fully accredited to award QTS
  • We have 100% trainee satisfaction*
  • Bespoke training to match individual needs

Most questions Frequently Asked questions

Reviews from secondary trainees

"My Subject Specialist was absolutely amazing."

I loved my time at Durham SCITT. It was hands on from the start and I knew I’d made the right choice - there was so much support. I’ve now been teaching for two years, and I can honestly say that Durham SCITT was a fantastic foundation for my teaching career! I felt fully prepared for my NQT...

Kayleigh Jobes

History, Secondary Trainee

"I’d heard really good things about Durham SCITT"

I’d always wanted to teach. When I was at school, I had some amazing teachers who were passionate about their subject and this got me thinking about teaching as a career. I’d heard good things about Durham SCITT - the opportunity to train to teach PE in a supportive environment where I could share ideas with other… trainees...

Chris Martin

Maths, Secondary Trainee

"I would most definitely recommend Durham SCITT… without hesitation!"

Durham SCITT is small enough so that everyone knows who you are, and what’s going on in your life, but big enough to give you all the specialist help and support you need. It gave me so much and I’m so pleased I chose to train at Durham SCITT.

Rachel Stephenson

Health & Social Care, Secondary Trainee

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