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School Direct | Derby Teaching School Alliance (Lead school: Chellaston Academy)

Welcome to Derby Teaching Schools Alliance Secondary School Direct programme, coordinated by Chellaston Academy. We are passionate about providing high quality Initial Teacher Education in a full time school-based setting. We work in partnership with the Universities of Derby and Nottingham to provide ITE through the School Direct route.

The schools in our alliance:

This gives a real strength to our School Direct programmes providing trainees with many opportunities to learn and develop in a range of contexts. It is important to note that you are not applying to be placed in one specific school. The training involves two placement schools and short periods in other contexts. Placements will be based on your own development needs.

All trainees successfully completing a programme will be awarded Qualified Teacher Status and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) with 60 credits towards a Master’s Degree from the University of Nottingham, or the University of Derby.

How to apply:

Applications for 2020/21 are now open! Further information about the application process can be found on their website: http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/teacher-training

Please note that when applying to Chellaston Academy you are not applying to work at a specific school, your individual training experience will lead to you being deployed in the schools which the Alliance feels will offer you the best possible opportunities to complete your training successfully.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate potential and show strong commitment. In order to apply for a place on School Direct with us from September 2020, applicants must have:

• Honours degree: a 2.2 UK undergraduate degree or a recognised equivalent qualification is preferable.

• A GCSE grade C or above in English and Mathematics or a recognised equivalent qualification

• Some paid or voluntary experience in a school classroom which will help you demonstrate insight into teaching and learning. It can be helpful to your application to use a referee from this experience on your UCAS form.

• A high quality personal statement submitted as part of your UCAS application.

All places offered are contingent on successful applicants also meeting the ‘suitability’ (DBS) and ‘fitness to teach’ (mental and physical health) requirements.

If you studied outside of the UK, you should visit the National Academic Recognition Centre (NARIC) website to find out whether your qualifications are of an equivalent level to UK GCSEs, A levels and an undergraduate degree.

The School Direct Training Programme focuses on developing teaching skills. You should have a strong understanding of the subject you wish to teach before you start training. If your degree subject does not link closely to your chosen teaching subject, it is recommended that you undertake a subject knowledge enhancement course before you begin training.

Many Frequently Asked Questions about becoming a teacher are answered on the following site: http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/faqs/becoming-a-teacher.aspx

Benefits of training through Chellaston Academy include:

• Well-developed links between schools across the Alliance for trainees who want to work in Derby and its surrounding area, so understand the unique challenges our schools and children face. With the diversity of our partner schools (including two special schools) and the relationships we have with other schools in the city, we can support training in areas of EAL and SEN.

• A general professional studies programme that offers experience across schools for further depth.

• The opportunity for good and outstanding trainees to gain experience in a second subject area during their final term of training if they wish; enhancing their employability and matching curriculum needs of local schools.

• A ‘buddy’ programme of peer support and critical friends that will sustain you beyond your ITT year.

• The possibility of beginning your teaching career in a school where career progression through ITE, as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and a Recently Qualified Teacher (RQT) are well-developed.

• Local professionally facilitated networking with other School Direct students; access to a range of local curriculum forums and links with Newly Qualified Teachers training and events.

We will ensure that each trainee is allocated an excellent mentor in their host school. Mentors attend regular network meetings to ensure they keep their skills up to date and for them to share good practice. Your relationship with your mentor is key and we carefully monitor the quality of mentoring including taking feedback from trainees on the programme.

Contact Us

For further information about Initial Teacher Education (ITE) at Chellaston Academy, please contact Lauren Derbyshire (DTSAAdministrator) or Anthony Fricker (ITT Coordinator):

Phone: 01332 706806 or 07712 674474

Email: deborah.outhwaite@dtsa.org.uk