ITT FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for our ITT Programme
1. Why choose School-Based teacher training?
You will work within the school community from day one and benefit from learning locally from a team of experienced professionals in schools. We have a 100% employment rates of graduates for the past 3 years. Quality assurance records show 100% of trainees agree or strongly agree that training and placements are effective.
2. What happens when I apply?
All applications undergo a shortlisting process and the best candidates will be invited to undertake an interview. When we receive notice of your application through DfE Apply we contact you to arrange a time for interview. Interviews usually take place in person at one of our placement schools and include an observed task with a small group of children, short tests to assess English and Maths skills as well as a formal interview.
3. What support will I receive?
We have an outstanding team of school mentors who support trainees every step of the way. You will be assigned a professional tutor by LHU.
4. How do school placements work?
Placement schools are graded as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted and are mainly in the Warrington area with other schools in Halton, St. Helens and Cheshire. Trainees will undertake a minimum of 120 days in up to three different school placements maximising the range of experience received. During professional placements trainees will increase the amount of time they spend teaching, beginning with 60% and increasing to 80% of the full teaching timetable by the end of the summer term.
5. What does the course entail?
The year-long programme involves 3 placements in school, 4 weeks of intensive training and practice deep-diving into topics like Phonics, a further 16 days of curriculum training led by school leaders who are experts in their subject, 10 days of initial professional development (IPD), with 6 synchronous academic days and 6 asynchronous days in university, a dedicated team of mentor support and completion of two assignments.
From September 2024 we will be offering 4 weeks of Intensive Training and Practice to provide further opportunities to learn skills and gain knowledge that is immediately applied and practiced. These will be adapted for Apprenticeship trainees.
6. What is a training calendar?
The carefully sequenced training calendar details all training dates with venues and names of trainers. We use local schools drawing on experienced leaders, curriculum leads and teachers for training. This enables our trainees to learn from experts and gain inspiration for their own practice.
Our comprehensive foundation, core and specialist primary subject training is complemented by training in planning, assessment, metacognition, classroom practice and behaviour, ensuring that all trainees leave the year with a full suite of tools, resources and knowledge to deliver the whole curriculum.
You will attend centre-based, subject and professional training every week as well as occasional days at Liverpool Hope University. The majority of your week will be in placement schools where you will complete tasks linking training with practice as well as work alongside classroom teachers to develop teaching skills.
7. What is an ITaP?
From September 2024, we will be offering 4 weeks of Intensive Training and Practice (known as ITaP) to provide further opportunities to learn skills and gain knowledge that is immediately applied and practiced. This is a new requirement for all teacher training providers from September 2024. It will involve dedicated weeks where the trainees’ day is divided between learning about a topic and then applying this learning in a classroom.
8. How will I be assessed?
By completing your PGCE School-Based Teacher Training year with Generate Teaching Hub means your qualification is accredited by Liverpool Hope University. Experienced mentors will assess your academic ability and practical skills in the classroom through lesson observations, professional dialogue and weekly meetings.
Careful feedback is given to encourage continual progress and ensure a trainee is meeting all course requirements. In addition, trainees observe experienced teachers in action which is an essential part of the development as a new teacher.
Assessment of classroom practice and pedagogy throughout school placements leading to a portfolio of evidence presented at final profiling to Liverpool Hope University. You will successfully complete two academic assignments, which trainees are through guided by Liverpool Hope University.
9. What are the national Teacher Standards?
The national teacher standards are set by the Department for Education and provide the minimum standards required of teachers. These are used as a benchmark for trainee teachers to understand and show how they are attaining the requirements during this training year.
10. How much help will I get to apply for a job?
Applying for your first teaching position can be daunting but you are not alone. The Generate team will help and guide you through the process by offering training to help you to prepare for interviews.
We provide job hunting support in several ways:
- A mock interview scenario with a Headteacher which will be as authentic as possible followed by in-depth feedback on your application and interview.
- Training sessions on application and interview techniques.
- Resources, examples and experiences for trainees to absorb as you build confidence in applying for the first job.
All our Trainee Teachers move on from their ITT year with Generate Teaching Hub ready for work; many securing jobs prior to the end of term.
11. What support is available after QTS?
As the Teaching School Hub for all Halton, Warrington and Wigan schools, any Trainee Teachers securing their first position locally will also benefit from our training and mentoring support for their first 2 years as a qualified teacher on our Early Career Framework programme. We are the largest provider of training to teachers and leaders to Halton, Warrington and Wigan schools, providing the golden thread of professional development throughout your career. This continuity of support will then carry on from your initial year of training into the profession.
12. Why choose School-Based teacher training?
You will work within the school community from day one and benefit from learning locally from a team of experienced professionals in schools. We have a 100% employment rate for graduates for the past 3 years. Quality assurance records show 100% of trainees agree or strongly agree that training and placements are effective.
