Thinking about becoming a teacher?

~ Schools Direct initiative trains Stoke teachers using local expertise ~

The Trust for Innovative Learning and Training (TILT), an educational co-operative that unites schools and colleges based in Stoke-on-Trent, has locally introduced the Schools Direct programme. 

The Government scheme offers a unique training route to obtain qualified teacher status (QTS). Along with other TILT members, Birches Head Academy will play an active part in the teacher training, sharing the school’s knowledge and expertise with the trainees.

Applications for TILT’s Schools Direct scheme, starting in September 2014, opened on November 21, 2013. The process is currently administered by the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). Applications for a Schools Direct place within TILT can be made on the Department of Education website.

The novelty of the Schools Direct scheme comes from the fact that, for the first time, schools can partner up and use their expertise and experience to train outstanding teachers for their community.

The Schools Direct programme uses existing knowledge from local schools in order to develop the teaching skills of candidates who wish to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS).

To be eligible, candidates must have a UK undergraduate degree or a recognised equivalent qualification, a GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths, and a GCSE grade C or above in science, in the case of candidates wanting to teach primary or key stage 2/3 (ages 7-14).

“Each student has different needs and aspirations; there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for education. Offering each and every pupil the type of support and encouragement they need is one of the main challenges teachers face,” explains Karen Healey, head teacher at Birches Head Academy.

“The Schools Direct initiative brings a change to traditional teacher training. It allows local schools to bring their expertise together and train outstanding teachers for the local community.

“The initiative particularly benefits co-operative trusts like the TILT, because each member brings unique skills to the mix. For example, the Abbey Hill Special School and Performing Arts College provides specialised insight on training for inclusion. The ultimate purpose of the Schools Direct programme is to give a new generation of teachers the tools, knowledge and personal skills to respond to the complex needs of their pupils.”

TILT is a Stoke-on-Trent co-operative of schools, who actively work together for their community, and are committed to offering the highest educational standards to their pupils. TILT offers staff, trainees and associated teachers the ability to access training and support programs with Chester University, the strategic partner of the group, and other continual professional development providers.

Currently, the Trust for Innovative Learning and Training (TILT) consists of the following primary and infant schools: Abbey Hulton Primary School, Carmountside Primary Academy, Etruscan Primary School, Forest Park Primary School, Grove Junior School, Hamilton Infant School, Northwood Broom Community School, St Marks CofE Primary School and Waterside Primary School.

Abbey Hill Special School and Performing Arts College is also a member, along with the secondary and post 16 providers Birches Head Academy and Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College. The higher education provider is the University of Chester.