This is not an accredited University course. The programme is accredited by the NCTL and does not attract a University of Buckingham award. The programme provides a pathway to QTS for trainees who have previously studied the Independent PGCE and is an assessment only route rather than taught course.

Trainees gather evidence and present reflections on their teaching through regular mentor-led sessions in school. Trainees must complete a placement in a contrasting school and ensure that they teach a full age range across two consecutive key stages or age ranges if in a Primary setting.

The programme aims to provide an opportunity for trainees to demonstrate competency against and meet the Teacher’s Standard to qualify for QTS:

• Understand relevant legal frameworks including safeguarding, equality and diversity
• Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge young people
• Promote good progress and outcomes by pupils
• Demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge
• Plan and teach well-structured lessons
• Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils
• Make accurate and productive use of assessment
• Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment
• Fulfil wider profession responsibilities
• Demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct

Evidence will be submitted and verified via a portfolio that is rigorously scrutinised and assessed by School Mentors and University Tutors. Trainees also self-evaluate and thus assessment is triangulated.

Teachers’ Standards DfE 2012
NCTL (Dec 2015) Assessment Only Criteria, crown copyright: NCTL
NCTL (Aug 2016) Assessment Only Criteria Supporting Guidance , crown copyright: NCTL

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of Buckingham and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.