Teacher Training

Why teach?

There is no better feeling in the world than knowing you have helped someone learn something that has gone on to shape who they are. In most professions, you never get to experience that feeling, but in teaching, you get to feel it every single day. 

As a teacher, you'll have a pivotal role to play in shaping the next generation. You'll have the opportunity to be a role model with the ability to develop your students' talents. You'll be able to maximise their potential, enabling them to achieve something they thought they never could. 

So what makes a Great Teacher? 

At Areté Learning Trust, we understand that academic qualifications, while important, are not the only thing that makes a fantastic teacher. The qualities and characteristics we look for in candidates allow us to determine whether or not the programme could be a good fit for you. 

  1. Alignment with our school values 

  2. Passionate about their subject 

  3. Excellent communication skills 

  4. Resilience 

Why Areté Learning Trust?

OUR VISION - ARETÉ: IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE 

Every school within the trust will have shared values and ethos whilst being committed to the overarching principle of “Being the best we can be”, the mission statement of Areté Learning Trust (ALT), which underpins the work of all Trust schools. This is rooted in the shared belief that every child, whatever his or her circumstances and starting point, has unique skills and qualities and given the support, encouragement, opportunity and challenge to achieve, can do so. It is the commitment of the company to create a context for all children and young people to thrive, academically, personally and socially, so that they experience the real joy of learning, and all have an opportunity to succeed through collaboration between the schools within the trust and with all stakeholders. 

Why school direct?

If you already have experience or confidence in working with children, then School Direct might be the perfect way for you to train to become a teacher. Tax-free funding (up to £30k) is available to the best graduates training in a range of subjects to offset the £ 9,000-course fees. For up-to-date details on bursary information for the forthcoming academic year, check the ‘Get Into Teaching’ website getintoteaching.education.gov.uk. 

As a School Direct trainee, you will complete the majority of your training with us at The Arete Trust, whilst also gaining experience in another school placement during your training year. You will be in the classroom from day one, but we won’t throw you in at the deep end. You will gain support from a dedicated subject mentor alongside a school tutor who will deliver your school-based training package. Course lectures and seminars on teaching theory, along with statutory topics like safeguarding and behaviour management, will be delivered by our training partner Durham SCITT based at Newton Aycliffe. 

Our training provider

Durham SCITT 

Durham SCITT has been training teachers since 2005. It’s the personal attention they give to their trainees which makes it a great place to learn. They pride themselves on their personal approach. They know there is no such thing as a “typical trainee” so they don’t provide a one-size-fits-all course. They will help you to grow and become a great teacher.  Their Subject Specialist programme (SSP) was recognised by Ofsted as excellent practice. 

They are based at “The Work Place” Newton Aycliffe, County Durham and as one of their trainees, you will have access to first-class training facilities.  

 

Further information can be found at http://www.durhamscitt.co.uk/ 

Applying

Eligibility criteria

To join any Initial Teacher Training Programme in the UK, candidates must satisfy the below criteria as set out by the Department for Education (DfE).
You must: 

  • Have a minimum grade C or 4 in Maths and English Language GCSE or equivalent (and a Science subject if you are applying to teach Primary). If you hold high school grades from a country outside of the UK, please ensure your grades in Maths, English (and science if teaching primary) meet our overseas eligibility criteria before applying. 

  • Hold (or will hold by September 2023) an Undergraduate Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). 

  • Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the programme. 

  • Not currently holding Qualified Teacher Status.