Teacher training at BGS

Thank you for your interest in training to teach at Bourne Grammar School.  Our purpose as a school is to create the best atmosphere, provide the best support, and get the best results in everything we do, including teacher training.  Our trainees are placed with expert mentors – teachers with great experience and knowledge of the profession.  As a result, training at Bourne Grammar School is supportive, rewarding, and successful.

I decided to join the teaching profession several years after graduating from University with a Bachelor of Arts, having worked as an Estate Agent locally. Wanting to get as much experience within the classroom as possible, I decided to train via a SCITT course, with a PGCE through Lincoln University, and was lucky enough to get a placement at Bourne Grammar School. The feedback and support I have received from my mentor, department and leadership team have been tremendous the whole way through. The academic endeavour of the students and overall atmosphere of the School have allowed me to develop my teaching and subject knowledge in a way that exceeded my expectations. I could not have wished for a better school in which to train.

Heather, Teacher of English

Applying for teacher training can be a daunting and confusing process, but don’t be put off; we are here to help.  Each option involves a minimum of 24 weeks in at least two contrasting schools.  This will give you practical classroom experience, academic study to give you the knowledge and understanding to teach successfully as well as an assessment of your teaching skills through being observed teaching classes.

1. A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is the most popular route for secondary education teachers.  The traditional PGCE course format is split between university and school with 24 weeks for secondary training.
2. School-centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) is a school-led programme provided by a consortium of partner education providers.

I have had the privilege of not only attending Bourne Grammar School as a pupil but the opportunity to return later in life to give back to the School community and help foster future generations of students. I realised my passion for teaching history during my time as a doctoral student at the University of Nottingham and decided to explore this interest by completing a teacher training course, part of which took place at Bourne Grammar School.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time training at the School and have really benefitted from the experience and expertise of colleagues in my department, as well as guidance from my mentor and the leadership team. Consequently, I was delighted to accept a job within the history department and have enjoyed helping develop the schemes of learning and support offered to students.  

The School has taken an active role in facilitating my professional development and I have been able to pursue rewarding career opportunities. The collaborative approach within the history department and across the wider staff body has helped me to reflect on my teaching practice and bring new ideas into the classroom. More recently, the emergence of a teacher research group has provided an excellent opportunity to discuss pedagogy with colleagues. I look forward to furthering my professional development by undertaking a National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership in the upcoming academic year.

Harry, Subject Leader of History

Next steps

Being accepted on a teacher training programme will require you to have some experience in a school, so please come and spend some time with us!  Whilst gaining some experience in our school, you will be able to talk to our staff about their training.  You will find both newly-qualified teachers (ECT’s Early Career Teachers) and experienced teachers who are willing to share their thoughts and experiences about the different training programmes available and about the high level of support offered by Bourne Grammar School to trainees and ECTs. You can arrange school-based experience by contacting Fiona Hill. 

If you enjoy your time here and think that this is the school in which you would like to train, the next steps are relatively simple.

• Lincolnshire SCITT - a SCITT route for the local area
• Oundle Language School – a SCITT route specialising in MFL, Maths or Physics

These providers will be able to advise you of the vacancies available; you will then need to register with UCAS to begin your application.

Once your application has been successful, you will be invited to interview - this will usually take place at the partnership provider.

Spend time reading about teaching as a career.  You will be expected to know what is involved and what is expected of you as a trainee teacher.  Safeguarding, bullying, learning, child development, motivation and behaviour are all key elements of teaching practice that you may be asked about during an interview.

 

Languages, Maths & Physics

Do you have aspirations to train to become a Modern Languages, Maths or Physics teacher? Or do you know someone who does? We are working in collaboration with Oundle School on two National SCITT Teacher Training programmes and the Oundle School hub of the National Modern Languages SCITT (National Modern Languages) and National Maths and Physics SCITT (https://www.nmapscitt.org.uk) have places available for September 2023 and 2024.

For the language programme you would need to have some knowledge of French, German or Spanish, but could also offer Russian, Chinese, Arabic or Italian. You require a BA Hons in a language or another subject.

• For Maths & Physics you would need Maths or Physics A-level and a degree in a related subject.
• Training places come with a tax-free bursary (£25k for Languages, £27k for Maths & Physics)
• Specialist weekly or fortnightly training on how to be an excellent Modern Languages, Maths or Physics teacher taking place at Oundle School.
• An opportunity to teach in both independent and state schools – placements may be available at our school or at others in a wide geographical area.

Contact Clare Douglas ([email protected]) for more details on the Oundle School routes.

 

More information

If you would like to visit BGS or talk to us about teacher training, please contact our ITT Lead, Fiona Hill who would be happy to help with your query.  Email [email protected] or telephone 01778 422288 Ext 296. 

We look forward to hearing from you, and wish you all the very best in your next steps towards teacher training.