The Course
You will work harder on this course than you have on anything else. Be prepared for feeling tired and pressurised. BUT you will get more rewards from this course than any other or from the majority of things you have ever done! 
SCITT trainee.
The course is specifically designed for trainees wishing to teach pupils in the 5-11 years age range. Trainees spend approximately 22 weeks in schools, with 19 weeks of centre based study at The Thomas Hardye School and some distance learning making up the remainder of the course.
In the early part of the course there is proportionately more time devoted to centre based study, where trainees follow a series of modules reflecting the National Curriculum subjects and other professional requirements. The modules include:
Core Curriculum (English, mathematics, science, ICT),
Broader Curriculum (all other statutory and non-statutory subjects),
The Reflective Professional
Teaching and Research.
Approachable and supportive tutors are a fantastic feature of this course – all tutors are there to help you succeed and keep you positive. SCITT trainee.
Course subject tutors provide trainees with up to date theoretical background knowledge and examples of teaching strategies.They work closely with school based tutors who provide the school based elements of the course.
School experience in one of our Partnership schools is integral to the course. Trainees undertake three placements, with experience in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. From the third week of the course trainees are welcomed into their base school. The pattern of alternate weeks of school experience for the first term not only allows trainees to observe and participate in real situations at a very early stage in their training, but also to reflect on their experiences during centre based sessions.
It was hard work but the great friendships and support get you through it. SCITT trainee.
Trainees can demonstrate their abilities in different contexts throughout the year.
- Teaching skills are observed and assessed regularly during the teaching placements
- School based tasks allow trainees to reflect upon and consolidate their learning
- Four (5,000 word) written assignments enable trainees to analyse the links between theory and practice.