Train to Teach Secondary

The teenage years bring many changes, not only physically, but also mentally and socially. During these years, adolescents increase their ability to think abstractly and eventually make plans and set long-term goals.

Teaching during these critical years of growth and learning can have a lasting impact and influence the life choices of many individuals.

Think back to your own High School years and the teachers who inspired you.  Maybe they’re the reason you now want to become a teacher!  Do you want to have the same impact?

What does Secondary Teaching involve?

As a Secondary school teacher, you will work with children between the ages of 11 and 18 and specialise in teaching one or two subjects from the national curriculum.

Why choose Inspiring Leaders Secondary teacher training course?

The trainees who choose our school-based approach to becoming a secondary school teacher often select it due to the wealth of teaching experience offered, the extensive hands-on practice it provides and the continuous support on offer alongside the training.

What will my Secondary Initial Teacher Training look like?

Time frame

You will start your training on day one of the academic year (August or September) and finish on the last day of the summer term.

​Typical week

You will typically be in school four days per week.

​Teaching commitment

You will build from 40% timetable by Christmas to 60% by Easter and 80% by the end of your training.

​Phase

You will teach in a minimum of two Key Stages, usually KS3 (Years 7 – 9) and KS4 (years 10 & 11), with the opportunity to also gain experience in teaching post-16. You will also spend a minimum of 2 days in primary school settings, to understand the transition from primary to secondary.

​Supported training

You are never alone in the classroom and are supported and mentored by trained mentors and experienced teaching staff throughout your time in school.

​Knowledge and skills

One day per week (usually every Wednesday), trainees come together as a cohort to access our ‘taught programme’, which prepares and guides you through each development stage. We make sure through these sessions that you have all the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the classroom.

​Subject specialism

Once every half term, you will meet with a dedicated subject specialist in your subject groups. Subject specialism is an opportunity to delve deeper into the curriculum, assessment and other fundamentals with a clear and transparent focus on subject and phase.

​PGCE

We work with two highly regarded Universities; Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and University of Leicester (UoL). Whilst the universities are responsible for delivering and accrediting the Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE), we work closely with each university to ensure you are being provided with the best possible training so that the information provided can be transferred into your own classroom practice. University-based days occur 12 times throughout the year and are usually on ‘taught programme days’.

​PGCE Assessment

You will complete 3 components to gain your PGCE award; 2 x 5,000-word assignments (one in the autumn term and one in the spring term) and an online evidence portfolio that you will work on across the year. Those completing these components to the required level have the opportunity to access Masters credits.

​Teaching Assessment

You will gather evidence of progress throughout your training and store it electronically on an e-portfolio.  Your progress is presented, reviewed and discussed termly by the panel and those meeting the assessment criteria are awarded QTS by Inspiring Leaders.

​Opportunities

Throughout the programme and particularly in the summer term, you will have the opportunity to explore potential areas of interest or expertise and adapt the programme at an individual level. For example, there is an opportunity to look more deeply at SEND provision in schools or alternative provision. You will develop expertise in diversity and inclusion in education or grow your awareness of the importance of literacy. You could also pursue a particular area of interest related to your subject.

​Employment

The majority of our trainees find a teaching post during their training year. We actively promote job opportunities across our partnership schools throughout the training year. We also provide advice on getting an interview, how to be successful at the interview and support our trainees in finding the right setting for their next steps as an Early Career Teacher (ECT).

​CPD

We firmly believe in supporting our trainees well beyond their training year. We provide a wide range of professional development opportunities through Inspiring Leaders Today to ensure our trainees continue to develop their classroom expertise and leadership potential throughout their careers.

Where can I train to be a Secondary School teacher?

Through our partnership with Flying High Partnership, Redhill Academy Trust and Discovery Trust, we are able to offer you the opportunity to train in a number of schools across Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Rutland and Northampton.