About the programme

The aim of the Graduate Teacher Programme is to get new staff teaching, ensuring classroom-focused expertise is developed from the very beginning. Graduate Teachers will do this whilst enjoying the support and training to develop the confidence and classroom skills to excel. Graduate Teachers will lead the life of a normal teacher, but will receive the support of a reduced timetable, mentoring and a structured training programme to ensure they are supported to become an excellent teacher.

The Graduate Teacher Programme is overseen by the Graduate Coordinator who will be their mentor, offering pedagogical and pastoral training, as well as providing opportunities to self-reflect through fortnightly meetings with other Graduate Teachers. Each Graduate Teacher also receives a department mentor in their subject who will provide support and subject specific training which will give teachers a head start as they approach their year of Initial Teacher Training.

By joining the Graduate Teacher Programme, Graduate Teachers can teach the subjects they are passionate about, inspire the young people that walk through our gates and ensure they receive a wonderful Freemen’s education. If the Graduate Teacher is successful in their role, the School will fund their training and subsequently employ them on completion, as a teacher with Qualified Teacher Status.

Year 1

During this year, the Graduate Teachers will follow a training programme of induction and professional development and will focus on policies and procedures specific to the School and the independent sector. You will be given pastoral responsibilities, such as becoming a co-tutor, as well as co-curricular opportunities. Year 1 gives Graduate Teachers the opportunity to fully engage with, and experience the profession, developing their teaching practice and gain a greater understanding of the expectations prior to undertaking the professional qualification.

Year 1 training sessions include:

• A tailored timetable bespoke to your experience and needs;
• Behaviour management;
• Lesson planning;
• Self-evaluation and observing others;
• Differentiation;
• Pupil data tracking;
• Teaching standards;
• Assessment – formative and summative;
• Trips and visits;
• SEND and EAL;
• Lesson planning – starters, the body and plenaries.

Year 2 (June –June)

At the beginning of Year 2, having completed a year of teaching experience, the trainee will now be making an informed decision about entering the profession and beginning their Initial Teacher Training (ITT). Trainees will be placed in a highly supportive and aspirational environment and will develop the rigour, professional knowledge, understanding and skills that are necessary for the delivery of creative, purposeful and challenging learning opportunities.

At the beginning of the ITT application process, the trainee must complete their QTS skills tests, pre-course material and a minor placement in the state sector before their school-based training at Freemen’s commences. Twilight sessions will take place twice a week through our teacher training provider, often in the form evening sessions at a local school. If the trainee successfully completes Year 2, they will graduate with Qualified Teacher Status.

Requirements to join:

• A UK Honours degree, 2:2 or above or equivalent from a reputable University in a degree related to the teaching vacancy to which you are applying;
• GCSE Maths and English, Grade B/level 6 or above. Primary trainees they must also have Science Grade B/6 or above;
• Any overseas qualifications must be certified by NARIC to confirm equivalency to the above;
• To have found a week’s work experience in a school sufficient to have had a good look at the working life of a teacher and to have spent some time with students in a classroom environment, either taking some lessons or helping to do so.

Benefits:

• Trainees are paid in Year 1 and 2 of their training;
• Funding for Initial Teacher Training;
• Bi-weekly training sessions including the completion of a reflective commentary led by our Graduate Coordinator;
• Focus can be given to policies and procedures specific to the independent sector;
• Graduates are able to fully experience the profession before undertaking the professional qualification;
• Accommodation may be available.