The “Teach in Redbridge” School Direct Programme

SCHOOL-LED PRIMARY INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING

About School Direct 

School Direct is a school-based training route into teaching and an excellent way to gain QTS and the practical skills you need to become a teacher. It enables those who have just finished a degree, or have been working in a career for many years to combine teacher training with actually doing and learning on the job.

This one-year course is based in one school for the majority of the year with a short contrast setting placement. Candidates learn the art of teaching in the classroom for four days each week, guided by their mentors. Host schools are able to offer insights into their successful practices and induct trainees in line with the best of current teaching.  Part of the course is theory based and there will be formal training each Thursday.  School Direct requires a full time commitment of 5 days per week from September to July and trainees are expected to participate fully in the everyday life of the schools in which they train.

Mayespark Primary, Gearies Primary and Churchfields Junior School are the three lead primary schools in the “Teach-in-Redbridge” programme collaborating with Forest Independent Primary Collegiate (FIPC) - the accrediting provider. FIPC is a school centred initial teacher training provider based in Chigwell. This partnership delivers the theory training on Thursdays to complement the on-the-job training in schools.

Why Train with 'Teach in Redbridge' 

 We believe that teaching is an exciting, challenging and rewarding profession. We pride ourselves on having a proven track record over the past 15 years in training excellent practitioners and supporting them in gaining positions within our partnership schools.

The programme was written by Redbridge Head Teachers in collaboration with FIPC.  It reflects the exceptional standards in Redbridge schools and our understanding of what makes an excellent teacher.  We are committed to offering high quality training for local candidates with the aim of securing the beginning of a successful career in a Redbridge school.  We also aim to support trainees’ careers after completing the programme through CPD that compliments what has been learnt through Teach in Redbridge. This includes subject knowledge and leadership training, and opportunities to take part in research and to work collaboratively with colleagues in other schools

This year we have 30 places on the School Direct route. We scrutinise the applications and place trainees in their partnership schools. These are excellent mainstream and special schools that are committed to supporting the process of the training in Redbridge.

Entry Requirements

To qualify for this school-centred route the minimum requirement is English, Mathematics and Science GCSEs at grade C or above, and a good quality first degree.

Two references are required and certificates to demonstrate the acquisition of both the English and Maths Professional Skills Tests before a formal offer can be made.

How We Select 

 The selection process consists of the following:

• The scrutiny of a lesson plan to teach a specified aspect of the curriculum
• The observation of the delivery of this lesson to the agreed year group
• A formal interview

Want to Know More?

FIPC and Mayespark Primary School are happy to handle enquiries from potential candidates and schools considering hosting placements.

FIPC – Helen Tyler (07948 373053) helen.tyler@edservices.info

Teach in Redbridge – Stella Kalaidzi (Administrator) 020 8550 1803, stella@ghpta.co.uk

Ms E. Davies Mayespark Primary School (Head Teacher) 020 85592263 office@mayespark.redbridge.sch.uk