Process
Our school experience programme provides prospective applicants to our programme a chance to immerse themselves in a ‘day in the life of a teacher’ in one of our partner schools. You will be given a schedule for the day and have the opportunity to speak to staff within the department and observe some lessons within your chosen subject. You will also have the opportunity to speak to someone at the school about the SCITT programme and the support available. If you would like to book a school experience day please use the DfE website https://schoolexperience.education.gov.uk/ or email info@bbscitt.co.uk
so that we can arrange this for you. School Experience days are available at all of our partner schools.
Recruitment & Assessment Process
The assessment day will take place centrally with the SCITT team at Barr Beacon School. Partner schools will be part of the assessment day so you will have the opportunity to ask any school specific questions you may have. Applicants who are invited to interview will be sent an invite to interview booklet which goes through the process of preparing for the assessment day in detail. The day will consist of a number of different elements which will allow us to assess whether you have the key attributes to become a trainee at Barr Beacon SCITT. During the assessment day you will complete:
A Subject Knowledge Assessment
A 50-minute test of your subject knowledge up to the age range you are expected to teach (11-16 courses this is up to GCSE level, 14-19 courses this is up to A Level). You will also complete a 10-minute assessment of your written English skills.
A Teaching Episode
A 15-minute teaching activity in your subject.
A baseline audit of your Fundamental English and mathematics skills
All trainees will complete a 60-minute audit of your Fundamental English and mathematical skills at the start of the year.
A Pre-Prepared Presentation
A 5-minute pre-prepared presentation on a given topic area with a short Q&A session.
An Interview
A formal interview on all aspects of becoming a teacher. There is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.
What are we looking for?
Throughout the assessment day, you will be assessed against your potential to train to teach alongside the essential skills, qualities and attributes that a Barr Beacon SCITT trainee can demonstrate. These are listed below:
1
Subject Knowledge
2
Wider Professional Responsibilities
3
Aptitude for Teaching
Fundamental English and Mathematics
Entrants to teacher training courses are no longer required to pass the skills tests before starting teacher training. Trainees are expected to be competent in and demonstrate their competence in Fundamental English and Mathematics by the end of their training before being recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
The Department for Education defines Fundamental English and Mathematics skills as the following:
An applicant’s competence in these areas will be audited at interview and, if successful in the assessment day process, a targeted plan will be drawn up for your training year. It is the trainee’s responsibility to secure these fundamental skills in order to be awarded QTS.
Disclosure and Barring Service Checks
At Barr Beacon SCITT we are guided by the Department for Education’s guidance on Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2023) and all offers to Barr Beacon SCITT are subject to enhanced DBS clearance prior to the commencement of the course.
Health and Physical Capacity to Teach
Barr Beacon SCITT has a responsibility to ensure that trainees have the health and physical capacity to teach. This will take the form of a questionnaire prior to the commencement of the course.
Background Checks
At Barr Beacon SCITT all trainees are subject to a TRA prohibition to teach check, a disqualification check and a right to work check. In addition we may contact references from a trainee’s application for further information if required. There is an opportunity at interview for applicants to discuss all statutory checks in more detail.
Equality and Diversity
Barr Beacon SCITT is committed to promoting and practicing equality of opportunity, valuing diversity and eliminating harassment and discrimination. We are an inclusive organisation which welcomes and treats both staff and trainees fairly and equally regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnic origin or nationality. Our workforce should be representative of the communities we serve. Legislation designed to eliminate unfair discrimination and promote equality of opportunity is in place and is adhered to by the SCITT, which include:
The Equality Act (2010) Race Relations Amendment Act (RRAA) (2000) The Disability Discrimination Acts (1995 and 2005) The Protection from Harassment Act (1997) Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (2001)
The SCITT provides opportunities for applicants to identify any special arrangements that they may require. Applicants can find further information on Page 7 of their Assessment Day Information Pack.
Contact Info
BBSCITT
Old Hall Lane,
Aldridge, Walsall
WS9 0RF
Monday - Thursday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 3:30pm
Weekend: Closed
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