This Primary (5-11) course leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). It is designed to prepare our trainees to start their journey to become outstanding teachers, delivering high-quality, purposeful and inclusive learning experiences, inspiring a love of learning and successful outcomes.

As a Primary teacher you work with children at the very start of their learning journey; you give children the basic building blocks of knowledge, skills and personal understanding that stay with them throughout their lives.  At BCTSA we work with many Primary Schools across the West Midlands and Birmingham who will support you in your journey from day 1.  

During the training year you will spend the majority of your time based in a school alongside experienced teachers and leaders. One day a week you will attend training which is underpinned by current evidence-informed practice and research. These days will focus on professional studies, core curriculum (English, Maths and Science) and foundation subject pedagogy. Sessions will be delivered by expert practitioners and specialists, and will include:

• Behaviour management
• Learning environment
• Planning
• Phonics
• Assessment
• Safeguarding
• Teaching pupils with special needs (SEN)
• Teaching pupils with English as an additional language (EAL)
• Subject and curriculum knowledge

At the beginning of the year you will observe expert practitioners, moving towards leading small parts of a lesson and gradually building up to teach whole lessons. You will receive the support of school-based mentors/class teachers, as well as members of the BCTSA Central Team and subject specialists. The well-being of our trainees is very important to us and we take pride in the personalised provision we offer.

To enrich your professional practice and develop your expertise you will complete 2 PGCE assignments, which will contribute 60 credits towards a Master’s degree.