Primary with Mathematics PGCE with QTS – SDKJ

maths.jpgDue to our affiliation with North West Three Maths Hub, we offer a unique Primary with Mathematics School Direct Teacher Training programme for graduates, in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University. North West Three Maths Hub is at the forefront of the development of high-quality teaching in Mathematics. Trainee teachers will access our Primary General training with additional training units in Mathematics delivered by our Teaching for Mastery specialists. Trainees will also benefit from working with and observing these specialists in schools.

The taught element of our School Direct programme at North West Learning Partnership will be delivered by outstanding and specialised trainers – Head teachers, Specialist Leaders in Education, experienced consultants and outstanding practitioners who are still involved in teaching. The majority of the training sessions delivered by North West Learning Partnership take place in our placement schools and other venues, and the Primary PGCE is taught at LJMU. Trainee teachers will spend some days training with both NWLP and LJMU. However, they continue to spend time in school throughout the whole programme.

The Primary programme will focus predominantly on developing your subject knowledge and subject pedagogy in all primary curriculum subjects, so that you have the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to become a confident teacher of the 5-11 age range. In addition, training sessions will develop your confidence in a range of relevant issues; classroom and behaviour management; meeting individual needs and inclusion; planning and assessment etc. There is a strong emphasis on social justice issues in education and on mental health and well-being. We want you to develop into an inclusive and reflective teacher, with the skills, energy and resilience needed to make a real difference in schools. 

In order to achieve Qualified Teacher Status, you will demonstrate that you are able to meet all the requirements of the Teachers’ Standards. This aspect of assessment is largely undertaken by your Professional Mentor in school and Liaison Tutor. Trainees will also be supported both by North West Learning Partnership and LJMU staff. On placement, they will undertake co-observations of your teaching and quality assure the school-based training across the Partnership. 

The Postgraduate Certificate is assessed through 2 Modules. The LJMU course team and North West Learning Partnership School Direct have worked together to ensure that the modules are both relevant and manageable. The Award of QTS is integral to one of these academic modules. You will also complete a two-part essay, which requires you to reflect on your developing classroom practice.

School Placements 

Trainee teachers will be allocated a 'home' school in our Partnership for one academic year, all of which are outstanding or good. We provide a personalised and supportive training approach and therefore the location of your home school will be taken into consideration, in addition to the opportunity to work alongside Teaching for Mastery specialists, Maths PDLs and SLEs in our Strategic Partners and Partner schools. You will have two Teaching Practice phases in your home school and one in your away school. The away school is a contrasting experience. We aim to allocate placements which are best fit for your development. You will have a Professional Mentor in both your home and away school who will support your development. You will also receive support and guidance from the School Direct Strategic Lead. 

In addition to your home and away school, you also have a day placement in our partner High School, Special Schools and in Foundation Stage. We believe that these placements are important and enhance your training within the primary phase. 

Entry Requirements 

You should have or be expected to achieve an Undergraduate Honours degree (or recognised equivalent) . The degree classification should normally be at 2:1 or above, however strong applicants, with experience, with a 2:2 will be considered. 

* GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent qualification) at application stage. 

Applicants with a Maths degree/a degree with Mathematics included in the degree/ A level Maths are welcome to apply for the Primary with Mathematics School Direct training programme. 

Please contact Kathy Carman - kathy.carman@three-saints.org.uk to discuss non-standard entry requirements.

Interview Process 

All applicants who meet the entry requirements will be invited to attend an interview.  Interviews, when not on line, take place at one of the schools within the Three Saints Academy Trust. There will be at least two representatives from all our partners, including university, on the interview panel. The interview process includes a presentation based on a planned lesson and a formal interview. You will also be asked to complete a written English task and a Mathematics task. Further information will be provided prior to the interview. 

Applicants will be assessed for their: 

  • Relevant subject knowledge for Primary teaching and their interest in and enthusiasm for teaching the 5-11 age range
  • Ability to successfully engage learners and to make learning exciting and meaningful to children in a range of contexts 
  • Commitment to supporting learners, including in areas of challenging social context 
  • Enthusiasm, energy and resilience and ability to work with others in teams and potential to work successfully at Master’s level. 

Applicants are asked to bring evidence of GCSEs in English, Mathematics and Science with them to interview, along with degree certificates if they have already graduated. 

If you are successful, you will also be invited to a welcome meeting in July 2022, where you will meet staff from your home school and the North West Learning Partnership.  

* GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent qualification) at application stage