Poole SCITT Frequently Asked Questions

Finance

What will I have to pay for the course?
Tuition fees are set annually. For the year 2010/11, for home students they will be £3,290. (as approved by OFFA) 

Overseas / non - home students will be required to pay the full tuition fee of up to £10,000. 

If you are unsure of your status please visit  www.ukcisa.org.uk for further advice and information.   

What will I be entitled to receive?

As a home student you will be entitled to receive......
A TDA Training bursary of £4,000.

A Poole SCITT bursary of £329 for all trainees in receipt of the full Maintenance Grant.

 Other loans and grants may be available. Please see the Money Matters section.

The course

Is the course full time?
Yes, the course runs from September to July as a full time course.

What time does the course start and finish each day?
The taught element of the course generally starts at 9:00am and finishes at 4:30pm. However, on occasions, this may be slightly different. When trainees are on school placements, they must be at school at least half an hour before that school starts (which for some Poole Schools is 8:30am) and must stay at least 1 hour after the end of school.

How is the course assessed?
The course is on-going assessment via tasks, assignments and school placements.

How many school placements will I have?
You will have 3 placements in 3 different schools - one placement key stage 1, one in key stage 2 and the final placement in the key stage of your choice.

What school will I be working in?
You will be working in one of our partner schools.

Can I choose my placement school?
No. You could be placed in any partner school although special circumstances may be taken into account.

Can I be flexible on the course hours especially when on school placement?
Unfortunately not. You will be required to be at the course at the hours specified.

General

What qualification will I leave with?
The Poole SCITT course leads to a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) validated by Kingston University in Surrey. The course carries 60 Credits towards a Masters Degree.

What is a ‘general primary’ course?
This means you will be trained to teach children aged 5 – 11years.

What does SCITT stand for?
School Centred Initial Teacher Training.

Is there any accommodation attached to the course?
Unfortunately not. We would recommend local contacting estate agents and letting agents if you are moving to the area.

I have children, are there any childcare facilities?
Unfortunately not.

What if I still have some questions?
Please contact Helen Best at the SCITT office who will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Applications

How many places do you have?
We have 28 places available each year.

When does the application process open each year?
The GTTR opens in October each year for courses starting the following September. Candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible to gain the best chance of being offered an interview

Is there any age limit to apply for the course?
No. The Poole SCITT is committed to the inclusion of all eligible participants, regardless of sex, age, disability, colour, religion or nationality.

Can I still apply after the GTTR deadline of 1st December?
Yes you may, providing we still have places available.

When does the course close for applications?
The course closes when all the places are filled. This is usually about March/April each year.

Can I apply if I am still currently finishing my degree?
Yes you may apply but any offer made would be conditional on you obtaining your degree at a level 2:2 or above by the first day of the course.

Can I apply if I am waiting for exam results for GCSEs?
Yes you may apply but any offer made would be conditional on you obtaining your GCSEs at Grade C or above by the first day of the course.

What happens if I am offered a place on the course conditional on exam results and don’t achieve the required grades?
Your offer would be withdrawn.

What if I don’t have the relevant GCSEs to be able to apply?
You can arrange to sit equivalency tests via www.equivalencytesting.com. You can undertake a distance learning course and then arrange to sit a test, or if you feel that your subject knowledge is sufficient, you can sit the test straight away.

The Poole SCITT does not offer testing facilities and any courses or tests must be arranged independently by candidates.

We do not accept other equivalency tests.

On your GTTR application you should indicate that you are applying for tests.

Any offers of places on the course made would be subject to you obtaining these qualifications by the first day of the course.

What school experience would be useful?
Experience in primary schools in both Key stage 1 and Key stage 2.
You must have done at least 1 week, preferably 2, in a local primary school before you begin the course.


If I am not successful at getting an interview, how can I improve my chances for the following year?
Gain as much experience in primary schools as you can in both Key stage 1 and Key Stage 2, either as paid or voluntary work.

Look again at how you might improve your application form -have you given a good personal statement, is your reference from someone suitable who has recently been involved with you?

If I am not successful at interview, how can I improve my chances if I apply again?
Ring the Professional Co-ordinator for feedback on your interview performance. She will be able to offer you advice.

If I attend an interview, when will I hear if I have been successful?
Decisions are made within 7-10 days of the interview day.