This programme is designed to enable in-service teachers in the learning and skills sector to progress towards Qualified Teacher (Learning and Skills Sector) status.

• Employment in an institution recognised by LLUK for the purpose of practical teaching and evidence of access to a minimum of 75 hours teaching including some observation of experienced practitioners in year 1 and a further minimum of 75 hours teaching in year 2. (Applicants from settings external to the partner college must provide evidence of adequate subject/vocational area mentoring arrangements)
• Qualification relevant to the chosen specialist subject or vocational area at level 3 (NQF) or above
• Qualification and/or competency in English at NQF level 2 (or equivalent)
• Competence in Numeracy at NQF level 2 or willingness to develop
• Competence in ICT skills at NQF level 2 or willingness to develop
• Letter of support from an appropriate manager in the applicant's institution
• Satisfactory performance at interview in oral and written tasks
• Satisfactory CRB check

AEL

Applicants who already have considerable teaching experience in an Standards Verification UK (SVUK) approved environment or have an SVUK recognised qualification at an equivalent level may present evidence in a claim for Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning. More advice will be given on this process at application.

• Experience a high quality programme of initial teacher training for staff teaching in all areas of the learning & skills sector.
• Develop as a teacher/trainer who will be responsive to the diverse needs of post 14 learners, and who are innovative, flexible, and challenging in their practice.
• Develop as a teacher/trainer who is critical and reflective towards your own teaching and continuing professional development, committed to professional values and practice and to ensuring equal opportunities for your learners.

Knowledge

• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of relevant educational theory and research in relation to the learning & skills sector teaching/training role and context
• Set realistic and challenging learning objectives for students which take account of diverse individual learners' needs and the demands of relevant curricula.
• Select and use a range of teaching methods effectively so that all learners can progress successfully.

Thinking skills

• Design, plan and implement schemes of work in your subject or vocational specialism
• Identify areas which may act as barriers to learning and devise strategies to address these in order to promote equal opportunities and an inclusive learning environment.
• Differentiate your teaching/training to meet the needs of all learners, including high achievers, those with a history of educational failure, those with learning difficulties and disabilities and those for who English is an additional language.

Subject-Based Practical skills

• Meet the professional standards required by SVUK.
• Teach/train effectively in an approved learning & skills context and demonstrate secure subject and/or vocational knowledge in your teaching/training.
• Prepare and use high quality teaching and learning resources, using ICT as appropriate in the curriculum area.
• Use a range of assessment strategies to monitor and evaluate students' learning and progress against planned learning outcomes.
• Provide individual learners with appropriate support and with the skills to work autonomously.

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• Organise and manage the learning environment safely and effectively, including responding to challenging behaviour.
• Work autonomously and in collaborative team contexts in learning & skills sector environments.
• Work within a professional value base and take responsibility for your own continuing professional development.
• Critically evaluate your own professional practice as a teacher/trainer in the learning & skills sector
• Demonstrate meeting the SVUK minimum core personal skill requirements in language & literacy, numeracy and ICT.

2 years part time

The teaching year begins in September and lasts for 33 weeks divided into three terms

The programme consists of six compulsory 20 credit modules (programme components). The first two components lead to the University Certificate and completion of the remainder leads to the full Certificate in Education (PCET). The first component contains the Preparing to Teach in the Learning & skills Sector element which confers the threshold licence to teach.

In order to gain a University Certificate (Associate Teacher PCET), you will need to obtain 40 credits at Level 1 HE.

In order to gain a Certificate in Education you will need to obtain 120 credits, 60 at Level 1 HE and 60 at Level 2 HE

All assessed teaching practice sessions are assessed on a pass/fail basis as are all the module assignments

Knowledge is developed through

• Seminars
• lectures
• workshops
• subject related guided reading
• peer and professional discussion

Thinking skills are developed through

• debate and discussion
• individual tutorials
• small group work
• development of Portfolio
• seminars

Practical skills are developed through

• Teaching in the workplace
• Observation of peers and mentors
• Feedback on teaching

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

• Peer group support
• Individual study
• Individual action planning

Knowledge is assessed by

• Evidence in schemes of work and lesson plans
• Written reports and essays
• Lesson evaluations
• Case studies

Thinking skills are assessed by

• Reflective reports
• Professional development project

Practical skills are assessed by

• Observation and assessment of practical teaching
• Portfolio of evidence
• Numeracy tasks

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• Practical teaching
• Written tasks
• Numeracy tasks