This page hopes to answer some common questions raised
by applicants wishing to apply to join the OTT programme in Newham to gain Qualified Teacher Status(QTS)
Q. I not currently employed, can I train on the programme? A. No you must be employed as a teacher to join the programme.
Q. I am working in a school as a teaching assistant / technician /learning mentor,
can I join the programme A. No, you have be employed as a teacher to join the programme.
Q. I am a trained secondary teacher but am teaching primary pupils, can I be assessed
in my primary school where I am employed? A. No, you have to be assessed as a teacher in the sector for which you were trained. You
are advised to speak to the head teacher of your school to see if there is a way this can
be achieved
Q. I am a trained science teacher but am teaching maths, can I be assessed
as a maths teacher? A. No, you have to be assessed as a teacher of the subject for which you were trained.
You are advised to speak to the head teacher of your school to see if there is a way
this can be achieved
Q. I have only worked long term in one school in England, can day-to-day supply
in other schools count for my other school experience. A. No, you must have evidence of meeting the standards in two schools in England, short
term supply would not provide this
Q. For how long do I have to work in a second school. A. There is no simple answer to this, it depends on your previous experience,
the most common
way teachers have gathered evidence is to spend some time for a few weeks
(say half a
day for half a term, using their PPA time) then doing a short teaching practice say 7-10
days.
You are advised to speak to the head teacher of your school to see if there is a way
this can be achieved
Q. My degree is not equivalent to a UK degree can I still join the programme A. No, teachers in the UK must have degree level qualifications. The South Bank University
(020 7815 7815) and
Institute of Education (020 7612 6000) both offer degree top-ups.
If you have any further queries please contact
the OTT information line (0845 6000 991).
Q. I have a teaching qualification from an EEA country, can I join the programme? A. No, teachers from the EEA with equivalent qualifications can apply for QTS
without further training see www.gtce.org.uk
Q. I do not have Maths / Science / English GCSEs, can I join the programme? A. GCSE Equivalency Tests are offered for individuals who have not reached the standard
grade.
SCITTELS recommends using A Star Teachers agency for equivalency testing.
For information on their equivalency testing please email:
Check with individual providers prior to arranging an equivalency test to ensure they accept
the equivalency qualification. Or contact your local further education college or adult
education provider for information about GCSE courses.
Note the Training and Development Agency (TDA) does not accept level 2 qualifications in
Adult Literaacy and Numeracy as equivalent GCSE qualifications
