Train to Teach
Robert Barclay Academy is part of the East Herts Partnership offering teacher training places each year on a salaried or unsalaried basis in the East Hertfordshire region. The schools in the partnership are fantastic places to train, work and learn. They provide a unique school based learning opportunity in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire, which is our higher education partner. Our partnership’s vision is simple but powerful; we prepare our teachers and students to be respectful of others, to be confident in all that they do and to achieve their full potential.
Also, all partnership schools endeavour to create an environment in which staff, pupils and trainee teachers alike feel valued and supported. We have all worked with trainee teachers for many years and we fully recognise how much vibrancy, enthusiasm and drive they can offer our respective school communities.
Importantly, the partnership sees its staff as its most valuable resource and its schools have a proven track record in training and professional development. Our teachers are excellent practitioners with exemplary behaviour management skills and are eager to share their skills, knowledge and practice with the next generation of teachers.
School Direct
What is School Direct?
School Direct is an initial teacher training programme based in schools as opposed to university. Although trainees do spend time with our higher education partner, the University of Hertfordshire, most of the training is in school. The idea of School Direct is to give trainee teachers more ‘hands-on’ teaching experience than traditional university based routes into teaching. There are two School Direct programmes offered by the East Herts partnership: these are the salaried and fee paying routes.
School Direct (Salaried)
The School Direct (salaried) means you will be employed by the school and receive a salary while you train. It is primarily aimed at career changes.
Course Requirements
- Relevant experience
- An honours degree (2.2 or above)
- GCSE English and maths at Grade C or above
- A GCSE science at Grade C or above if you want to be a primary school teacher
- A degree in your specialist subject if you want to be a secondary school teacher
Advantages
As a salaried trainee you will:
- Receive a salary as an unqualified teacher while you train
- Work alongside experienced and expert practitioners
- Get a real feel for the profession by being immediately immersed in school life
- Receive qualified teacher status (QTS) at the end of the course
School Direct (Fee Paying)
In the School Direct (fee paying) route, you will need to pay tuition fees, which are around £9,000 but vary from subject to subject. UK and EU students are eligible for a student loan to cover 100% of the fees. However, although you will have to pay fees, you will receive expert tuition on learning and teaching from the University of Hertfordshire and will gain invaluable experience from your colleagues at school. At the end of the programme, you will receive a post graduate certificate in education (PGCE) as well as QTS.
Course Requirements
- An honours degree (2.2 or above, but all degrees will be considered)
- GCSE English and maths at Grade C or above
- GCSE science at Grade C or above
Advantages
As a fee paying trainee you will:
- You will work alongside expert and experienced practitioners
- Gain QTS and a PGCE at the end of the course
- Get a real feel for the profession by being immediately immersed in school life
- Could get your fees covered by a student loan
- Could be eligible for a bursary (limited to certain subjects)
Why Train With Us?
Robert Barclay Academy, or one the other schools in the partnership, are fantastic places to train, work and learn. We provide a unique school-based learning opportunity in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire, which is our higher education partner. Our partnership’s vision is simple but powerful we prepare our teachers and students to be respectful of others, to be confident in all that they do and to achieve their full potential.
Also, all partnership schools endeavour to create an environment in which staff, pupils and trainee teachers alike feel valued and supported. We have all worked with trainee teachers for many years and we fully recognise how much vibrancy, enthusiasm and drive they can offer our respective school communities.
Importantly, the partnership sees its staff as its most valuable resource and its schools have a proven track record in training and professional development. Our teachers are excellent practitioners with exemplary behaviour management skills and are eager to share their skills, knowledge and practice with the next generation of teachers.
Partnership Schools
All trainees will undertake a day at the University of Hertfordshire each week and complete a second placement, usually at one of our partnership schools all located in East Hertfordshire. Aside from Robert Barclay Academy, the other schools are Goffs Academy, Goffs-Churchgate Academy, Haileybury – Turnford, Goffs Oak Primary, Burleigh Primary, Downfield Primary and Hunsdon Primary.
Where to Find Our Schools
All schools in the partnership are strategically positioned a few miles from Junction 25 of the M25 and are all close to the A1. The nearest mainline railway stations are in Cheshunt and Broxbourne. Goffs Oak Primary is quite close to Cuffley station. The University of Hertfordshire is in Hatfield, which is well served by rail from London Kings Cross and is on the A1. Full directions to the university and schools can be found on their websites.
Special Features
All schools in the partnership offer a variety of special features. Each school has its unique ethos and student vibe. One of the benefits of the partnership is the ability to work in Hertfordshire, but have excellent access to London.
Student Facilities
All schools have a variety of extra-curricular activities that enrich student life. The pastoral care at each school is excellent and each school offers child protection training and advice on safeguarding.
Study Facilities
All schools have their own unique study facilities and you will be given a full tour of the school on interview to view these facilities.
Accommodation
East Herts Schools Direct Partnership does not provide any accommodation for trainee teachers. However, the area the schools are situated in have plenty of opportunities for those seeking to rent accommodation. The schools also have good rail and road links with London.
Child Care Facilities
The University of Hertfordshire has child care facilities which can be used by School Direct trainees when they are studying on the university site as part of their programme. However, partnership schools cannot provide trainees with child care facilities and this will have to be organised by the trainee and at their own expense.
Disability Access
The University of Hertfordshire has full disabled access. It would, however, be useful if applicants who would benefit from disabled access could let the training schools know on their application, so that schools can ensure that they can access the school and can fully participate in the interview process.
Vacancies/Training Places
Applications for September will open in October.
You will need to apply via UCAS in addition to letting the partnership know.
At Robert Barclay Academy, the following subjects may be available from September:
- Art and Design
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Drama
- English
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Modern Languages
- Physical Education
- Physics
Contact
The East Herts School Direct Partnership is run on behalf of all schools in the partnership. We can advise, (or put you in touch with someone who can!) on all aspects including administration of the partnership, including recruitment, selection of candidates and the partnership’s UCAS portal.
Robert Barclay Academy
- School Direct co-ordinator: Rav Phagura
- Email: RPhagura@robertbarclayacademy.co.uk
- Phone: 01992 410800
- Address: Robert Barclay Academy, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 8JY
- Website: www.robertbarclayacademy.co.uk
Useful Information
Hertfordshire Regional Partnership/University of Hertfordshire
Key Documentation
Applicants Pre-application Task Form
