Train to Teach With Odyssey TEACHING SCHOOL ALLIANCE

Odyssey Teaching School Alliance in conjunction with GITEP and the University of Gloucestershire offers School Direct initial teacher training places at both primary and secondary level. School Direct places are open to all graduates and are funded by tuition fees. 2020/2021 will be our sixth year of operation and we are immensely proud of our success rate and employment history.

School Direct could be the perfect package for you. Whether you've just finished a degree, or have been working in a career for many years, you will probably want to combine any further teacher training with actually doing the job in school. Secondary Trainees recruited to the Odyssey School Direct programme follow the same course as other GITEP trainees if they choose the PGCE route, but with additional support, guidance and mentoring from our schools - some of the most successful in the country. Likewise, Primary Trainees follow the University of Gloucestershire course, but again with additional training and support.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

In order to cope with the rigorous demands of teaching highly academic students to the highest grades at A-level, all trainees applying for a Secondary School Direct place with Odyssey should ideally hold a 2:1 degree or higher. To train as a teacher on any programme you must achieve a standard equivalent to a grade C in GCSE English and mathematics. The right candidates for these Secondary-level training positions with the Odyssey Teaching School Alliance will be candidates who have excellent subject knowledge and a strong academic record. They will be passionate and enthusiastic about their subject and will relish the thought and challenge of working with the most able students at the very highest level.

Applicants for our primary School Direct places also require a first degree from a UK Higher Education Institution or an equivalent qualification. This must normally be a 2:2 or above. A standard equivalent to a grade C in the GCSE examinations in English Language, Mathematics and Science is also required. As part of the selection procedure, candidates will be requested to take part in a rigorous selection process designed to assess suitability to teach.

 

How Much Will It Cost?

Trainees on a School Direct Training Programme will have to pay tuition fees to cover the cost of the course, but home and EU trainees will be eligible for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England to cover the cost of these fees. Many trainees are also eligible for a bursary or scholarship. Details of these bursaries and scholarships are available by clicking here.

FEES 2020/2021:  Primary - £9250, Secondary (PGCE) - £9250, Secondary (QTS) - £8250

Can I still get a PGCE with a School Direct Place?

YES! If you want one. Trainees recruited to the School Direct programmes can choose one of two routes. Many will follow a PGCE route and complete the same course as other GITEP trainees. Trainees who choose the QTS only route will still attend the subject pathway sessions and some of the professional preparation programme but will complete fewer academic assignments.

For more information about GITEP's role in the secondary course please click here.

For more information about The University of Gloucestershire's role in the primary course please click here.

If you have any questions or queries about the course in general please don't hesitate to contact us at info@odysseyts.org

Take a look below to see what our current trainees think about their placement with Odyssey Teaching School Alliance.
 

"It's been an amazing experience training with the Odyssey Teaching School Alliance and we've been so well supported throughout our school placements. From the excellence of the weekly training and development sessions through to the day-to-day support in the schools, it's all been brilliant and really lovely to do this as part of a group of cross-subject trainees. Winding the clock back I was unsure which route to follow at application, but I feel most fortunate having chosen the Odyssey TSA route and have no regrets at all."

"The quality of the school-based training and the level of support I've received from my mentor and other colleagues has been excellent. As trainees, we've been made to feel valued members of the school community from day one. There have been numerous opportunities to gain experience of wider school life here at Pates, be that through school trips or extra-curricular activities. With my department, I've also been fully involved in staff professional development sessions. My first term in teaching has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience and I feel well-prepared to start my twin placement and develop my skills in the classroom further."

WHAT MAKES A GOOD TEACHER?

Click here to see what our pupils think....