The wide range of training opportunities is… used very effectively to enable teachers to develop their skills. Teachers are very positive about the quality of the training and support they receive.
Ofsted, May 2015
Are you a graduate who is considering a career in teaching?
No matter how long ago you graduated there is an opportunity to apply and learn new skills in a teaching career. Come and have a chat with us at Highdown. Our dedicated Professional Tutor and Initial Teacher Training team will support and guide you through the decision-making process as you make those initial steps into the teaching profession. We can help with applications, providing observation experiences and unpicking what makes great learning and teaching to give you that head start.
Book a visit to Highdown
Every year we welcome over 40 potential new members of the teaching profession to undertake up to two days observation and participation in the Highdown community, working with staff and students and gaining a valuable insight into the profession.
If you are considering a position on one of the many routes into teaching and would like to visit Highdown, please do not hesitate to contact the main school office to discuss further (office@highdown.reading.sch.uk).
Routes into teaching include school direct or university PGCE courses. For more general information about getting into teaching, please visit the DfE Get into Teaching website.
School Direct PGCE
Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre is currently a partner school with the Wokingham Federation for School Direct places for the 2020/21 cohort. Places are available in the following subject areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Modern Foreign Languages, Design and Technology, History, Geography, Art, Religious Studies and Physical Education. Use this link to obtain the latest places available http://wokinghamfederation.co.uk/school-direct/.
We have much experience of initial teacher training and work closely with Reading University and other University providers such as Oxford, London Institute of Education and Brighton. We are committed to working with and supporting new teachers.
How to apply
What should you do?
- Check availability of School Direct places through UCAS, Wokingham Federation (JBushell@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk) or University of Reading.
- Register with the teacher information line (0800 389 2500) or visit the DfE Get into Teaching website
- Check if you are eligible for a scholarship at the Get into Teaching website
- Submit your application through UCAS
What happens next?
For further information or to arrange a visit please contact Dr Andy Love, Professional Tutor, via the main school office: office@highdown.reading.sch.uk
Information meetings at Reading University
The University of Reading hosts monthly information meetings to explain School Direct and other routes into initial teacher training. Although not an application requirement, we do recommend that all those wishing to apply for initial teacher training attend one of these open meetings where there is an opportunity to find out:
- General information about training to become a teacher
- Information about the School Direct scheme
- Structure of courses
- Entry requirements, deadlines and how to apply
Throughout the presentation, there are opportunities to ask any questions you may have.
Information Meetings start at 4.00pm and the formal part of each meeting finishes by 5.30pm. There are then further opportunities to ask questions of a more individual nature.
All Information Meetings are held the London Road campus of the University of Reading, 4 Redlands Road, Reading RG1 5EX (RG1 5AQ for Sat Nav). Please do not enter the room before 3.45pm as there may be other classes taking place. If you arrive early, you can visit the cafe 'Eat and Drink'. Regrettably, parking on the campus is normally for permit holders only.
If you wish to attend a meeting on one of the dates below, please e-mail schooldirect@reading.ac.uk to book your place stating your preferred date. If you have any specific requirements with respect to a special need please advise us in your e-mail.
The details are on the Reading University website.
You may also wish to find out more about Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses for teaching outside your area of specialism from the Get Into Teaching website.
Initial Teacher Training Support Programme at Highdown School
ITTs at Highdown School will benefit from a dedicated support programme, including the following:
- Two hour weekly Professional Studies sessions led by 30+ members of Highdown Teaching Staff
- Weekly meeting with subject mentor
- 33-50% teaching commitment as the course progresses
- 33-50% planning and preparation time
- Access to designated ITT facilities in the Professional Learning Hub
- Part of a large cohort of ITTs enabling further peer support and development
- Link to full staff Joint Professional Learning programmes on Tuesday 3.30-4.30pm
- Weekly TeachMeet on Wednesday morning 8.30am
- Dedicated Professional and Assistant Professional Tutors
- Access to Highdown Sport and Leisure (Gym, Pool and Leisure facilities)
In the early stages of my profession; I can't ask for a more supportive environment than Highdown School.
Music NQT, March 2019