For an employment-based route into teaching, look no further than a Primary Education Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (with QTS - Qualified Teacher Status) at the University of Derby.
Studying for this apprenticeship allows apprentices to gain both a BA (Hons) Primary Education Degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
The course provides access to experienced teaching, exceptional facilities and real-life learning designed to promote capability and competence ready for a career in education.
This apprenticeship focuses on personal and professional development, embedding key approaches to learning, behaviour, and reflection alongside critical issues such as developing professional practice in the classroom, subject and curriculum scholarship and age phase knowledge.
Please note:
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course.
Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
How you will learn
Our apprenticeship programme is suitable for individuals who are looking for an employment-based route into teaching. Ideally, you will have had experience in the classroom or a relevant educational setting.
As part of the course, you will complete 4 years in the classroom. The majority of this time will be spent in your employing school, however during the third year, you will undertake a six-week placement in an alternative school and different key stage to broaden your experience. You will be supported throughout by expert colleagues including trained school mentors, and a university-based Lead Mentor.
You will also study one day a week at the University to develop your understanding of what it takes to become a great teacher. Your knowledge will be developed further through directed and independent learning activities supporting your knowledge, understanding, application and refinement of your skills. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to attend some workshops remotely, with access to our excellent facilities within the University and expert colleagues, in order to develop your growing understanding of what it takes to become a great teacher.
At a time when rapid policy shifts are transforming the educational landscape, we will help you to meet the challenge of change in the modern classroom. This programme ensures you are up to date with all the latest developments, including the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF).
How you're assessed
The apprenticeship runs over a minimum of 45 months and consists of 60% on the job training and 40% off the job training. Usually the 60% on the job training will consist of the apprentice undertaking the role of an unqualified teacher, supporting and teaching a specific age phase of children. The 40% off the job training consists of a variety of activities which will usually take place one day per working week at university and during allocated time within the working week.
As part of the 60% on the job training, apprentices must teach in two different school settings to ensure compliance with statutory Initial Teacher Training criteria and supporting advice issued by the Department for Education.
All assessments relate to your school placements; which will provide you with the challenging and exciting experience you need. You'll also have the opportunity to reflect on and discuss your developing subject knowledge, as well as developing your skills in research-informed practice.
The assessments are varied in nature, from video presentations to assessed professional discussions.
You will also be required to compile an e-portfolio evidencing your progress throughout the apprenticeship.
What you will achieve
On completion of this apprenticeship, the individual will be confirmed to be a competent and qualified teacher, having already achieved QTS and entered the teaching profession. Having completed a programme of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) and obtained QTS, the apprentice will have completed the integrated end-point assessment. Apprentices may then progress to their ECT years employment.
What you will study
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Year 1
- School Practice A: Exploring the primary curriculum across core and foundation subjects with a focus on the importance of language and oracy in the classroom.
- Theories of Childhood: Child Development – Exploring how children learn new concepts and develop skills from birth to 12 years.
- SEND: Theory into Practice – Developing understanding and skills to increase your awareness of learners with SEND in modern classrooms.
- Multilingualism: Focusing on knowledge, understanding and skills to increase awareness of learners who are multilingual and who speak English as an additional language (EAL) in the primary classroom.
- Reflective Practice 1: Focusing on building high expectations of behaviour and of class pupils and shape developing professional behaviours within your school setting.
Year 1 will also integrate 3 Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) weeks within the modules: Behaviour and Routines, SEND and Multilingualism.
Year 2
- Reflective Practice 2: Focusing on how pupils learn and how learning can be adapted to support individuals within your setting’s context.
- Theories of Behaviour: Exploring the theoretical foundations of behaviour management in educational context.
- School Practice B: Exploring the theoretical underpinnings of planning and sequential learning across the primary curriculum, together with models of inclusive practice.
- Exploring Pedagogies: Focusing on theoretical approaches to learning to encourage engagement and collaboration.
- Adaptive Teaching and Metacognition: Focusing on how to break complex material into smaller steps, sequence lessons and secure foundational knowledge to promote progress.
Year 2 will also integrate 2 Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) weeks within the modules: Adaptive Teaching and Cognitive Architecture
Year 3
- Reflective Practice 3: Focusing on curriculum enrichment and pupil engagement, and how these work with wider stakeholders and in your setting’s context.
- School Practice C: Focusing on and evaluate a range of formative and summative assessment strategies across the curriculum.
- Wider Professional Role of the Teacher: Exploring the ways in which the role of the teacher extends beyond the school and into the wider community.
- SEND and Assessment: Exploring the impact of responsive teaching and assessment through developing a deeper understanding of a range of formative and summative assessment strategies and how they specifically apply to a range of learners.
Year 3 will also integrate one Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) week within the modules: Assessment.
Year 4
- School Practice D: Focusing on and refining expert subject knowledge to inform pedagogical choices and building your personal philosophy of education.
- Applied Education Project: Exploring academic and educational research. Each project will deliver a real-world research project which is of use to the employer setting and each Apprentice as a practitioner.
Employers:
The cost of the apprenticeship will normally be in line with the funding band £27,000.
Apprentices:
Fees will be paid by your employer with government funded support or through the apprenticeship levy.
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