BwD School Direct

You may be still studying, already working in education or considering a career change

 

At Darwen Aldridge Community Academy School Direct Partnership we are passionate about training teachers to become outstanding professionals who can inspire learners.

 

We have a proven track record of successful outcomes for our trainees.

 

So, Get Into Teaching With Us and Shape A Generation

 

School Direct is a new and exciting way of training to be a teacher. Participating trainees will be able acquire significant real life experience of the profession through being placed at Secondary schools throughout their training period. This route allows trainees to build relationships with stakeholders and learn from outstanding practitioners who will be on hand to offer guidance and support throughout the course. In many cases, at the end of the training period, those undertaking the scheme continue to work in the school or school group where they train.

Apply on the

UCAS Portal

University of Cumbria School Direct

University of Cumbria Student Handbook

Teach North West

Professional Skills Tests: NCTL

Professional Skills Tests: UoC

Writing your personal statement

FAQs & Additional Information

Do You Need Experience?

We are happy to provide volunteering experience for future teachers to enable you to ‘realise your potential’. You may be eligible to take advantage of the Teaching Agency’s ‘School Experience Programme’. You can find if the age phase/ subject you are interested in is included by going to: http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/school-experience/sep OR, for subjects not included we offer several induction days over the academic year where we can discuss further volunteering opportunities which will assist you to make the right decision.



My subject isn’t included?

Join our, ‘Getting into Teaching’ programme. You need to commit to at least 10 days of volunteering and in return we will support you to prepare your application, provide some training opportunities and, in many cases, provide a reference. If you are interested contact: fiona.weatherburn@daca.uk.com If would like to train with BwD School Direct, you must ensure that you meet the criteria below: BwD School Direct

  1. At least a degree classification of 2:1 for PE and English
  2. At least a second class relevant degree in other subject areas
  3. GCSE grade C or above in English and Mathematics [Science for Primary]
  4. Recent, relevant experience of working with children and young people [can be voluntary]
  5. Accurate, well written application form and personal statement
  6. Evidence of the personal qualities needed to become a teacher
  7. Successfully passed the key skills tests



Fulfil the Criteria?

Then you can visit us on one of our information sessions advertised via our website or apply via UCAS as soon as the application window is open. Places are limited and in high demand so early application is recommended.



Why Train with BwD School Direct?

  • We are successful and developing schools, offering employment and early leadership opportunities
  • We work in partnership with members of the Blackburn with Darwen Group
  • DACA received a good Ofsted graded provider [2017] with exceptional completion and employment rates
  • Our partner schools are all good or outstanding (Ofsted) and have a shared outlook on successful education
  • We offer relevant training and are determined that our trainees attain outstanding
  • All trainees can gain PGCE accreditation



About your placement

  • You will complete your main placement in one of the appropriate partnership schools for your subject.
  • You will have a second placement at one of the other schools within the partnership.
  • You will have your own personal tutor/mentor.
  • You will have opportunities to experience professional development in a wide variety of alternative school settings (Special and Sixth Form).
  • You will create a file of evidence to support your successful development.
  • You will gain a PGCE with Masters Accreditation through the University of Cumbria



Entry Requirements

  • GCSE English Language and Mathematics at Grade C or above (or equivalent qualification) for Secondary places
  • GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science at Grade C or above for Primary places
  • A first degree from a UK higher education institution or equivalent qualification
  • A degree classification at 2:2 or above (depending on the subject )
  • A demonstrable interest in teaching within a curriculum area. This can be shown in a number of ways such as time spent in schools, knowledge of the chosen curriculum area and relevant practical experience
PLEASE NOTE – FOR PURPOSES OF INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING, LEVEL 2 NUMERACY AND LITERACY QUALIFICATIONS ARE NOT CONSIDERED AS EQUIVALENT TO GCSE GRADE C IN MATHEMATICS OR ENGLISH



What is BwD School Direct?

A group of 3 secondary and 2 primary schools (listed below) in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen and The University of Cumbria, supported by secondary provision. The schools in this area are:- Ashleigh Primary School
Blackburn Central High School with Crosshill
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy
Darwen Vale High School
Sudell Primary School
The University of Cumbria



What subjects do we offer?

We offer the following subjects:

  • Art & Design
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Modern Foreign Languages
  • Physics
  • Primary



Application Enquiries

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