Train to Teach

Train to teach at Theale Green School

Welcome to the Two Counties Teacher Training Partnership, which comprises of Little Heath SchoolProspect SchoolThe Hurst Community CollegeTheale GreenThe WrenDenefield School  and The Willink.  2 Counties works alongside the University of Reading in providing teacher training; this is a very well established alliance that is strong and successful.

As a Partnership we pride ourselves on our teaching and the strength of our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme.  We have many years of experience in mentoring trainee teachers with our dedicated coordinators and mentors who are supported by strong Leadership teams.  Successful School Direct trainees will be largely based in one school (most often the one of their choice) with the added benefit of regularly meeting other trainees across the Partnership.  Trainees also have a shorter placement in our variety of different educational settings in order to broaden their teaching experience yet further.

All of our schools are within a relatively small geographical area to the west and south-west of Reading; if you are keen to have some control over where you are based for your school experience then the School Direct route through us is ideal for you.  

Many successful 2 Counties trainees continue as members of staff at our schools after their ITT year has been completed; quality support continues through their first two years as Early Career Teachers and beyond as their careers progress.  Please do be aware that due to the nature of staffing in schools, we cannot guarantee a post will be available with 2 Counties schools on completion of your training.

Our trainees will spend the majority of the school year based in one main school with a 5/6 week 2nd school placement at the beginning of the Spring term.  Training will be led by experienced staff in each school and will involve meetings, workshops and other activities.  Being based in a school, our trainees will quickly come to appreciate the nature of teaching and learning in the workplace and will see how to put theory into practice every day. The University based training days support the school-led programme and give trainees the opportunity to learn from the experience and enquiry of others in the Reading Partnership.  The ITT programme is designed to build confidence and subject knowledge and equip a trainee teacher with the skills necessary to becoming an effective classroom practitioner. Throughout the training, support will be provided by a well-trained mentor in school as well as the University.

 

Get School Experience

    • This years, in person, dates are Thursday 18th January and Thursday 25th April

Initial Teacher Training Routes

Two Counties Teacher Training Partnership in association with The University of Reading

      • Secondary PGCE with a guaranteed placement at Theale Green School and another school in the partnership

Activate Apprenticeship

      • Learning and skills teacher level 5
      • Contact the school if interested in training via this route
      • Attached PDF with all the information to update website

Assessment Only Route

In association with The University of Reading

      • For unqualified teachers with at least 2 years experience of teaching in schools
      • Apply for teacher vacancies advertised via the vacancies page ad as part of application express interest in becoming qualified

Early Career Teacher

In association with Teaching School Tub Berkshire

      • For teachers who have just completed their Initial Teacher Training and/or Assessment Only
      • Supported by a trained mentor and UCL Extend Mentoring Programme
      • Apply for teacher vacancies via the vacancies page
For further information about our SD programme and the opportunity to gain some school-based experience please contact:

Theale Green School

Ms. Jo Porter
jporter@thealegreen.w-berks.sch.uk

Prospect School

Ms S Pittman                                                 spittman@prospect.reading.sch.uk

The Hurst Community College

Mrs L Billingham
laura.billingham@hurst.hants.sch.uk

Denefield School

Mr L Simpson                                                          lsn@denefield.org.uk

Little Heath School

Miss K Elsdon
kelsdon@littleheath.org.uk

The Willink School

Mrs H Jonas                                                  traintoteach@willink.w-berks.sch.uk

The Wren School

Ms Bessie O’Brien
Bobrien@wrenschool.org

Upcoming Virtual Train to Teach information sessions

  • 12th January
  • 20th April

Any questions?

For more information please contact us at: jporter@thealegreen.w-berks.sch.uk

Or 0118 930 2741 and ask for Joanne Porter.

 

School Direct is a one-year programme that enables aspiring teachers to train full-time in schools.  To find out more please go to the following websites:

Theale Green GSC Days

Get Into Teaching: Ways to train (education.gov.uk)

Secondary School Direct – University of Reading

Two Counties Teacher Training Information Pack 2022/23