For the University of Reading
Successful candidates will need to meet the entry requirements of both the school and the training institute:-
All candidates must have at least a C grade (or equivalent) for GCSE Maths and English.
Degree
Candidates should normally have a 1st, 2:1 or 2:2 honours degree in a subject that is closely related to the subject they intend to teach.
Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE)
SKE courses are offered by Reading University in Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, English and Computing. These courses are for candidates whose degree included an element of the subject they intend to teach or who have extensive experience in the subject. They are designed to enable candidates to develop the level of specialist knowledge required to teach their chosen subject. Having an offer of a training place is a prerequisite for being accepted on a SKE course. For further details click here.
The University of Reading run two types of programme:
- A course lasting 16-24 weeks for subject changers or if you need face to face support in improving your subject knowledge.
- An eight-week online programme for teaching GCSE Chemistry, Physics or Biology if you have strong subject knowledge but need to update yourself on the current GCSE syllabus.
By the end of the programme, knowledge of the chosen subject will enable teaching of the subject to GCSE/A level standard.
The following programmes are:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
Skills tests
For all programme applicants must successfully complete professional skills tests in literacy and numeracy before they can enrol on a programme leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Applicants are given three opportunities to pass the tests but if they fail three times they are required to wait 24 months before retaking. The tests must be taken and passed before commencing teacher training. For further information on the skills test please click here.
All applicants are expected to have gained some experience in a state secondary school prior to interview.