Initial Teacher Training

The Open University flexible PGCE (Initial Teacher Training), leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), has been designed for students who want to train as teachers, but haven't been able to do so because traditional Initial Teacher Training hasn't been able to take account of the skills and knowledge they bring, or other personal or financial circumstances. The OU flexible PGCE is suitable for both those who need to complete a full programme of training and for those who are able to miss out parts because they already have some relevant skills and experience.

The OU PGCE takes account of previous learning and experience during the Needs Analysis, a four month (maximum) period at the beginning of the course. Students then work to an Individualised Training Plan (ITP) that builds on their strengths and helps them to work on the areas that they are less familiar so they don't have to study what they already know. If they've extensive teaching experience, backed by an understanding of the main theoretical ideas, they may even be able to take an Assessment Only route to qualification. Students may start at 6 points and end at 3 points every year.

Students work at a rate that suits them. If the full training programme is required students could study full-time and complete in about one year, after completing Needs Analysis, or study part-time and complete in two years. Students can vary the rate of study part-way through the course if personal circumstances change (up to a maximum of 36 months to complete the course).

Following Needs Analysis students study using a range of high-quality resources, including CD-ROMS, printed materials and access to the PGCE website, where study modules, resources, and a unique online community of students and OU staff are found.

Depending on prior experience, students will be associated with one or two schools from the OU Partner Schools Network: learning through undertaking 'school experience', and working closely with subject teachers in the classroom. Some of the school experience can be part-time but as teaching develops students need to undertake full-time school placements. Students are supported in their study by a subject tutor who is an expert in teaching the student's own subject area, and who will work in close collaboration with the subject mentor in school.

For further information, please see our Flexible PGCE (Initial Teacher Training) prospectus.