Free ONLINE Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) for pre-itt trainee teachers. Prospectus. HCUKonline.com. Live. Learn.

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1 Free ONLINE Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) for pre-itt trainee teachers Prospectus HCUKonline.com

2 Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) for pre-itt trainee teachers Contents Introduction What is SKE? 4 4 Who should apply? 4 The aim of the programme 4 Programme outcome and career progression 5 Delivery 5 HCUK Who are we? What is online learning? Why choose HCUK? HCUK s SKE courses Course details Introduction Programme structure Overview of structure Expectations Assessment strategy Course content Mathematics Physics Chemistry French Spanish German Funding Application process Contact details Testimonials

3 Introduction HCUK is pleased to offer Teaching Agency (TA) funded, online, subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) courses for students who have been accepted onto a postgraduate Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme in Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) including French, Spanish or German. We recommend that all Maths, Physics, Chemistry and MFL trainee teachers, even those with good subject knowledge, do an SKE course prior to starting their ITT. It is free to eligible trainees and it provides solid grounding and preparation for the ITT course they are about to undertake. The Department for Education and Ofsted have also advised that excellent subject knowledge is critical in producing outstanding teachers. What is SKE? SKE programmes are designed for postgraduate trainee teachers, who have been offered a place on an ITT course to become a teacher of Maths, Physics, Chemistry or MFL. The courses are completely free to eligible applicants and a tax free bursary of up to 400 per unit is available to trainees who meet the TA s funding criteria. The full cost of the course is met directly by the Department for Education through the TA. There is currently a shortage of specialist teachers for these secondary subjects. Schools Who should apply? are finding it difficult to recruit teachers for Maths, Physics, Chemistry and MFL and this has led to many qualified teachers, teaching these subjects without specific subject training. SKE programmes are intended to combat this issue by encouraging trainee teachers to gain a firm understanding of the subject knowledge and the skills needed to teach Maths, Physics, Chemistry or MFL prior to starting their ITT. Graduates who have been accepted on to a postgraduate Maths, Physics, Chemistry or MFL ITT course, whether PGCE, SCITT or School Direct School Direct schools and ITT providers who want to offer SKE to some or all of their incoming trainee teachers The aim of the programme Our SKE courses focus on improving and developing each trainee s: Deep understanding of the subject Ability to identify key concepts to design, present and evaluate pupil-centred lessons Critical analysis and evaluation skills Ability to think like a mathematician, scientist or linguist Programme Outcome and career progression Our SKE courses will help trainees gain: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their chosen subject Well-developed critical reflection skills Sound preparation prior to ITT The tools to become an outstanding teacher The skills and knowledge to help their career progression Delivery Ideas and activities that they can use in the classroom Trainees who successfully complete the course will be awarded a HCUK SKE certificate. The course will prepare them for ITT, help them to become outstanding teachers and boost their CVs. All our SKE courses are delivered totally online and on-demand via Moodle, which is an innovative and interactive e-learning platform. This interactive platform means that trainees can learn in their spare time and fit the course in and around personal and professional commitments. Trainees will be issued with login details for Moodle at the start of their course. They can then access course materials, lessons and tutorials from any Internet-enabled device, anywhere in the world, at any time, making learning extremely flexible. All enrolled trainees will also receive a free tablet to further increase accessibility. Trainees will also be encouraged to attend weekly live tutorial sessions where they can discuss topics in more detail, ask questions and communicate with other trainees. Tutorial sessions take place once a week in the early evening and they will last approximately one hour. All tutorial sessions are recorded and uploaded to Moodle so that trainees can view them again at their leisure. Every participant on the course is appointed a personal pathway tutor, who will mentor the trainee and work with them to draw up and adhere to an agreed learning plan and calendar, as well as coaching their subject knowledge and skill development. The plan will contain clear time bound learning objectives and targets. Our courses suit individuals who enjoy being independent learners, who value the flexibility and accessibility to manage their own learning at a pace that suits them. 4 5

4 HCUK Who are we? HCUK is a leading international provider of online courses and programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The programmes we deliver are of the highest academic quality and are accredited by a range of accreditation agencies. HCUK is also subject to Ofsted inspection. From a learning perspective, our programmes are highly interactive and easy to engage with features that have earned us numerous e-learning awards. HCUK is accredited by the TA to deliver teacher training programmes leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the academic award of Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Our flagship teacher training programme, elearnitt, offers trainee teachers a unique Hibernia College blended learning experience and is specifically designed to combine the flexibility of online learning with face-to-face and in school tuition. Trainees who successfully complete the programme are awarded QTS and a PGCE. Through the TA we also offer a range of fullyfunded SKE courses, aimed at existing teachers and those looking to train to become a teacher of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, French, Spanish or German. We deliver a range of undergraduate programmes preparing trainees to gain a University of London degree in business, management or computing. These University of London programmes are under the academic direction of the London School of Economics and Goldsmiths College. Hibernia College UK (HCUK) is part of Hibernia College Ireland. Hibernia College Ireland was established in Dublin in 2000 by teacher training and education professionals who understand the value of innovative and interactive online learning. Our mission is to make a significant contribution to the development of and access to innovative high quality education. We believe that our programmes should be measured not only upon their academic rigour but in their effectiveness in helping our students to meet the challenges that they face every day in their professional lives. What is online learning? Online learning (or e-learning) is the use of technology to enable people to learn anytime and anywhere. E-learning incorporates online training, the delivery of live information, and lessons and guidance from experts, which is delivered via the Internet. Our SKE courses are delivered totally online through an innovative virtual learning platform. This unique offering means that trainees have access to lessons, course material and tutorials 24/7, enabling them to fit learning in and around existing commitments such as work and family. Even though our courses are delivered purely online, they are still very interactive and trainees can communicate and collaborate with other trainees as well as their pathway tutor at any time by , the e-learning platform, discussion boards and tutorials. Why choose HCUK? Our SKE programme is accredited by the TA and is completely free of charge to eligible trainees All enrolled trainees receive a free tablet to further increase accessibility All our programmes are delivered completely online so that trainees can study anywhere across the country Our programmes fit in easily around existing personal and professional commitments Course materials, lessons and tutorials are available online 24/7 All materials can also be downloaded to use at a later date Programmes can be tailored to each trainee s specific subject knowledge needs Trainees are assigned a personal pathway tutor to support and mentor them throughout the course Flexible start dates Eligible trainees will receive a training bursary of up to 400 per unit We are the largest provider of ITT in Ireland and we have been involved in the delivery of ITT in England since We offer a wide range of postgraduate teacher training and education programmes up to Masters level not only in Ireland but to more than 40 countries worldwide. Awards and accreditations Awarded accreditation by HETAC Best e-learning Company title at the Digital Media awards 2007 UK s e-learning awards: Silver 2008, Silver and Bronze 2009, Gold and Bronze 2010 Selected to partner with five UK universities to solve the shortages of Science and Mathematics teachers in England in 2010 HCUK s SKE courses HCUK currently offers six TA funded online SKE courses: Mathematics Chemistry German French Physics Spanish 6 7

5 Course details Introduction Our SKE courses are intended to improve the subject knowledge, skills and understanding of trainee teachers who will be starting an ITT course in one of the following subjects this September: Mathematics Chemistry Physics German French Spanish Courses are free of charge for eligible trainees and a training bursary of up to 400 per unit is available to trainees who meet the TA funding criteria. Courses can also be made available to ineligible trainees on a fee-paying basis. Programme Structure Our SKE programmes are structured around 4, 8 or 12-unit courses. The number of units a trainee should study depends on the level of their existing subject knowledge and this will be determined by the individual with the help of our programme director. 4-unit courses This short course is aimed at trainees who are relatively proficient in their subject area but need to boost or refresh their subject knowledge in advance of commencing an ITT programme in September The course takes roughly 8 weeks to complete, and trainees are expected to cover one ondemand lectures per week along with associated tasks, research and reflection - equivalent to approximately 25 hours of learning per week. 8-unit courses This medium length course takes roughly 16 weeks to complete and focuses on the trainee s specialist subject and aspects of subject pedagogy. It assumes secure Key Stage 3 level knowledge and trainees are expected to cover one on-demand lectures per week along with associated tasks, research and reflection - equivalent to approximately 25 hours of learning per week. 12-unit courses The 12-unit SKE programme consists of roughly 24 weeks of online lectures with an induction week and an assessment week at the end of the course. The content is split between interactive subjectspecific SKE lectures, lectures focused on the philosophy of education and subject-specific pedagogy lectures. Trainees are expected to cover one on-demand lectures per week along with associated tasks, research and reflection - equivalent to approximately 25 hours of learning per week. Throughout the course there are compulsory assessment points to ensure that trainees are engaging with the course and making the expected progress. Pathway tutors also provide regular formative feedback to help development of subject knowledge and critical reflection skills. Overview of Structure Expectations The on-demand course materials will consist of a range of tasks, including the following: Pre-recorded interactive lectures Reading related articles Self-assessment exercises Subject-focussed discussion forum activities Learning Diary reflections Trainees will be encouraged to attend a weekly live synchronous tutorial of approximately 1-hour duration. These online tutorials are designed to support the online content and offer trainees opportunities to discuss the themes in more depth and ask questions. Attendance at these tutorials is strongly advised and there will be no more than one tutorial a week. Trainees can also revisit tutorials, lectures and materials at any time throughout the course to reinforce their understanding. They are expected to schedule additional study time where necessary within their learning pathway and the trainee s personal pathway tutor will support them in planning a personalised learning pathway. Assessment Strategy HCUK s assessment strategy is based on a formative assessment strategy. Trainees are continually assessed with a final summative assessment based on a portfolio of tasks undertaken over the duration of the course. This portfolio includes end-of-session tasks and reflections, peer reviews of learning activities and evaluation of the impact of the course on their own learning and the implications for their pupils learning. Trainees will also be continuously assessed by 4-unit course 8 weeks 8-unit course 16 weeks 12-unit course 24 weeks their assigned pathway tutor, who will review their work online and answer subject knowledge queries, as well as monitoring Learning Diary entries and other contributions. The pathway tutor, in conjunction with the programme director, will be responsible for monitoring, assessing and reporting on each student s progress and performance periodically throughout the duration of the SKE course, and more formally at the end of the course. 8 9

6 Course content Mathematics Mathematics trainees can choose a 4, 8 or 12-unit SKE course, and these courses can be tailored to the chosen course (i.e. trainees on a 4-unit course must complete 4-units; trainees on an 8-unit course must complete 8-units and so on). There is an option for trainees to extend the number of units they are covering during their course. If the trainee completes the minimum number of units for their chosen programme, and they obtain permission from their programme director, they can choose to add-on additional units. For example, a trainee doing an 8-uint course could add two units to the end of their course to make it a 10-unit programme. Here is a list of example units that Mathematics SKE trainees can choose from. Physics Physics trainees can choose a 4, 8 or 12-unit SKE course, and these courses can be tailored to the chosen course (i.e. trainees on a 4-unit course must complete 4-units; trainees on an 8-unit course must complete 8-units and so on). There is an option for trainees to extend the number of units they are covering during their course. If the trainee completes the minimum number of units for their chosen programme, and they obtain permission from their programme director, they can choose to add-on additional units. For example, a trainee doing an 8-uint course could add two units to the end of their course to make it a 10-unit programme. Here is a list of example units that physics SKE trainees can choose from. What Is Physics? Let s Experiment Who Needs Equations? Common Misconceptions From Numbers to Algebra From Counting to Computers Massive and Miniscule Numbers Earth and Space Electricity Geometrical Optics Radioactivity Square Numbers and Circular Measures Mental Mathematical Machinations From Paper Folding to Angle From Dotty Grids to Polygons Space Stocks and Flows: Equilibrium Stocks and Flows: Decay, Growth, Wholes and Parts Solids Liquids and Gases Circles Solid Air Volumes and Surface Areas of Selected Solids Probability Applications of Fundamental Physics Fields Waves in Media Waves in a Vacuum/ Wave Fields Statistics Reflective Practice Algebraic Manipulation Functions Chemistry Solving Equations Transformations Trigonometry Sequences and Series Chemistry trainees can choose a 4, 8 or 12-unit SKE course, and these courses can be tailored to the individual s subject knowledge needs. Trainees must complete the minimum number of units for their chosen course (i.e. trainees on a 4-unit course must complete 4-units; trainees on an 8-unit course must complete 8-units and so on). There is an option for trainees to extend the number of units they are covering during their course. If the trainee completes the minimum number of units for their chosen programme, and they obtain permission from their programme director, they can choose to add-on additional units. For example, a trainee doing an 8-uint course could add two units to the end of their course to make it a 10-unit programme. Here is a list of example units that Chemistry SKE trainees can choose from. Air and Water Pollution Forensics Energetics Functional Groups Global Warming Atomic Structure Organic Chemistry Physical Chemistry Materials Bonding Kinetics Inorganic Chemistry 10 11

7 French French trainees can choose a 4, 8 or 12-unit SKE course, and these courses can be tailored to the chosen course (i.e. trainees on a 4-unit course must complete 4-units; trainees on an 8-unit course must complete 8-units and so on). There is an option for trainees to extend the number of units they are covering during their course. If trainees complete the minimum number of units for their chosen programme, and they obtain permission from their programme director, they can choose to add-on additional units. For example, a trainee doing an 8-uint course could add two units to the end of their course to make it a 10-unit programme. Here is a list of example units that SKE trainees can choose from. How we Learn Languages Patterns and Creativity in Languages Personalising Learning in MFL Spanish Developing Speaking Authenticity and Interest Through ICT and MFL Research Module Problems with Teaching Grammar in French Using ICT in MFL The MFL Curriculum Developing Writing Planning and Preparing MFL lessons Assessment in MFL Spanish trainees can choose a 4, 8 or 12-unit SKE course, and these courses can be tailored to the chosen course (i.e. trainees on a 4-unit course must complete 4-units; trainees on an 8-unit course must complete 8-units and so on). German German trainees can choose a 4, 8 or 12-unit SKE course, and these courses can be tailored to the chosen course (i.e. trainees on a 4-unit course must complete 4-units; trainees on an 8-unit course must complete 8-units and so on). There is an option for trainees to extend the number of units they are covering during their course. If trainees complete the minimum number of units for their chosen programme, and they obtain permission from their programme director, they can choose to add-on additional units. For example, a trainee doing an 8-uint course could add two units to the end of their course to make it a 10-unit programme. Here is a list of example units that German SKE trainees can choose from. Problems with Teaching Grammar in German Using ICT in MFL Planning and Preparing MFL Lessons Authenticity and Interest Through ICT and MFL Research module The MFL Curriculum Personalising learning in MFL How we Learn Languages Developing Speaking Developing Writing Patterns and Creativity in Languages Assessment in MFL There is an option for trainees to extend the number of units they are covering during their course. If trainees complete the minimum number of units for their chosen programme, and they obtain permission from their programme director, they can choose to add-on additional units. For example, a trainee doing an 8-uint course could add two units to the end of their course to make it a 10-unit programme. Here is a list of example units that Spanish SKE trainees can choose from. Problems with Teaching Grammar in Spanish Developing Writing Planning and Preparing MFL Lessons How we Learn Languages Patterns and Creativity in Languages Developing Speaking Authenticity and Interest Through ICT and MFL Using ICT in MFL Personalising Learning in MFL Research Module The MFL Curriculum Assessment in MFL 12 13

8 Funding HCUK s SKE courses are completely free of charge to eligible candidates who start their course during the 2012/2013 academic year. The Department for Education, through the TA, will meet the whole cost of the course up to a total of 12 units or 24 weeks of learning. Eligible trainees will also receive a tax free training bursary of up to 400 per unit. This means that an eligible trainee on a 12-unit course would receive up to 4,800. SKE Course 4 units 8 units 12 units SKE bursary Math/ Physics/ Chemistry 1,600 3,200 4,800 French/ Spanish/ German 1,200 2,400 3,600 Testimonials Thank you for a very enjoyable and well delivered course. Andrew Vallender - Former SKE trainee It has been hard work but has certainly been worthwhile, and I feel ready to tackle almost anything! My best wishes to the SKE team for the future and my thanks for your support through the course. Simon Means - Former SKE trainee Not only are the courses free to eligible trainees but all enrolled applicants will receive a free high-quality tablet from HCUK for their own use and retention, making our SKE courses even more accessible. Application process To apply for our Maths, Physics, Chemistry, French, Spanish or German SKE course please info@hcukonline.com and request an application form. Contact details If you would like further information, please call the SKE team on freefone , info@hcukonline.com or go to Well done on an excellent course [the trainee] thoroughly enjoyed it, she told me it was very well structured and the support was excellent and I will certainly inform candidates who would benefit from the course. Gill Kendall - Bromley Schools Collegiate The course is most impressive! Very different to anything I ve seen before Robert Glick - Former SKE trainee Hibernia College UK (HCUK) 10 Greycoat Place London SW1P 1SB Freefone: Telephone: +44 (0) info@hcukonline.com 14 15

9 High quality SKE is critical to achieve outstanding teaching. WHO WE ARE: HCUK is a leading international provider of ONLINE courses and programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Our teacher training programmes are accredited by the Teaching Agency. Subject Knowledge Enhancement Courses for Trainee teachers available In: Mathematics German Physics French Chemistry Start Dates: Spanish Courses begin at regular intervals throughout the year and can be tailored to individual needs. For more information on start dates please contact us. Now Enrolling Limited places available. info@hcukonline.com to reserve your place today What Next? If you would like further information, please call the SKE+ Team on freefone , info@hcukonline.com or go to: 16