Course Overview

This qualification is designed to provide trainee teachers with the knowledge and skills to teach in a range of contexts. This qualification mirrors the outcomes within the Learning and Skills Teacher occupational standard. This course is designed for Adult learners and is funded independently by students.

Who is this course for?

This qualification has been developed for those intending to work in the further education sector. This qualification will allow you to gain a recognised teaching qualification and therefore consists of a teaching/training practice requirement. This is a competence-based qualification (CBQ) which must be assessed in the workplace.

Learners are not required to be in employment to undertake this qualification, but it can be delivered as an ‘in-service’ qualification for those already employed. However, to achieve certification, all learners must complete a mandatory work or industry placement throughout the qualification's duration, with a minimum requirement of 250 hours of recorded teaching practice.

Where will I study?

At Waltham Forest College campus, which may include day or evening activities as timetabled. There is a requirement to undertake a second placement which may be at another provider, or in exceptional circumstances a different area of the college.

What are the fees?

£6,250 per year for part-time study.

The fees quoted are for 24 months of study and include other college facilities and support.

Tuition fees are mandatory and depending on the course you chose to study the tuition fees you pay may cover, but may not be limited to:

• Lectures, seminars and tutorials
• Workshops, masterclasses and visiting
• Guest speakers/industry professionals
• Library (LRC) and computing facilities
• Admissions and course administration
• Assessment, validation and graduation
• Support, advice and wellbeing services
• Careers and employability and services

Please be aware there are no tuition fee waivers on grounds of circumstance or age. If you have studied in higher education before, either in the UK or elsewhere, this could affect the financial support you receive. We suggest you contact Student Finance England on 0300 100 0607 to discuss your circumstances.

For tuition fees relating to these courses please see our HE Fees and Refund Policy.

How and when can I apply?

Apply via direct application from the Teacher Development Office. Click “Apply Now” below to submit an email indicating you want to apply.

Course enquiries: professionaldevelopment@waltham.ac.uk

For the latest course specification: NCFE DIT

For college HE Regulations: Higher Education Policies

Study Mode Full Time
Suitable for 19+
Duration 34 weeks

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Sector Overview

The Teaching Sector in England is a key public service that educates children, young people and adults across schools, colleges and universities. Regulated by organisations such as the Department for Education and Ofsted, it supports skills development, social mobility and economic growth.
Entry Requirements
You will be required to attend an interview to meet with teaching teams to assess your suitability.
The entry requirements for this course are:
- have GCSE English A* - C / minimum 4 English / Level 2 or NARIC equivalent
- have GCSE Maths A* - C / minimum 4 maths / Level 2 or NARIC equivalent
- You must hold a minimum of a Level 3, but ideally degree level, in the area you want to teach.
- You need to evidence by showing relevant certificates.
- You will need to successfully complete an interview and a short initial assessment.
English at a standard equivalent to IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent. We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications.
Mature learners with appropriate related industry experience are encouraged to apply. You must already be contracted to teach in a post-16 education setting with a minimum of 200 teaching hours per year to be able to study on this course.
What will I study?
The qualification comprises of five mandatory units and seven optional units, at least three of which learners will need to take alongside the mandatory units to achieve this qualification.
- Mandatory: Unit 1: Teaching my Subject (50 GLH)
- Mandatory: Unit 2: Understand learners in the FE sector (70 GLH)
- Mandatory: Unit 3: The role of Teachers and Teaching (70 GLH)
- Mandatory: Unit 4: Professional Practice Portfolio (70 GLH)
- Mandatory: Unit 5: Effective Digital and online pedagogies (40 GLH)
Optional Units:
- Unit 6: Developing, using and organising resources in a specialist area (50 GLH)
- Unit 7: Action Research (50 GLH)
- Unit 11: Understanding the principles and practices of Quality Assurance (50 GLH)
OR
- Unit 8: Exploring the role of the personal tutor (50 GLH)
This qualification requires learners to complete a mandatory work/industry placement experience throughout the duration of this qualification before certification. The minimum required placement hours are 250 hours.
What knowledge and skills will you develop?
Learners who successfully complete this qualification will take an analytical and practical approach to all aspects of planning, delivering and assessing inclusive teaching and learning. Whilst doing this, candidates will embed theories and principles in education and training and demonstrate them in their practice.
How will I be assessed?
You will need to attend timetabled sessions on a Friday afternoon. This is approximately 3.5-4 hours per week with a tutorial session.
You are also expected to undertake self study. The total recommended time on the qualification with independent study is 1200 hours; you will receive 450 hours in face to face teaching and access to individual tutorials throughout the course over 2 years of part-time study.
You will have 10 observations, over the course of the programme which need to show competence against each of the expected Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours.
The course will consist of a range of teaching methods including:
- Lectures, seminars, and tutorials along with guest speakers
A range of assessment strategies will be used. These may include the following:
- Project work
- Reflective writing and journal of in person and online teaching
- Presentations
- Evaluative Reports & Essays
- Observation of practical skills
- Independent Research study
- Action Research
- Peer observations and work shadowing
You will need a minimum of 250 recorded practical hours in your reflection log, including peer observation of 20 bours, along with 10 full formal observations that meet professional expectations.
Enrichment

Higher Education learners have access to their own dedicated study space and breakout space with IT stations, and a kitchenette.
Work Experience

This qualification requires learners to complete a mandatory work/industry placement experience throughout the duration of this qualification before certification. The minimum required placement hours are 250 hours.
Progression Opportunities

To seek/maintain employment as a full-time lecturer in the FE colleges.
Alternatively, learners can seek employment within:

• Adult and community education providers

• Offender education

• Work-based learning providers

• The third/voluntary sector

• Independent training organisations
Alternatively, learners can continue studying or seeking professional recognition with:

• Professional recognition qualification (QTLS)

• BA in Education
Alumni

Waltham Forest College opened in 1938 and has been leading the way for technical and vocational education ever since, becoming one of the country’s most successful Further Education colleges. Working in partnership with hundreds of employers, our industry specialist staff help students build the skills and experience needed for successful careers. In recent years, the College has invested over £20m in upgraded facilities and equipment, ensuring students learn in the latest industry-standard facilities.