Assessment / Examination
Undergraduate Studies
These vary according to the focus and nature of the course even in relation to entry requirements. The majority of courses designate a certain number of ‘credits’ to each course rather than expressing weighting in terms of ECTS.
PGCE
To enter the course, students must hold a first (Bachelor’s) degree, preferably in music, but they can enter the course with another degree provided that they demonstrate strong musical skills. Selection procedures vary from course to course but always include an interview to determine suitability for teaching. All prospective secondary school teachers, whatever subject they wish to teach, must also have at least a ‘C’ grade at General Certificate in Education (GCSE) in English and mathematics. Primary students must also have science at this level. Since 1989, universities are required to include practising teachers, usually from their partner schools, in the selection process. Institutions must also check physical and mental fitness to teach, although they have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for trainee teachers with disabilities. All applicants must disclose previous criminal convictions and undergo a criminal record check.
By the end of all teacher training courses, trainees must have demonstrated that they have acquired the Qualified Teacher Status Standards (QTS). Continual assessment takes place throughout the course. School subject mentors work closely with university tutors to assess practical teaching and university tutors most often take full responsibility for marking assignments which also contribute to acquisition of the Qualified Teacher Status standards. Through assignments, students relate practical work to theory; this can include some training in research methods and the opportunity to carry out a small-scale empirical study. Assignment requirements and assessment tools vary from institution to institution; some courses include opportunities for oral as well as written presentations and offer some student choice. Courses which certify at Master’s level can decide on how many credits to allocate to PGCE assignments. These are generally worth 20 credits (a full Masters requires the attainment of 180 credits).
Another requirement prior to entry into schools is that trainees pass government tests in Literacy, mathematics and ICT. The tests, taken on-line, are set up in special centres around the country and are completed by the individuals whenever they wish, as long as this is within the training period. All students must complete these tests even if they have degrees in any of the three subjects.
One of the Qualified Teacher Status standards is that students must ‘identify priorities for their early professional development in the context of induction.’ (Standard 7b) As such, all students are required to complete a Career Entry and Development Profile (a pro-forma produced by the government) to indicate their areas of strength and those which require further development. This is sent to their first school and forms the starting point for continued professional development in school. The student is then known as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and they must pass the first year of full-time teaching in a school – by continuing to demonstrate all the Qualified Teacher Status standards – before they become completely qualified. During this year, senior managers in their school support and map their progress. All teaching staff are now required to keep a Career Development Profile to demonstrate their competences in preparation for promotion.