Odyssey Learning Alliance

In conjunction with the University of Gloucestershire, our Primary School Direct course offers the opportunity to:

Train with an outstanding group of Cheltenham and Gloucester based primary schools, fully supported by the University of Gloucestershire.

Supported by central training time at the University, the majority of your time will be in at least two schools, where you will learn to teach, be trained and supported by experienced School Direct teachers and mentors.  The Gloucestershire Learning Alliance Multi-Academy Trust (Bishops Cleeve Primary, Springbank Primary, Rowanfield Infants, Rowanfield Juniors, Longford Park Primary, Great Oldbury Primary, Tredington Primary and Badsey First School), as well as Glenfall Community Primary School, Grangefield School, Woodmandcote School and Linden Primary School, all serve as main placements schools for our primary trainees.  Placement schools are chosen to match school requirements that best suit your needs.  All placements are selected to enable trainees to gain experience in a range of abilities and differing contexts as well as in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. 

Trainees work towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through placements with Odyssey and their Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) through their time at the University. Throughout, our Odyssey Professional Studies cross phase programme, provides further training as well as the opportunity to help and support each other.

This is a unique opportunity to train in an alliance of strong Gloucestershire based primary schools, many rated as outstanding or good with outstanding features – all recognised for their exceptional staff development.

In September 2021 all of our primary trainees who were seeking work were employed, 75% by our Alliance schools.

The Course

Following the same syllabus as the University of Gloucestershire, our primary trainees also benefit from the fantastic experience of ‘life in school’ through three school based placements. These stimulating yet highly supportive environments help develop the professional knowledge and skills, alongside the personal qualities, required for a successful career in teaching and to facilitate confidence in the classroom. 

In each placement you will be allocated a class and supported by a class teacher and mentor as well as a link tutor from the University.  Our mentors are experienced School Direct teachers, trained in mentoring and coaching, to ensure you have the personalised professional and personal support you need throughout your training year.

Alongside time at the University, our Professional Studies programme supports both our primary and secondary trainees and are planned and delivered by active, experienced teachers, including those in senior school roles, and aim to facilitate and explore the practical application of educational theory.

Assessment

There are no written examinations for our School Direct Primary trainees.  Formal assessment takes place through the year via assessed practical teaching (in school) and course work assignments (at University).  Passes in practical teaching and in all course work assignments are required to complete the course.

Qualifications

• A degree at 2:2 or above
• A standard equivalent to a Grade C or above in GSCE examinations in English Language, Mathematics and Science

Trainees who are likely to thrive with Odyssey will come from all backgrounds.  The right candidates will be professional, passionate and enthusiastic about teaching and engaging young minds.  They will be eager to learn with strong organisational, literacy and numeracy skills.  Applicants from those who currently or have previously worked with children in a career or voluntary basis are especially welcome.

As part of the application procedure, candidates will be requested to take part in a rigorous selection process designed to assess their suitability to teach. Part of this process will be to evaluate your understanding of the current curriculum and education and the qualities required for teaching.