Key features of the PCP programme:

• Length of course = 40 weeks
• Taught course = 20 weeks
• School Experience = 20 weeks
• Length of taught course day = 9.00 - 4.00 with one hour lunch break
• Terms are in line with Southampton City Council school terms

The subjects in the taught course are:

• English, Maths, Science
• General Professional Studies
• RE including 2 modules from the CCRS

• ICT
• History, Geography, Art, Music, Design & Technology, Modern Foreign Languages
• PE
• It is also possible to study for two modules from the MA Education during the programme.

Trainees will complete assessed assignments, usually of around 3,000 words, in RE, English, Maths, Science, ICT, General Professional Studies and, if they opt for the M-level programme, 2 assignments for M-level credits.

Click here to see an example of the Programme Structure

School Experience

Before joining the programme, trainees complete two-weeks' pre-course experience. The emphasis is on observing good teachers at work. Guided activities are used to help trainees focus their observations. Once on the course, trainees will be allocated two main placements, one in Key Stage 1 and the other in Key Stage 2.  

During the autumn term, you will be given the opportunity to build up your confidence and professional expertise through a series of visits to your first placement school.   You will observe good teaching and gradually move into taking parts of whole class lessons. Eighteen days are spent in school during the first term.   This is followed in the second term by a six week block placement where each trainee teaches the core subjects. The second school placement takes place in a different Key Stage and lasts for eight weeks.  The emphasis this time is on substantial and sustained class teaching across the whole range of National Curriculum subjects, and responsibility for assessing pupils of different abilities. 

The PCP programme is designed to meet the national standards for QTS (DCSF2007) and a total of 20 weeks is spent in schools over the three terms.

Age Phase

The QTS Standards (2007) stipulate that trainees must train for at least two Key Stages.   As the age range offered by the Primary Catholic Partnership is 5-11 years, trainees will gain experience of teaching both key stages. The Foundation stage (ages 4-5) is looked at as a starting place for children in the Primary school and a few trainees may have a school experience which includes Reception-aged children. We endeavour, where possible, to place trainees in their preferred Key Stage for their final school experience.

Certificate of Catholic Religious Studies (CCRS)

All teachers within Catholic schools are expected to have the CCRS.  To help you prepare for this, you will undertake two modules of the CCRS during the course.   This will provide a useful additional qualification for working in any faith school or becoming an RE subject co-ordinator within a school.