Primary

Our primary and secondary programmes have children and young people's best interests at heart

Our primary programme is designed to ensure the curriculum is ambitious, exceptional in quality and carefully sequenced.  Consequently, South Farnham trainees are highly reflective and 'exceptionally well-prepared to start their teaching careers' (Ofsted, July 2023). 

Primary trainees are part of a geographical cohort, enabling central training to be closer to home.  A highly skilled and dedicated cohort lead supports and guides trainee learning and development across the year. They form one part of an 'exceptional team around the trainee' (Ofsted) designed to ensure trainees receive a highly personalised programme and experience in line with individual need.

There is a gradual approach that enables trainees to learn the foundational knowledge, pedagogies and skills incrementally through the central curriculum. As a primary trainee your knowledge will be developed across all National Curriculum subjects and through critical engagement with current research about how children learn.  You will be afforded a wide range of experiences and opportunities to ensure you have all the tools and resources to be the very best teacher you can be.  Whilst the majority of your time will be spent at your host placement school and your second placement school, there will be plenty of opportunities to network with peers and other experts, including weekly professional studies and enhanced visits (such as SEND, EAL, Early Years and KS3). 

Professional studies learning is further developed in the classroom, aided and guided by skilled school-based mentors.  Mentors provide personalised support, feedback and guidance.  Their role is crucial and varies, from coach, role model and trainer to critical friend.  School-based training is carefully planned and enables trainees to deepen learning through observation, rehearsal, reflection and practical application in the classroom guided by expert practitioners and mentors.

There is an expectation of employment within our network of partnership schools.  In fact, schools see our programme as the recruitment pool of choice!