Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a summary of some more unusual questions we have received which may not be covered elsewhere in the website:
What flexibility is allowed for the placements?
The placements can be flexible and don't have to be taken in one block of time. You can discuss this with the school. Ideally you need to arrange to be in school for at least two consecutive days at a time if this is possible. Blocks of longer periods are recommended, but we appreciate that is not always practical.
Please note: All placements must be completed by the end of the academic year in which they are taken
What financial assistance is available whilst studying on the Scheme?
There is payment of £40 for each day spent in school. This amounts to £600, tax-free, for the 15-day placement.
Are there any plans to extend the Scheme to Scotland/Wales/Nr.Ireland?
Currently the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) is only funding this project in England. We do not know whether there are plans to extend the Scheme to other regions of the UK. However, we do hope that the Scheme proves to be successful and is continued beyond the current timescale and into other regions.
The placement Scheme is limited to schools in England; it does not matter where you live as long as you can arrange to experience your placement in a school in England.
I am nearing retirement age, can I take part?
There are no age restrictions on the Scheme, providing you meet the entry criteria.
I used to be a teacher and am thinking of returning to the career – can I do the Scheme to get some up-to-date experience?
No, the Scheme is not eligible for people who already have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or who are on a QTS course.
I have read that the Scheme can provide exemption from a part of the Open University PGCE course. How does the Scheme effect the PGCE course?
Earlier versions of the Scheme were better-matched to PGCE requirements and more likely to lead to exemption. Under this Scheme you are likely to get recognised for your participation, but we cannot guarantee any exemption. If you get a place on the OU PGCE, you will go through a “Needs Analysis” with your tutor; this is when it is decided at what level it is best for you to start the course. We cannot comment on other PGCE providers’, but the TDA are encouraging them to recognise participation in the Scheme.
Why do I have to be a student in order to take part in the Student Associates Scheme?
This is a government-funded initiative aimed at students in higher education. The Scheme allows students to explore teaching as a career while still studying for their degree. It will help to inform decisions about what to do once they complete their degree and course choice decisions.
I’ve finished studying but to qualify for the Scheme I have to be a student – can I just enrol in a night class?
It depends what kind of night class it is. You must be enrolled on an undergraduate, post graduate, foundation degree or HNC/D level course in order to qualify for a place on the Scheme.
I am a graduate. Can I still join the Scheme?
Provided that you are registered as a part-time or full-time student on a programme leading to the award of an HND, Foundation degree, undergraduate degree or postgraduate course you can apply to the Scheme.
What other teacher training methods are there?
We suggest you refer to the TDA website for the routes available.
I want to teach a subject/age group that you don’t offer.
There are other providers of the Student Associates Scheme in England. The TDA website lists all providers which include other higher education institutions, Local Education Authorities and schools. You may be able to find a local provider who offers the subject or age group you want.
The OU Student Associates Scheme offers the same subjects as the OU PGCE plus ICT and RE. The GTTR website shows all the providers of full and part time PGCE courses (other than the OU PGCE).
Can I do the placements in a post 16 college?
Not really. The OU Scheme is for secondary teaching which is 11-16 (Key Stage 3 and 4) or 11-18. Post 16 PGCE courses are available. However secondary PGCE courses usually cover the 11-18 age range so you might find the Scheme useful for this, if you can find a place in a secondary school.
My degree/course is in [X], what subjects are available to me for a PGCE?
In order to find out what PGCE subjects are available you will have to refer to the GTTR website. The GTTR is like UCAS, it is the agency that deals with PGCE applications. It lists all the PGCE providers, subjects, etc. The content of your degree is the most important thing if you want to teach at secondary level. Your degree should contain 2/3 or 1/2 of the subject you want to teach. However, for primary PGCE the subject of your degree is less important and many providers are accepting students onto primary PGCE courses with any good degree background.
What other routes into teaching are there for graduates?
We suggest you contact a careers adviser. However this information may help.
There are other routes into teaching at graduate level, other than the PGCE, that you could try if you can't find a subject to match. The Graduate Teacher Programme (known as GTP or GTRP) allows you to train on the job. The TDA website provides further details on routes into teaching.
I receive benefit/pension payments; will participating in the scheme affect my payments?
The bursary payment you receive is tax free so this should not affect your payments. However, we do advise you to contact the office from which you receive your pension/benefit payments to make them aware that you are participating in the scheme.
I have participated in the Student Associates Scheme before, can I re-apply again?
Unfortunately students are not permitted to undertake more than one funded school placement within this or any previous version of the Students Associates Scheme
Do you offer placements in primary schools?
Unfortunately we do not offer placements in primary schools; however, there are other providers of the Student Associates Scheme in England. The TDA website lists all providers which include other higher education institutions, Local Education Authorities and schools. You may be able to find a local provider who offers the age group you want.
