Student Associates Scheme

About the Student Associates Scheme

What is the Student Associates Scheme?
The Student Associates Scheme is a programme funded by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) and operating in England.

  • The Scheme is designed to attract higher education students who want help in deciding whether or not a career in secondary school teaching is for them, or perhaps to clarify which age group they want to teach whilst getting paid for it! (£40 per day tax-free)

  • The Scheme also wants higher education students to promote the benefits of higher education to young people in school.

  • It is a no-obligation experience of secondary teaching, and it is perfectly valid for someone to decide that teaching is not for them based on what they discover whilst participating in the Scheme.

The aims of The Open University Student Associates Scheme are to:

  • Promote the benefits of higher education to young people in school.

  • Increase diversity in the teaching profession by providing opportunities for undergraduates and postgraduates who wish to learn more about teaching but who are unable to access other schemes due to personal, professional or geographical reasons.

  • Provide an enjoyable experience that will encourage students to consider teaching as a profession.

  • Enable students on the Scheme to help pupils in school raise their attainment and aspirations, and provide them with a positive role model for higher education.

  • Help students on the Scheme to recognise the transferability of the skills, knowledge and understanding that they have developed if they decide not to pursue a career in teaching.

The Student Associates Scheme at the Open University provides an opportunity for current undergraduate, postgraduate, HND and Foundation Level students to gain some experience of life in secondary schools in their chosen subject department. Through a framework of structured activities, the Scheme enables students to explore teaching as a career without any obligation to proceed further.

The Student Associates Scheme is available in certain subject areas. Applicants should apply for a place on the Scheme in one of these subjects:

Physics
Chemistry
Maths
Design and Technology
ICT
RE
Music
Biology
Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish, German or French)
Geography

Please see the Eligibility page for full details of our selection criteria

How does it work?
The Scheme is composed of a programme of study using distance-learning materials. This is followed by a 15-day paid placement in a secondary school. The placement can be undertaken flexibly if required.

The study materials will introduce you to aspects of work in schools and help you to prepare for your placement.

In school you will follow a structured programme of activities and have the support of a subject mentor. In addition, you will agree with the school on a particular project where you can make a contribution to the department or school.

Participation in the Scheme will be taken into consideration if you apply to an Initial Teacher Training course, such as the Open University PGCE.

Students will organise their own locally-based school experience placements.


Why should I do it?
You should consider applying to the Scheme if you are a higher education student and you:

  • can make a contribution to helping young people in school raise their attainment and aspirations by providing a positive role model;

  • are thinking of applying to do a PGCE, or an alternative Initial Teacher Training (ITT) route, and want to see if you enjoy teaching before making a final decision;

  • are not sure what career path to take when you graduate and want to try out teaching;

  • are sure you want to teach, but not sure for what age group or subject;

  • just want to gain valuable experience before embarking on teaching training, whilst getting paid for it!

How do you benefit?

  • you can contribute your own subject knowledge, skills and interests to the school community, which can be very satisfying;

  • you will be able to decide whether or not teaching is for you and gain a unique insight into a school in your area, making useful contacts along the way;

  • you will be able to decide if the PGCE is the best training path for you;

  • the tax-free training bursary helps you to re-arrange your work/home life in order to complete the placements;

  • PGCE providers usually require students to have experience in schools before commencing a PGCE course. The scheme will give you experience in school with structure, excellent outcomes, and a bursary;

  • you will build a record of experiences and skills that prospective employers in areas outside teaching will recognise as transferable to their own organisation;

  • participation will be recognised by providers of Initial Teacher Training if you apply for a place on such a course.


Finance
It is free to take part in the Scheme, but even better than that – we pay you to take part!

This government-funded Scheme provides participants with a £40 a day tax-free bursary. For the 15-day school placement you will receive £600.

The school also receives funding of £225.

Payments are made on completion of the placement, when we receive your completed Training Entry Profile (TEP).


Assessment
During your period of study and school placement there will be activities for you to undertake. In addition, you will negotiate with the school a specific activity where you can make your own contribution to the department or school. Your activities will be collected into a portfolio which will be checked by your mentor in school.

At the end of the placement you are expected to submit a completed Training Entry Profile (TEP). The TEP records your experiences in school and there is a section for your school mentor to record comments about your progress and contribution to the school. Submission of the TEP triggers payment of your bursary and the school fees.

There are no CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points for taking part in the Scheme. However experiences may provide some exemption of study/training if you successfully apply to an Initial Teacher Training course at a future point.



How do I apply?

  • Click here to enter your details and download an information pack or contact us to request an information pack.

  • Following guidance in the pack, contact a local secondary school to arrange a placement (although do not agree dates at this stage)

  • Complete the application form and submit to us.