Taster Courses

Every year the Training and Development Agency for Schools (the TDA) funds over 2500 places on 'taster courses' for prospective teachers from under- represented groups (Black and Minority Ethnic groups, people with disabilities and men interested in Primary teaching) and priority subjects (most commonly music, information and communications technology, mathematics, modern foreign languages, religious education and science). Course providers bid to provide courses aimed at one of the categories above: Newham was successful in its bid to run courses aimed at people from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, although we welcome eligible applicants from all backgrounds.

Eligibility

The Training and Development Agency (TDA) funds taster courses, and therefore London Borough of Newham must adhere to their regulations on eligibility for places. Taster courses are aimed at people in the process of making the decision whether or not to apply for teacher training. The TDA considers taster courses inappropriate for people who have already applied to teacher training, including overseas-trained teachers, or those who withdrew from a previous programme. London Borough of Newham runs regular information sessions which are not funded by the TDA, and therefore can be more flexible in who can attend information sessions, which are usually held in December and March.

Outline of Course

The course is usually run over three days, including a full day in a school and covers:

• Teaching as a career
• Teaching in an inclusive environment (English as an Additional Language and Special Educational Needs, Behaviour Management)
• The Curriculum
• Routes into Teaching
• The application and interview process
• A day in a school
• Opportunities for further guidance

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