Psychology
This course is designed to equip trainees with the essential knowledge and skillset to become a reflective practitioner, who can motivate learners effectively. You will explore psychological theories, principles, and practical applications that will empower you to create dynamic learning environments and foster a lifelong love for learning among your students.
What will my course look like?
You will have a main placement school for the majority of the programme with a contrasting placement (six weeks) during the Spring Term. This second placement will be discussed with you before any decisions are made. Time will also spent in a Special School setting and in a Primary School.
Our training is delivered in a hybrid model adapted each year to reflect the locations and needs of our trainee cohort. You can expect a blend of online learning and in-person sessions at Challoner House Training Centre in Birmingham, Birmingham City Centre venues and delivery at hubs across the Midlands. Training takes place one day per week focusing on Core Training alongside specific Subject Pedagogy sessions. Trainees also benefit from four Intensive Training and Practice weeks (ITAPs) to explore pivotal parts of our curriculum.
School-based learning includes observations of expert colleagues, a structured programme of group and whole-class teaching and a series of directed self-study tasks to develop your understanding of research and practice. Your school mentor will meet with you regularly to guide and support you during the placement. Your timetable will be planned by your mentor to facilitate your development against our ITT curriculum. You will have a gradual introduction to teaching, working alongside experienced teachers. You will start with focused lesson observations and then begin to plan and teach parts of lessons. After a few weeks you will be planning and delivering whole lessons. Gradually you will build up your teaching responsibility as you develop your knowledge and skills. For the last few weeks of the programme you will be full time in school. Your mentors will meet with you regularly to guide and support your development during the placement.
As well as supporting you daily, you will have weekly structured meetings with your school mentor, providing dedicated time for reflection and discussion and to develop expertise and confidence in core teaching skills. In addition BCTSA staff will provide pastoral, academic and professional support.
For the PGCE programme you will study two modules which complement the training we deliver, leading to 60 Master’s level credits.
What will I be teaching?
You will explore current pedagogy, teaching methodology and academic research with a focus on strategies for effective, inclusive Psychology teaching covering the 14-19 age range. The course will focus on curriculum content such as the foundations and applications of psychological research, and how to design, conduct and critique research.
Our curriculum is sequenced to ensure trainee progression and the gradual securing of key skills, allowing trainees to meet the Teachers’ Standards by the end of the programme.
Why train with BCTSA?
Bishop Challoner Training School, in partnership with Alliance schools (BCTSA), is an accredited provider of school-based teacher training in Birmingham and across the West Midlands.
With our personal approach to supporting trainees, you’ll always feel at home with our team. We provide the support you need at every step of the journey, from the application process all the way through the programme, with regular check-ins and a friendly atmosphere to make you achieve your potential as a BCTSA trainee. But don’t just take it from us, read feedback from our trainees!
“Gaining invaluable experience in two different school environments, developing my skills as a teaching professional and making my place in education! Also getting a job at my placement school!” Primary Trainee 2025.
“Building relationships with students, gaining confidence in classroom management, and seeing engagement, especially during practicals.” Physics trainee, 2025.
Bishop Challoner Catholic College is also the Lead School for the Central Midlands Science Learning Partnership, allowing schools to access high-quality materials and the courses provided.
