This full time programme provides you with the opportunity to acquire the expertise to become a dance specialist teacher for the 14 – 19 curriculum and gain UK government recognition as a teacher. 

The programme leads to two awards: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) awarded by the RAD as an Initial Teacher Training Accredited Provider and the Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Dance Teaching, validated by the University of Surrey.

Since this programme was launched in 2003, we have had a 100% employment rate and some of our former trainees are now working in our partnership schools and colleges in London and the surrounding counties.

Delivery
The programme is for one year full time comprising 24 weeks in schools or colleges and 12 weeks on site at Academy headquarters. 

Modules located at Academy headquarters are delivered through taught sessions including practical sessions, lectures and seminars.  Whilst on placement in schools and colleges our students work with School-based Tutors who are dance specialists able to provide support for planning, teaching and self reflection.  

Assessment
Students are required to complete written assignments, give presentations and be assessed in teaching.  Throughout the programme, students are continually assessed against the Standards for Qualified Teacher Status which must be met in order to qualify as a teacher.

Award
On successful completion of the programme, students will be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Dance Teaching with QTS.

Programme Content

Programme Specification

The programme comprises three modules of study, divided into three interrelated areas:
- Dance Studies
- Professional Studies
- School Experience and Teaching

Two modules take place at Academy headquarters and focus on developing dance subject knowledge and pedagogical understanding.  Whilst on site, students will have the opportunity to work with the Faculty of Education’s highly qualified teaching staff, study alongside other students on the programme and benefit from the Academy’s specialist dance facilities. 

The other module takes place in our Partnership Schools and Colleges in the form of two different School Experience and Teaching placements.  During this time, students take on different roles and responsibilities, undertaking carefully supervised teaching and becoming integrated in the life of the department and the school/college.

'Able to Teach' Document

The Teaching Agency (at the time the Training and Development Agency for Schools) provided still valid guidance on what is expected of teachers, specially in relation to candidates with disabilities. We have the permission of the Teaching Agency to give access to the 'Able to Teach' document to potential applicants and students (December 2012). Please click here to access the document.

Our Partnership Schools and Colleges
Our Partnership Schools and Colleges are based in inner and outer London and the home counties of Essex, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire and Hertfordshire.  These provide diverse cultural environments for school experience and teaching placements.  The status of many Partnership Schools and Colleges is recognised through Arts Mark, Beacon Status, Specialist Status and Performing Arts Mark. 

Further Study/Career Development
Students who gain the PGCE: DT with QTS may continue their studies at MA level or pursue a number of opportunities for continuing professional development in a variety of dance and education contexts.

How to apply

Funding opportunities at Masters level and beyond:

The National Scholarship Fund for Teachers and Support Staff

The National Scholarship Fund for teachers and support staff is now offering grants of up to £3500 for teachers employed in primary, secondary or special educational needs schools wanting to pursue study at Masters level and beyond. The aim of the fund is to provide an opportunity for teachers to deepen their specialist or subject knowledge and focuses on four main priority areas: Maths, English, Science and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Please click on the following link for further information:

http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/traininganddevelopment/funding/b00208025/national-scholarship-fund

School Direct Programme

The Royal Academy of Dance, Faculty of Education is welcoming expression of interest from those schools wishing to offer School Direct places to dance graduates. Please click here for further information.

Students interested in applying for a School Direct place should read the Faculty of Education's School Direct Guidance Notes.