Returning to Teaching FAQ
This page will offer answers to the most popular questions regarding the Returning to Teaching course.
What are the requirements to enrol on the course?
You must be a fully qualified teacher (qualifications obtained either in Scotland, the UK or abroad) and be eligible to register with the GTCS (General Teaching Council for Scotland) as this is a compulsory requirement to teach in Scotland. You should contact the GTCS directly before booking a place on the course if you are unsure: registration@gtcs.org.uk
You do not need to have received your full registration before enrolling on the course but it is advisable to start the process as it can be a lengthy procedure. Please note that if you do not have teaching qualifications, this course is not suitable for you.
How many hours do I have to study per week and what is the course structure?
We recommend 4-6 hours per week to fully engage with the course content, which is made up of pre-recorded videos, reading material and weekly discussions. The course runs for 10 weeks and each new week opens on a Friday morning.
Each week has a specific theme and the discussion is based on this theme. Halfway through the course there is a catch-up week where you can either take a break or catch up on your studies and/or further your knowledge on a particular topic by using the course virtual library.
Are the lessons scheduled at particular times?
No, there are no synchronous sessions. The course is available 24/7 and you can access it whenever suits you, which allows you to work at your own pace. This applies to the weekly forums too. Every week a question is posted online and participants can reply at a time that suits them best.
How is the course assessed?
Participation at the weekly discussions is recorded and you have to take part in at least eight of them in order to complete the course. You are also required to submit an assessment by answering five questions reflecting against the GTCS' Professional Standards.
Are you still running face-to-face sessions?
We no longer run face-to-face sessions. Instead, we have two live online sessions on Saturday mornings: one at the beginning and one at the end of the course.
Are the live online sessions compulsory?
No, you are not obliged to attend and not all participants are able to come along. If you are unable to attend, you get access to equivalent material on Moodle so you can catch up.
How many times a year do you run the course?
We run the course three times a year with start dates usually around September, January and March/April.
Is the course aimed at a specific sector?
The course covers both the primary and secondary sector.
Is there funding available?
Unfortunately this course is self-funded and there is no funding or grant available to help pay for the fee. Payment must be made by card in one instalment and the course fee is non-refundable.
How many places are available on the course?
We can enrol a maximum of 35 students.
Will taking part in the course guarantee that I will find a job?
Unfortunately taking part in the course will not guarantee that you will find a job but it will help you understand the Scottish education system and gain confidence when applying for jobs. Finding a job will depend on vacancies available in your sector, your own professional experience, how you present yourself in applications and interviews and most importantly on each school’s own standards and the type of teacher they are looking for.