Mentors

Mentor Development Material

The role of the Mentor

This presentation explains the role of the Mentor (co-tutor, expert colleague, assessor) in our programme (6 minutes).

Overview of processes

This presentation covers our curriculum, assessment process and guidance about planning and teaching in Phase A (12 minutes):

Course Calendar

Please use the course calendar to note the dates for any Settling In, Interim and Final Reports during the Phase A and Phase B placements.

2025-26 Mentor Training

Phase A

The initial mentor training session will be back on Teams this year due to challenges on campus including the industrial action. We appreciate that communication could have been more timely over the past few weeks and that some information has been sent out at short notice. We apologise for this and thank you for your support. As our training is not just initial but ongoing throughout placements (online, face to face visits and weekly emails and guidance) we hope that our continuous engagement with you will balance this out.

Contents of Phase A training
The following is what will be covered;
* Key information for mentors
* Changes to course administration and eportfolios
* Weekly focus and Focused Observation
* Professional Noticing and ITP 2

There will be slides and a recording available for all of the above (scroll down)

Key points for those unable to attend the initial Mentor Training

1. One of the main points is that the Intensive Training Practice (ITP) that will happen on Tuesday 7th October. This is the second day that students will be in school next week. There is a guide attached for the ITP but the main things as ITT coordinator/Co-tutor are that you will need to ensure at some point on those two days that the PGCE student does the following:
2. Observe students coming into school by joining a member of staff at the start of the day.
3. Join a member of staff during break/lunch time on duty.
4. Arrange for them to observe a lesson (this does not have to be within their subject specialism).
5. Give them time to explore the school and complete the scavenger hunt.

Teaching Hours
In phase A the PGCE students should be working up to teaching 10 hours. This may be slightly above or below depending on the school timetable and the length of lessons in your school. They should be aiming to teach all of these hours by the 4th or 5th week of the placement.

Please forward these details to Mentors that may require it.

Phase A Mentor Training slides Thursday 2nd Oct 2025 (Click the link below):
Initial Mentor Training Phase A 25-26

Phase A Mentor Training Voiced recording:

Phase B Mentor Training

The Phase B Mentor training session will take place online, via MS Teams on Thursday 5th February 2026.

Additional resources can be found in the ‘Subject Folders’ page on the left hand navigation. Please find recordings of each session below:

ITP Mentor Guide 2025-2026

Timetable, Planning and Observation 2025-2026

*This video was recorded last year and covers both Phase A and B placements. The guidance is still accurate for 2025-26. The only updates are the following deadlines and dates;

Phase A Settling in report – Friday 31st October 2025

Phase A Interim report – Friday 21st November 2025

Phase A Final report – Friday 19th December 2025

Phase B Settling in report – Friday 27th February 2026

Phase B Interim report – Thursday 26th March 2026

Phase B Final report – Friday 22nd May 2026

School Practicum Handbook 2025-2026

2025-26-Secondary-PGCE-School-Practicum-Handbook-Phase-A-v0.1 (4)

PGCE Secondary CARD (subject versions) 2025-26

For subject versions of CARD, please click on the specific subject in the ‘Subject folders’ on the left hand menu.

Please note that students should share their reports with co-tutors.

Cause For Concern

Please watch the above video on the process of how to report if you have any causes for concern about your trainee during their school placement (6 minutes).

Weekly Focus and Weekly Meetings

Weekly Focus Phase A Master 2025-2026

Phase B overview

*To be added

For co-tutors who had a student in Phase A (8 minutes):

Recorded PPT Phase B overview Final.pptx

Phase B Assessment 2025-2026

*This video was recorded last year and covers Phase B Assessment in placements. The guidance is still accurate for 2025-26. The only updates are the following deadlines and dates;

Phase B Settling in report – Friday 27th February 2026

Phase B Interim report – Thursday 26th March 2026

Phase B Final report – Friday 22nd May 2026

This video covers the process of assesment for student teachers in Phase B including different reports, how to complete it and when (7 minutes).