ABSTRACT
The Oxford Internship Scheme, a school-based PGCE Secondary course, was launched in 1987 following two years of planning involving the University of Oxford Department of Educational Studies, Oxfordshire Local Education Authority and Oxfordshire secondary schools. Mentors gave general advice on internship and on the progress of individual interns but subject teachers considered it to be their own responsibility to plan and manage activities related to the work of interns with their own classes. In some departments internship was discussed regularly with all involved staff: mentors provided guidance on what subject teachers should be focusing on with interns and also updated them on the interns' general progress. Many subject teachers said that they had insufficient time to devote to their work with interns and that they often had difficulty in finding the time for discussion with the mentor. Involvement in internship had made one teacher, and many of her colleagues in the department, feel like part of a larger educational service.
