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14 Dec 2006 10:16:34
An education watchdog has given the University of Bedfordshire a glowing review in a recent inspection of vocational teacher training courses.
Inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) have undertaken a national review of vocational teacher training courses for 14 to 19 year olds, including all applied Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCEs) for teaching this age group in schools and colleges.
Last September, the University introduced two new vocational PGCEs in Applied Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and Applied Business Studies, to meet local demand, after identifying a shortage of teachers in these subject areas across the county. The University also wanted to encourage people with experience in these areas, to move out of the office and into the class room.
Simon Gibbons, Acting Head of School of Education, said: “We are really pleased to have been commended in the recent Ofsted review which shows the Government has confidence in our provision at a time when it is reducing teacher training places at universities.
“We are bucking the national trend and expanding our vocational PGCE courses with the introduction in September of a new Applied Leisure and Tourism PGCE to meet local demand and build on our success.”
Inspectors praised the high quality of the courses in their first year and identified the course structure and content as effective in ensuring trainees meet the standards.
The report also commended the range of scholarships offered to trainees to give them a broad perspective in their subject area.
Under the scheme, trainees have received scholarships to visit schools in Germany to compare and contrast the way ICT and Business fits into the German educational system.
Other trainees have been on scholarship programmes to Morehead State University in Kentucky, to work with children on their Talent Search Technology Summer Camp. The camp aims to engage children from less-well-off backgrounds, where there is no history of higher education in their families, and encourage them to consider university life.
In February Ofsted inspectors awarded the highest score (Grade One) to the management and quality assurance of the University’s secondary and primary initial teacher training courses.
Key strengths highlighted in the report include well structured training programmes; strong partnerships with schools; effective management; and high quality assurance procedures. Inspectors found trainees are also well prepared for working in schools and are encouraged and supported in taking responsibility for their own development.
For further details about teacher training at the University of Bedfordshire, contact admissions on 01234 793279.
Latest news» 2006» Dec» Education watchdog praises University
