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5 Apr 2011 13:26:04
Eaton Bray Lower School, near Dunstable, recently celebrated the transition to Academy status and the University of Bedfordshire was there to join in the celebrations with pupils, teachers and school governors.
The school currently hosts six English Language Studies (BA) student teachers on placement from the University, providing invaluable teacher training experience.
Ed Hounslow, Head of Division, Language and Communication at the University also attended the celebrations and explained why the school is so important to the University.
“Many of our undergraduates go into primary teaching. One career route has been traditionally to take options in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) for classroom experience. As an alternative to TEFL, the University recently launched this local venture with Eaton Bray Academy and it is proving really successful.”
“Teaching experience provided by Eaton Bray Academy offers student teachers an alternative route to TEFL. Gaining local teaching experience also provides our students with an edge in an ever increasingly competitive jobs market. As part of the placement, student teachers are encouraged to use their talents and specialist skills. For instance, from the current placements group, one is a qualified basketball coach, a second is an expert in origami, whist another is a specialist in linguistics. The University is keen to promote students’ additional skills and abilities as these may help them achieve their professional teaching goals.
“Student teacher demand for placements at Eaton Bray has been very high, so a phased process has been introduced to give as many undergraduates as possible the chance of classroom learning experience.”
Sue Hounslow, Headteacher, Eaton Bray Academy added, “I’m delighted with the progress made through this placement scheme. Our school works closely with the University, providing student teaching opportunities, to help them apply what they’ve learnt on the course and to find out if teaching is what they really what to do.”
Eaton Bray Academy is a co-educational day school catering for 120
children aged 4 - 9 years of all abilities. In addition to celebrating Academy status, Eaton Bray is also celebrating 150 years of primary education
in the village in 2011.
Images:
Top: Sue Hounslow, Headteacher, Eaton Bray Academy and Ed Hounslow, Head of Language and Communication at the University of Bedfordshire
Middle: Julita Lopinska, student teacher with some of the pupils from Eaton Bray Academy
Above: Julie Tawney, final year placement student at Eaton Bray Academy
Latest news» 2011» April» University celebrates new Academy's success
