Teacher training course praised

TdaNews Direct
Published: 19 November, 2007

A year-long teacher training course has been awarded the highest grade possible by inspectors, according to reports this week.

The Devon Secondary School-Centred Initial Teacher Training course was awarded an A grade by independent inspectors for the second time running.

Ofsted inspectors wrote: "The excellent quality of the leadership and management of the programme remains and ensures that all partners contribute fully to the high quality training.

"Headteachers and school-based trainers show an outstanding commitment to the training and value the opportunities for professional dialogue which initial teacher training brings to their schools."

Since 1999, the Devon Secondary Teacher Training group, which is a partnership with a number of secondary schools across the country managed by Devon county council, has provided teacher training courses for graduates seeking a PGCE qualification in performing arts and modern languages.

Devon's executive councillor for children's services, John Smith, said: "It is important our schools have a good pool of applicants from which to fill their vacancies and many of the trainees on this course will go on to work in Devon's schools."