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Teachers of the new 14–19 diploma are invited to enrol in a free online professional development programme

Canterbury Christ Church University, in partnership with Lifelong Learning UK, the TDA and the Department for Children, Schools and Families, has launched a new distance-learning programme designed for all practitioners involved in delivering the new diplomas.

The free Occupational Currency for Practitioners of Diplomas (OCPD) Programme offers participants the opportunity to update, develop and apply their current teaching skills for diploma delivery.

Participants will work alongside other teachers, with support from specialist tutors, an e-tutor, phone contact, and online peer support. There will be many opportunities to share and network within a professional online community. The programme will build on participants’ recent and relevant occupational experience and existing expertise, extending this into the professional working environment of one of the five industry areas.

Schoolteacher, James Broadwood-White who recently completed the course for delivery of the information technology diploma said: "Before I started the course I had little understanding of the various career paths available in the IT industry, having never worked in the industry myself. It was interesting to consider how the new diploma would prepare students to work in the industry not just teach them academic skills. I feel the course has given me a deeper understanding of the industry and has shown me how to develop an interactive curriculum that students find interesting and relevant."

Julie Pyatt, a fellow participant agrees: "Before I took the new course I was blinkered in many respects, not only with jobs in IT but also how the education experience is changing for young people. I am so excited about the possibility of teaching the IT diploma because I can now see how it is going to bridge the gap between education and employment and offer young people more opportunity and career options."

Applicants should have a minimum of one day of recent and relevant occupational experience, involvement with the delivery of a diploma in one of the five initial subject areas, and support from their institution.

Application details can be found on the Canterbury Christ Church website. You can also contact the university on 01227 782869 or by e-mail at post.compulsory.education@canterbury.ac.uk.

Applications to register for the full three-unit programme should be received by 30 September 2008. Applications after this date will be accepted for later units, dependent on individual skills and experience.

View more tdaNews for September 2008