Degrees of
learning 32 page education special
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Learning
curve W
elcome to Degrees of Learning - the Local Life guide to all things educational in your local area. This annual guide is brimming with ideas, support, interesting features and most importantly, information to guide you in making the right decisions for your child’s education or enhancing your own. We discuss useful topics covering everything from tips when choosing child care and preschool education to dates for college open days and adult education courses. So whether you are first-time parents looking for suitable child care arrangements or parents of a school leaver looking for their next step – the information is right here! In this edition we will be looking at how to apply for primary and secondary school places, your post16 options and also how to get into the teaching profession. We also bring you all the local open event information. So if your child is finishing school in July and they’re not sure what to do next, then have a look at some of the colleges that are advertising open events – there are hundreds full and part time courses on offer from traditional A-Levels to Public Services, Hospitality & Catering and Engineering.
Nicola Gray
Features 85 Mum’s the word! 87 Top Tips When Choosing Childcare 88 A Guide To Applying For A Primary School 90 A Guide To OFSTED 92 Individual Tuition 93 Tackling Dyslexia 94 Benefits Of Tutoring 97 A Guide To Applying For Secondary School 100 Ready for change 101 Class from the past 102 Post 16 - Your Options 107 Animal Instinct 108 Signs of success 110 Catholic Teacher Training 111 Bridging The gap 112 Workload vow 113 Money matters Pre-School 86 Parbold Nursery 86 Pipsqeaks, Orrell
2 - 4 years 2 - 4 years
Primary School 89 Maharishi 91 Roby Mill 91 Parbold Douglas Individual Tuition 92 Kip McGrath 93 Ed4All 94 Tutor Doctor 97 99
Secondary School Shevington High Bolton School
103 105 106 107 109
Further Education & Apprenticeships Wigan UTC Winstanley College St John Rigby Pro Co Wigan & Leigh College
Teacher Training 110 WCPSD & 111 Bishop Rawstorne 112 Kingsbridge
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Mum’s the
word! Wigan mum Nicola Gray on balancing work and looking after her two year old daughter
A
large part of my identity involves being a mother. That may sound obvious and a bit corny, but I wasn’t always sure that I wanted to have kids. Fastforward several years and I am now the proud mummy of a funny, chaotic, challenging and immensely loving two-year-old. My organisational skills used to lend themselves to this very magazine; planning the layout, sourcing stories and meeting deadlines. Now, a large part of my time is spent planning doctor and dentist appointments and, most importantly, juggling childcare arrangements. At a moment’s notice I can tell you my daughter’s timetable, as if it has been lasered on to the back of my brain! I enjoy work; it keeps my mind sharp, develops the expertise I have built up over the years and pays nursery fees. And it makes me appreciate the time I spend with my daughter all the more. I am, as the term goes, a ‘working mum’, that fabled, mystical character that can sort any problem at any hour of the day. That’s utter rubbish; I’m mainly tired, grouchy and always praying for Saturday morning (that’s my one lie in of the week, thanks to hubby). If I had to pick the most important aspect of being able to be a working mum, it is having dependable childcare. Whether this comes in the form of a childminder,
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understanding grandparents or a nursery setting; dependable is worth its weight in gold! If there is no-one available to take care of my daughter, I am the default. If she is sick and cannot go to nursery or the childminder has a holiday, work comes to a grinding halt and that is where the problems can begin. Now, I’m not saying my situation is unique, many of my friends are part of families where both parents go out to work, and they face similar challenges on a daily basis. That isn’t even taking in to account the logistics and cost of throwing (not literally) a second child into the mix. If the time to go back to work is looming large, whether you decide to use a childminder, private nursery or a pre-school here are a few questions I found helpful. Recommendations are also useful, but keep in mind that your gut instinct is important; you know your child better than anyone and whatever you do will also be in their best interests.
Clean, spacious play area with 3 play frames, including a dedicated area for under 2’s.
Play, Eat Pipsqueaks & Party 7 days a week Weekly activities including Mr Yipadee, Terry de Maxin and classes from Jo Jingles, Fun French www.facebook.com/lespetitspoisfunfrench, Orlandi Baby Ballet - Orlandi.df@gmail.com & Baby Yoga - enquiries@mitchytitch.co.uk
01695 229 923 Abbey Lakes, Orrell Road, Orrell, WN5 8RD
See Facebook or www.pipsqueaksplaycafe.co.uk for further details.
Free childcare: Your rights All three to four-year-olds in England can get 570 hours of free early education or childcare per year. This is usually taken as 15 hours each week for 38 weeks of the year. Some 2-year-olds are also eligible. Parents can start claiming free childcare after their child turns three. The free early education and childcare can be at all types of nurseries and nursery classes, playgroups and pre-school, childminders and Sure Start children’s centres Some two-year-olds in England can get free early education and childcare if the parent receives either Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), support through part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act, Child Tax Credit and/or Working Tax Credit and have an annual income under £16,190. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/browse/ childcare-parenting
Funded places available from aged 2 Outdoor Provision Free hot lunch “We are more than pleased with all aspects of nursery life”
“Nurturing ethos, varied and additional activities offered (mulitsports/drama)”
Open 51 weeks of the year Mon-Fri: 7.45am-6pm Please come and visit! Located within Parbold Douglas C of E Academy
01257 462007
admin@pda.lancs.sch.uk
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Top tips when choosing
childcare
L
etting someone else look after your child can be emotionally challenging, but there are ways to make it less stressful.
According to the Family & Childcare Trust, there are certain things you can do to ensure peace of mind.
What should I look out for? When you arrive first impressions count: Do you get a warm welcome when you arrive? Do the children there seem to be happy and content?
Vacancies and costs Are there vacancies - is there a waiting list and, if so, how long is this? Do you have to pay a deposit? If so, what’s it for? Is it returnable? Can you take up the free 15 hours for 2, 3 and 4 year olds?
Staffing and premises What is the ratio of staff to children? How many children do they care for? Do they operate a key (named) person system? What is staff turnover like? How well qualified are the staff? Are all the criminal records checks up to date? More information and tips are available at www. familyandchildcaretrust.org
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Applying
yourself A guide to applying for a primary school place in Wigan and West Lancs
I
f you live in the Wigan Council area and your child is due to start reception class in September 2016 you need to apply for a school place between this November and the closing date of January 15, 2016. You need to apply even if you have registered your child’s name at a school, your child attends a school nursery and/or your child has a brother or sister already attending primary school.
For those living in the West Lancashire area, primary admissions are dealt with by Lancashire County Council. Applications opened at the beginning of September and the deadline is January 15, 2016. Again, you need to apply for a place at a primary school, even if it’s linked to your child’s nursery, or your child’s brother or sister is already at the school. To apply online, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk
To apply, visit www.wigan.gov.uk or write to School Organisation Team, 3rd Floor, Waterside House, Waterside Drive, Wigan, WN3 5AZ
For more information, call 01772 532190/532191 or email pupilaccess.southadmissions@lancashire. gov.uk
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A guide to
ofsted
O
fsted inspect schools to provide information to parents, to promote improvement and to hold schools to account for the public money they receive. School inspections are required by law and provide an independent
assessment of the quality and standards of education in schools, and check whether pupils are achieving as much as they can. Inspectors will make graded judgements on the following areas using the four-point scale: effectiveness of leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; Personal development, behaviour and welfare and outcomes for children and learners. Where applicable, inspectors will also make a graded judgement on the effectiveness of the early years or sixth form provision in the school. Ofsted gives schools an overall grade from 1 (outstanding) 2 (good), 3 (requires improvement) to 4 (inadequate). A school that was judged to be outstanding at its last inspection is exempt from routine inspection. Ofsted will not normally inspect exempt schools unless they have
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a concern about their performance. Exemption from inspection does not apply to maintained nursery schools, special schools or pupil referral units. A school judged to be good at its last inspection normally receives a short inspection, one judged as requiring improvement will be subject to monitoring from inspectors to check its progress and is inspected within two years. If inspectors judge a school to be inadequate it will be placed in one of the following two categories; special measures or serious weaknesses. For the former, it means inspectors will visit the school regularly to check its progress, until it can be removed from the category. They will inspect it again after about two years.
Is your child ready for primary school in 2016?
Come and look round our small village school where we offer every pupil free music lessons and swimming lessons, involvement in all sporting activities and every school production along with a variety of out of school activities.
Serious weaknesses means that one or more of the key areas of the school’s performance require significant improvement, but the leaders and managers have demonstrated the capacity to improve. Inspectors will visit the school regularly to check its progress, until it can be removed from the category. It will be inspected again within 18 months of its last inspection.
“10th best performing school in the country, Daily Telegraph 2014”
Extra-curricular activities include: Guitar, Football, French, Spanish, Rugby, Dance, Gymnastics
Please come and visit us: Duggies before/ after school club 7.45am-6pm
“Teachers are friendly, interested in the children, ever helpful & always eager to help your child with anything”
All this in a safe, friendly and happy environment where children can develop to their fullest potential.
Call Now for an appointment. Our school is always open.
Roby Mill C.E. Primary School School Lane, Roby Mill, Up Holland, WN8 0QR
Telephone: 01695 622536 www.roby-mill.lancsngfl.ac.uk
Developing Potential • Celebrating Success
Located within Parbold Douglas C of E Academy
01257 462007
admin@pda.lancs.sch.uk
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Individual
tuition
H
ow does it feel to find a subject difficult in school? Or to feel frustrated at the lack of challenge? A difficult question for a student to answer - until you ask them to draw a picture!
The results can be eye opening, for parents and teachers alike. Whatever the cause of the difficulties, whether is it problems in reading, spelling, writing or maths, the result is usually the same. A lack of confidence and spiralling anxiety for the child and concern for the parent/carer. Kip McGrath Education Centre Wigan North, on Wigan Lane, offers individual tuition programmes designed around each student to help meet those gaps in understanding and learning. Or to offer the challenge that may be just what your child needs. Each student from 6-16 is invited for a free assessment. Its qualified and experienced teachers will analyse strengths and weakness and work out an individual study programme. For more information, call 07588 456783.
Professional Tuition In Maths & English for Children of all Ages and Ability
ENROL NOW and watch your child’s confidence, self esteem & motivation to succeed grow! Maths Spelling
Reading
English
Comprehension
Centre Director/Teacher - Sue Hodson 15 Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 1XR
01942 243499 / 07588 456783 wigannorth@kip-mcgrath.com
Find us on @KipMcGrath WiganNorth
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Tackling
dyslexia
D
yslexic people are likely to find learning skills like reading and writing much harder than other people, but they can be helped by careful, systematic teaching.
That’s according to the Dyslexia Association, a registered charity established in 1971 to provide support for dyslexic children and adults. It says there are well-established methods for teaching reading and writing to dyslexic people, and with patience and hard work, they are effective. A spokesman said: “Dyslexic children learn most easily if their difficulty is identified early, and appropriate teaching methods are introduced, but it’s never too late to start. Dyslexic adults, teenagers and older children benefit from understanding their own individual learning style and pattern of strengths and weaknesses. That way, they can study and work in a way which is most likely to be successful. They can learn strategies appropriate to their learning style.” For more information, visit ww.dyslexia.uk.net
Education for All ed4all provides educational support for all ages, ethnicities, abilities and learning difficulties. All packages are tailored to meet each student’s individual requirements. ed4all provides a dyslexia assessment and tutoring service, covering the following: • Screening for specific learning difficulties • Dyslexia / Dyscalculia Assessments • Tutoring packages, tailored to meet your requirements • After school tuition • Study Skills packages for FE and HE • Work Based Assessments, & appropriate training packages.
Interested and like to know more? Please contact us:
Call: 01942 327030 Email: enquires@ed4all.co.uk Waterways House Business Centre, Wigan, WN6 7NQ www.ed4all.co.uk
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Benefits of
tutoring
T
he economy may be improving, but it’s still a competitive jobs market out there - and that’s set to be the case for the foreseeable future.
So how can you ensure you give your child the best chance of getting those all important exam results?
More and more parents locally are now considering ‘topping up’ their children’s education with private tuition. Having shed its image of being the preserve of the rich, there are now a number of companies delivering high quality private tuition at affordable prices. Dominic and Hilary Stone, of the Tutor Doctor, specialise in delivering one-to-one assistance to bring out the best in children across the area.
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Dominic said: “For many students, the most effective form of private tuition is a faceto-face lesson in the comfort of their own home. The steps we take help to ensure that this opportunity to learn is optimised to the benefit of the student. We cover all ages, subjects and abilities, including primary, SATs, 11+, common entrance, languages, gifted and able and learning difficulties, GCSE, AS/A2 level and degree subjects. We’ve had success with everyone from Oxbridge students to those with acute special needs.” Hilary added: “We are proud of our work as it fills in missing bricks of academic structure, consolidates current requirements, and then moves the student ahead of expectations. Most importantly, our tutors are matched by expertise, personality and aptitude to the student they tutor. We ensure the match is perfect from the outset by meeting the family and assessing their expectations from our tutors.” The increase in private tuition has even led to a new body, the Tutors’ Association, being set up two years ago. Tom Maher, its president, (pictured) said: “Tutoring and supplementary education have become increasingly popular both in the UK and globally in recent years. Our Association wants to see those who work as tutors and in supplementary education recognised for their significant contribution. “The Tutors’ Association reflects a need for a responsible and representative voice to speak on behalf of our sector, to promote best practice and to work closely with tutors, the public, the media, schools and government. “
Graham Stuart MP, chairman of the Education Select Committee, said: “It can provide reassurance to parents that their investment is money well spent, and benefit good tutors everywhere, by raising the status of the profession.”
Is your child worrying
about exams?
Act NOW to enhance their results
We can offer
• 1-2-1 assistance in your home • Qualified tutors in all subjects for all ages • CRB cleared tutors
Call Dominic or Hilary today to arrange your FREE consultation
0800 612 5028 / 07873 409 983 www.tutordoctorlancashire.co.uk
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A FAMILY OF LEARNING, OUTSTANDING TOGETHER A place to grow
A place to be heard A place to discover
A place to
belong
A place to succeed
Celebrating Outstanding Performance in 2015 GSCE Results 5 A*- C including English and Maths 62% 21% of students achieved 3 or more A*-A grades OFSTED says “The behaviour of students in class and around the school is extremely good.” “In the very large majority of lessons the climate for learning is excellent. Students are punctual, attentive and keen to learn.” “The curriculum provides an excellent range of options for students of all abilities.”
Open Evening
Tuesday 29th September 2015 Headteacher’s welcome at 5.30pm, 6.30pm & 7.30pm
Tours with our Headteacher, Mr Grant Tuesday 22nd September 9.50am Thursday 24th September 9.50am Thursday 1st October 9.50am Please come along to any of these events. Alternatively, if you would prefer a personal tour at a more convenient time, please contact us on 01257 400990.
Shevington High School Shevington Lane Wigan WN6 8AB
Phone: 01257 400 990
Fax: 01257 400 992 E-mail: enquiries@shevingtonhigh.org.uk Web: www.shevingtonhigh.org.uk facebook.com/shevingtonhigh twitter.com/shevingtonhigh
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Applying for
secondary
I
f you haven’t applied for a place at secondary school for your child yet, the clock is ticking! The deadline for applications for both Wigan pupils and those living in West Lancashire is October 31.
In Wigan, parents are asked to give preferences for choices of school, and it is important to make a realistic assessment of your child’s chances of gaining a place. You should give three preferences. If you don’t, parents are warned it does not increase your chance of gaining a place at your first preference school and it also means the admissions team does not know which other schools you may be interested in. If you only give one preference and they cannot offer your child a place, they can only offer the nearest school to your child’s home with a spare place. Your child may miss out on a place at another school that you prefer.
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Parents are also warned that repeating the name of one school three times on your application does not improve your chances of a place. If you live in Wigan and any of the schools you want your child to go to is a Wigan voluntary aided Catholic secondary school the governors will need extra information so that they can consider your application against their faith criteria. If you do not give this information your child may be refused a place. Online applicants must complete and return a separate Catholic supplementary information form by the closing date. If you need any help with your application, contact: School Organisation Team People Directorate, 3rd Floor, Waterside House, Waterside Drive. Wigan, WN3 5AZ. Call 01942 486037/ 486039/ 486040 or email schoolplaces@wigan.gov.uk For West Lancashire parents, the county council says it is always best to include a school near to where you live as one of your preferred options. Demand for school places is high, in some areas greater than others, and this helps towards you being offered a local school. Your nearest school for admission purposes is measured by a straight line. But, for help with travel costs, the nearest school is measured by walking distance. If travel cost is an important factor in your school preference or you are in any doubt over the distance between your home and a school please check with the area education office at South Area Education Office Joint Divisional Offices, East Cliff, Preston, PR1 3JT - email pupilaccess.southadmissions@lancashire. gov.uk An online booklet about the process is available at www.lancashire. gov.uk/media/795596/SOUTH-SECONDARY-2016-17.pdf To apply online, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk For more information, call 01772 532190/532191 or email pupilaccess.southadmissions@lancashire.gov.uk
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Ready for
change?
M
oving up to secondary school is a big step for you and your child. Here are four quick hints to ensure you’re both ready for the challenges:
Start early - There’s no point waiting until a few weeks before, you have to start ‘training’ them in advance! Encourage independence - In their final year of primary, are they walking home without you? Do they have their own front door key? Do they know how to use the bus? Now’s the time to practice. Use appropriate terms - It helps them get used to their new surroundings. So it’s no longer ‘big school’ or ‘playtime’, it’s now ‘high school’ and ‘break’. Good to talk - Explain it will be a big change from primary school but that you have confidence in them - most children will respond positively to that. And remind them they can always talk to you, a teacher or a school friend if they have any worries. Further reading is available via www.theschoolrun.com
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Class from the
past
We’ve got a double header of Class from the Past pictures this month. Top is a photo from Mrs Malley’s class at St Elizabeth’s. Aspull, from the mid 1970s. And below are Class 10 children at Shevington High
in 1985. Remember, we’re always on the look out for old school pictures, so if you’ve got a class photo you’d like to share, please email David Sudworth directly on editorial@locallife247.co.uk
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Post-16:
Your
options
T
here are many options open to pupils when they finish their GCSEs. They could choose to study subjects that could lead to university, vocational qualifications or take up an apprenticeship. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has put together a list of options and where they may take those who aren’t sure what to do after leaving school.
Study full-time Schools, colleges and training providers offer a range of subjects and courses which you can study full-time. You normally need to have at least five GCSEs at grades A* to C and at least grade B in any specific subjects you want to study.
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Work and job-related courses, such as NVQs, BTECs, TechBacs and Cambridge Technicals are good qualifications to take if you want to combine hands on, practical learning with studying subjects and technical skills. They are specialist courses which relate to particular jobs or sectors.
Apprenticeships You can also choose to train while you work by taking on an apprenticeship, traineeship or supported internship. This would see you working for an employer and train to do a specific job at the same time. There are over 280 types of apprenticeships for over 1,500 job roles – anything from engineering to boat-building, or veterinary nursing to accountancy. Traineeship: Gets you ready for work or for doing an apprenticeship. They last from six weeks to six months and provide essential work preparation training, literacy and numeracy skills and work experience to get an apprenticeship or other job. Supported internship: Just for students with learning difficulties or learning disabilities who want to get a job and need extra support to do this. They last for at least six months and are unpaid. You get work experience and an employer trains you to do a job role. You also get to study for
qualifications or other courses to help you get ready to take up a job.
Work or volunteer while studying part-time You can combine training or studying for a qualification and work at the same time. It doesn’t have to be a paid job; you can volunteer on a project or with a charity, or get a work-experience placement in a career or job area that interests you. Colleges and training providers offer a wide range of training courses which are part-time including A levels and work-related qualifications like BTECs or NVQs. Browse the different courses and qualifications on UCAS Progress Search at www. ucas.com
Financial help The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund supports the most financially disadvantaged 16 to 19-year-olds and those young people who most need help with the costs of staying in education. There are two types of bursary; Vulnerable Student Bursary (worth up to £1,200, depending on your circumstances and benefits) or, if you don’t qualify for that, Discretionary Bursary. More info at www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund
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Animal
A
instinct
tutor from Wigan-based training provider ProCo has helped train some of the largest species of the animal kingdom.
Helen Murphy was contacted by a former student and deputy head keeper at the Isle of Wight Zoo, Carolyn Lorek and asked to help train one of their jaguars, Tequila. Helen said: “I have trained dogs, ponies, cats, ferrets and a giant tortoise, but the opportunity to work with a tiger, lions and a jaguar is probably the most rewarding experience of my life. I’m so proud of what Carolyn has achieved and proud to have been able to help her to progress with the training.
“I can foresee Carolyn developing her career to improve welfare through training for zoo animals all over the UK and beyond.”
Looking for an apprenticeship? Come along to one of our Open Evenings Wednesday 14th October Wednesday 25th November Thursday 18th January • • • • • • •
Animal Care Brickwork Business Administration Engineering Joinery Motor Vehicle Maintenance Operations
• • • • •
5.30pm-8pm 5.30pm-8pm 5.30pm-8pm Plastering Plumbing Veterinary Nursing Beauty Therapy Hairdressing
Prescott Street, Wigan, WN6 7DD Montrose Skills Hub, Montrose Ave, Wigan, WN5 9XL Central Park, Montrose Ave, Wigan, WN5 9XN Call: 01942 488 500 Email: recruitment@proconw.co.uk
www.proconw.co.uk
@ProCoNW
ProCo NWLtd.
@ProCo_NW
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Signs of
success S
taff at Wigan & Leigh College were delighted to celebrate the great achievements and success of their students this year. With 100% pass rate in 31 subjects and 400 students securing places at university, tutors and students had a lot to be proud of. Alex Rothwell Course Studied: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Former School: The Deanery High School “The course I studies was well-rounded and the tutors were very helpful. I enjoy music and I’m hoping to pursue a career in the industry. The course enabled me to secure a place at The University of Liverpool studying Popular Music.” Martina Harrison Course Studied: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Former School: Abraham Guest Academy “The course was exactly what I wanted to do and now my dream of working in fashion is becoming a reality. I am continuing to study the Higher National Diploma in Fashion and Textiles at the College.” Hussein Al-Azari Course Studied: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Civil Engineering Former School: Essa Academy, Bolton “The course has taught me a lot about the construction industry and what types of careers are available on completion of my studies. I’m hoping to continue my studies at The University of Salford where I hope to achieve a masters level degree.”
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Catholic
schools
Teachers of the future are being invited to a series of open evenings in the area.
W
igan Catholic Primary School Direct and Wigan & West Lancashire Catholic School Direct are coming to a school near you soon! They’ll be looking to recruit graduates who have the potential of becoming teachers in either a primary or secondary school setting. Working in partnership with Liverpool Hope University, WCPSD and WWLCSD are able to develop direct training that will have the academic and theoretical underpinning to allow trainees to become outstanding practitioners within the field of education. A spokesman said: “We are seeking individuals who demonstrate and are able to apply the skills of organisation, flexibility, reflection, evaluation and action to all aspects of the course and their career. Enthusiastic individuals who are able to communicate effectively with pupils, colleagues and parents on a range of levels are essential to our partnership. Trainees can expect to obtain a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) and QTS Qualified Teacher Status by the end of the programme. The PGCE is a 60 credit award that can offer progression, upon successful application, onto a Liverpool Hope
WCPSD and WWLCSD, and placements across two contrasting schools. As part of its training programme, students will also complete the first two modules of the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies. For more information see the advertisement below.
Do YOU want to teach ?
Then come along to one of our Open Evenings... 6th October - St Bede’s Catholic High School, Ormskirk 7th October - St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Wigan 4th November - St Mary’s Catholic High School, Astley, Leigh 11th November - St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Wigan All open evenings will be 5:30pm - 7:30pm We are looking for graduates who have the potential to become outstanding primary or secondary school teachers of the future. Our School Direct teacher training program, accredited by Liverpool Hope University, leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status and 60 credits toward a Liverpool Hope Masters in Education.
University Masters in Education (180 credits in total) for those students who want to pursue further study. It’s a programme that gives you 120 days minimum in school, including a minimum of 12 days at Liverpool Hope University. There will be access to learning conferences throughout the year where you will meet and work with trainees from across
For further details about primary teacher training visit www.wcpsd.org.uk. For further details about secondary teacher training visit www.catholicsd.org.uk Applications for September 2016 open at the end of October 2015 and can be made via www.UCAS.com (Search for provider codes 24A and 27Q)
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Bridging the
S
gap
chool leavers are being urged to help bridge a skills gap in construction and engineering trades across Wigan.
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has revealed that, according to a newly-commissioned study, there is a short supply of skilled trades in the town. The engineering sector remains one of the largest employment sectors in Wigan, particularly in food and drink manufacturing. Wigan & Leigh College is leading a campaign locally to get more people trained up in these fields, as well as encouraging aspiring female engineers onto one of the college’s industry tailored courses helping to address the underrepresentation of females in science and engineering. Malcolm McGinn, the college’s head of construction said: “It is great news that the construction and engineering sector are growing and we provide great opportunities for our students to begin enriching careers.” There are still some places available for 16-18 year olds and on Higher Education courses. Email applications@wigan-leigh.ac.uk
Let us turn your talent to teaching! If you share our passion for excellence then why not train with us to become a secondary school teacher? For further details of our Bishop Rawstorne School Direct Alliance programme, please contact : Helen Winter hwinter@bishopr.co.uk Tel: 01772 600 349 www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/teacher-training www.teach.gov.uk
Highfield Road, Croston, Lancashire, PR26 9HH Telephone: 01772 600 349 www.BishopRTS.co.uk
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Workload
E
vow
ducation secretary Nicky Morgan has vowed to tackle teachers’ workloads following fears it was putting graduates and established experts off a career in the profession.
Morgan (pictured), who took over from Michael Gove last year, has set up working groups to look at three key areas; marking, lesson planning and tracking pupil progress. She told a conference organised by the graduate training charity Teach First: “Just as I want dynamic young graduates to bring their energy and wanderlust into the classroom, so too do I want those with years of experience in a range of careers to bring their wealth of knowledge into the classroom as well. I want lifelong teachers to have their work complemented by lessons from former civil engineers, stage managers, barristers and meteorologists. I believe that those at the end of their careers have a huge amount to offer our classrooms. “We’ll be setting up new working groups to address teachers’ concerns.”
“
An outstanding provider of teacher training - Ofsted, June 2012
Do your teacher training at Kingsbridge EIP:
”
1. 2. 3. 4.
Trainees spend 100% of their training time in schools. 100% pass rate, 85% with the outstanding grade! Train in one of our 19 good or outstanding schools. Over the last three years, 100% of Kingsbridge trainees gained employment as NQTs. 1 October 2015 5pm You are welcome to attend 12 November 2015 5pm one of our open events at 15 January 2016 9.30am Kingsbridge Excellence Centre 11 February 2016 9.30am www.kingsbridgeeip.co.uk
{
g.thomson@kingsbridgeeip.co.uk
01942 510712 ext. 4
113
Money
T
matters here’s no doubt that training to be a teacher can be costly, depending on your circumstances, but help is at hand.
You could get £25,000 tax-free while you train, either as a bursary or prestigious scholarship – or you could earn a salary of up to £25,000 while you train on a School Direct (salaried) course.
Your eligibility for financial support, and the amount you can expect to receive, will depend on the subject you choose to teach and your degree classification or highest relevant academic qualification. If you don’t have a degree in the subject you wish to teach, free courses are available to increase your subject knowledge prior to teacher training. If you are awarded a bursary of £15,000 or over, or a scholarship of £25,000, and study full-time: you will receive 10 equal monthly instalments from October to July, but with additional payments in February and July, or in the final month of your course. You will need to be on the course at January 1 to receive the first additional payment in February, and will need to complete the course to receive the second additional payment at the end of your course. You are advised to confirm the actual payment schedule with your initial teacher training (ITT) provider. If you are awarded a bursary of up to £12,000 and study full-time:, you will receive the bursary in 10 equal monthly instalments from October to July. For more information, visit www.getintoteaching.education.gov.uk
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Diary dates Location
September: October:
Event
Date Page
Shevington High School
Open Evening
29th September
96
Winstanley College
Open Evening
24th September
105
Open Day
3rd October
89
Open Morning
10th October
99
Open Event
7th October
103
Winstanley College
Open Evening
22nd October
105
St John Rigby College
Open Evening
22nd October
106
ProCo NW
Open Evening
14th October
107
Wigan & Leigh College
Open Day
3rd October
109
Wigan & Leigh College
Open Day
12th October
109
Wigan & Leigh College
Open Day
19th October
109
WCPSD
Open Evening
6th October
110
WCPSD
Open Evening
7th October
110
Open Events
1st October
112
Merchant Taylors’ School
Open Evening
8th October
-
Merchant Taylors’ School
Open Morning
10th October
-
Merchant Taylors’ School, Sixth Form Open Evening
13th October
-
Maharishi School Bolton School Wigan UTC
Kingsbridge
November:
2015
St Mary’s College Crosby
Open Event
1st October
-
St Mary’s College Crosby
Open Event
3rd October
-
Carmel College
Open Event
21st October
-
Wigan UTC
Open Event
18th November
103
Winstanley College
Open Evening
19th November
105
St John Rigby College
Open Evening
ProCo NW
Open Evening
25th November
107
Wigan & Leigh College
Open Day
3rd November
109
Wigan & Leigh College
Open Day
10th November
109 110
4th & 10th November 106
WCPSD
Open Evening
4th November
WCPSD
Open Evening
11th November
110
Kingsbridge
Open Events
12th November
112
Carmel College
Open Event
12th November
-
Carmel College
Open Event
17th November
-
Rainford High, Sixth Form
Open Event
12th November
-