The single largest component of our training programme is the INSET (Inservice Teacher Training) which comprises award bearing programmes run in conjunction with the Bradford College affiliated with the University of Bradford and the College of St Mark and St John affiliated with the University of Exeter. The final assessment and validation of each teacher involved in this programme is carried out by criteria set by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) UK ensuring standards of international quality.
The BSS inservice teacher training programme began formally in 1993 and to date has lead to the professional development of nearly 2000 teachers. Teacher education and school based development is increasingly changing the lives of teachers. School based development is perceived as a potential bridge between inservice training and the life in school. To develop this school based professional support the BSS introduced the Beaconhouse Research and Development Programme in 1999 leading to curriculum development for all subjects in the primary school. This initiative is now spreading to the secondary school as well. To extend this school based professional support a formal network of general duty trainers will be introduced in 2007 to work in clusters through out the BSS to support teachers in their continuous professional development.
Staff Development Centres
The Staff Development Centres are a vital part of the Beaconhouse teacher support. Each centre has qualified and experienced staff consisting of academicians and trainers, a well-stocked library of educational books, journals, video tapes and other resources, plus computers, reprographic equipment, rooms for meetings, workshops and seminars.
Head Teacher Training
One way of providing schools with a dynamic learning environment is an extensive Head Teacher Training programme. Deeper knowledge and greater understanding of issues involved in creating this environment equips the Heads in managing their schools more effectively. A Head teacher needs both analytical skills and the ability to work intuitively. Headship is difficult and demanding. We have developed our own in-house expertise and courses from our affiliated colleges in the UK help in this area. By keeping all our Head teachers on the cutting edge of educational developments, we ensure that what our teachers learn in training programmes and workshops will be supported and sustained in the school environment.
Beaconhouse Academic Conference
The Beaconhouse Academic Conference (BAC) held at regular intervals offers a chance for all elements in the Beaconhouse community to exchange insights and experiences. A theme is set for each BAC, which gives strategic focus to the event. A day of talks and workshops allows all the different perspectives – from management to teachers – to converge. Problems and ideas are shared, thus ensuring that the unity and cohesion of the organisation is sustained and the BSS vision is strategically aligned. Teachers and Heads are reinvigorated maintaining the vibrancy which brings a classroom to life and inspires children to learn.
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