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Island teachers gain additional qualifications

26 September 2023


A total of 66 new and existing teachers graduated from their training at a graduation ceremony at Highlands College. The cohort includes teachers who have completed their initial teacher training, and those who have completed additional qualifications in leadership, and in providing bespoke support to students. 

The graduates include 18 new teachers who have completed the Jersey Graduate Teacher Training Programme (JGGTP) and achieved Jersey Qualified Teacher status. All of these teachers have now taken up posts in Island schools. 

The remaining 47 are teachers and headteachers already working in the Island’s schools and who have completed additional Masters-level qualifications which are designed in line with best practice and accredited by English providers. 

Five teachers completed the Reading Recovery programme. This programme – which was expanded following the outbreak of COVID-19 – enables teachers to provide specialist reading support for students with the lowest attainment. They will join the nine Reading Recovery teachers already working in schools. 

Five people completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), including existing Headteachers, Assistant Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers. Over the last 18 months, those completing the NPQH have studied through a mixture of face-to-face teaching and coaching on-Island, as well as UK school visits. 

18 staff completed a National Professional Qualification (NPQ), in a range of specialisms. The NPQ programmes are designed for teachers who lead a subject, year group, key stage or phase. Staff studied different programmes depending on their area of work.

Finally, 19 existing Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) completed the National Award for SEN Coordinators (NASENCO). SENCOs identify and coordinate support for children with special educational needs. The NASENCO Masters-level qualification enables them to develop their practice. 

Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner said, “A huge congratulations to everyone who has graduated: each of you have reached this milestone after a lot of hard work and – in almost all cases – juggling study alongside full-time work. 

“If we want a high-quality education system, we must not only attract teachers into the profession, we must make sure that they have opportunities to develop and grow throughout their career. To do this, we are committed to funding staff to complete nationally-recognised, high-quality training here on-Island. 

“The time and effort that staff have invested in their own development will have a positive impact on our students. Each of these members of staff will have the skills they need to provide outstanding support to our children and young people. 

“Whether that means supporting pupils with their reading skills after the disruption of COVID-19; ensuring that pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) have access to the most appropriate support; or supporting changes in school culture and leadership: when we give our staff opportunities to develop, we create the conditions for children and young people to succeed.” 

Parm Plummer, Assistant Head at Victoria College, who completed the NPQH said, “I would wholeheartedly recommend the National Professional Qualifications. They are evidence based, designed to be completed by busy professionals and give you the confidence to take the next step.” 

Caryl Perree, SEN Advisory Teacher and trainer on the NASENCO course, said: “The NASENCO course is designed to support the continuing professional development of Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs). They learn about the importance of their role as leaders in their school, not only as highly-skilled practitioners, but also within their professional context, including the strategic development of SEN Policy and Procedures.” 

Dr Evelyn Taylor-Cox, who completed the JGTTP through the employed route at Haute Vallee, said: “Changing career to become a teacher was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The JGTTP gives you a unique opportunity to learn whilst actively teaching in a Jersey school and allows you to choose the most appropriate training programme for your circumstances.”

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