18 January 2012
An information evening is being held next week for graduates interested in training on-Island to become secondary school teachers.
Potential applicants are invited to the Highlands College Restaurant at 6pm on Wednesday 25 January to find out more about the Jersey Graduate Training Programme (JGTP), a 1-year course run by the Department for Education Sport & Culture. There will be the opportunity to meet previous JGTP graduates as well as current mentors and a representative from Student Finance.
The scheme was set up to cater for Jersey residents who are interested in the profession but would find it difficult to attend a UK university to retrain. Potential teachers for all subjects are considered, although priority is given to key areas of the curriculum such as Maths, English and Science where recruiting residentially qualified teachers is more difficult.
The JGTP is open to Islanders who already have a first degree and may include individuals who are currently working in schools as non-qualified teachers. The provision of an on-Island scheme of this nature has given some graduates an opportunity they would otherwise not have had to retrain for a new career. Since the training programme began in September 2005, 25 teachers have completed the course and are now working in a range of local secondary schools.
Gill John started out as a radiographer but after 20 years decided she would like to retrain as a teacher. She completed the course in July 2011 and is now working at Le Rocquier School. “I found the chance to get back into the subject I enjoyed so much at school a real joy. The subjects may not be the same as I studied in so many ways but that has added to the enjoyment. It’s like getting to do your school days again but enjoying them this time! The support and generosity of the staff I work with has made the transition so much easier and having two mentors during your training at each school is really helpful. I smile a lot at work and the students are generally lovely to work with and happy to learn,” she said.
Applications are being accepted now for the next intake, which will start in September 2012. The deadline for applications is 6 February 2012. Application forms and information packs are available from Careers Jersey on 449457.
gov.je