EDGE HILL FORGES LINKS WITH MANX SCHOOLS

21st June 2004

EDGE HILL FORGES LINKS WITH MANX SCHOOLS

One of the UK?s leading teacher training providers, Edge Hill College of Higher Education, is working to develop stronger ties with schools on the Isle of Man.

During a fact-finding mission to the Island, senior managers from the Lancashire institution presented their vision to head teachers and professional mentors from secondary schools, who are keen to become involved in developments in teacher training.

Edge Hill trainees are already enjoying teaching placements on the Island and the institution hopes to attract Isle of Man residents, who are interested in becoming teachers, to the Ormskirk Campus, where they can choose from a range of full-time and flexible routes into teaching.

The Teacher Training Agency is supporting the partnership providing £25,000 towards the supply of laptops for Edge Hill trainees on placement on the Isle of Man. This means that trainees can keep in contact with tutors and peers, and have ready access to the same learning resources as those on placement on the mainland.

Manx trainee, Jo Pickering, from Peel, decided to move to the mainland to take up the Primary PGCE, after completing her History degree at Edge Hill. She?s enjoyed the Edge Hill experience of teaching and training and is now looking forward to starting her first full time teaching post, back home:

"Some Manx youngsters feel anxious about leaving the island to take up training, but I would like to allay their fears. The training at Edge Hill has been first rate and it's been a wonderful experience for me. There?s very easy access home with the airport and ferry terminals only half an hour away from Ormskirk. Now that I?ve completed my course I?ve managed to secure a teaching post back home, following a recent interview for the teaching bank, which guarantees a job for all Manx candidates who pass the interview stage."

Those interested in taking up teacher training opportunities at Edge Hill can contact the Enquiries Unit on 0800 195 5063 for further information. ENDS EDITOR?S NOTES: For further press information please contact: Roisin Rowley-Smith PR Manager Tel: 01695 584509 Fax: 01695 584355 E mail: rowlesr@edgehill.ac.uk or pressoffice@edgehill.ac.uk