BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR TEACHING

3 August 2004

BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR TEACHING A prize-winning student is one of the first to graduate from Edge Hill with a Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning Support. Alison Gamble, 51, of Macclesfield, Cheshire joined around 70 newly qualified teaching assistants, who graduated with the Foundation Degree* at an award ceremony at Lancaster University.

Alison has worked for 15 years in primary schools, starting out as a helping mum. As a part time student on the three year course - one of the first of its kind in the country - Alison continued to work, at the same time as gaining the vocational qualification.

Now Alison, who accepted a prize for the best Foundation Degree result, is set to go even further by taking up a bridging module at Edge Hill. This will enable her to join the final year of the BA (Hons) degree in Primary Education, leading to Qualified Teaching Status.

Alison said: "I really enjoyed the course. It was great to meet other teaching assistants to share ideas. The role of teaching assistant has changed dramatically over the past few years. At one time it meant cutting out or helping children get changed for PE. The change in the name from classroom assistant to teaching assistant reflects the fact that we do a lot more teaching, so there are many more skills involved."

As former Chair of Governors at Gawsworth Primary School, Alison gave up her position to take up the post of teaching assistant. She now represents staff on the board of governors.

"I?ve always thought that teaching assistants play an important role in schools and the more knowledge that you have, the more effective you can be in your career. Achieving the Foundation Degree is the best way to ensure that you can progress." 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

*Foundation degrees are designed and supported by businesses keen to make sure that they meet their needs. The higher and further education sector is also involved to ensure that the valuable knowledge and skills underpinning this qualification meets the student's current and future needs too.