Course Clears Way to Classroom

According to data collected by universities and the Training and Development Agency for schools, graduates from black and minority ethnic communities are around three times less likely to enrol in teacher training.

In order to address this issue Edge Hill University is to host a unique Teacher Taster course designed to encourage members of black and ethnic minority communities to pursue a career in the classroom.

The course, which takes place at the University's Ormskirk campus on 21-23 February 2007, will focus on Primary, Key Stage 2/3 and Secondary teaching and will provide participants with the opportunity to spend a day in school observing teachers in practice.

One teacher to benefit from an Edge Hill Teacher Taster course is Kenny Wong who attended the programme in 2005.

"I used to manage the cinema at Edge Lane Retail Park and never really considered teaching as an option," said 32-year-old Kenny from Liverpool who now teaches maths at Sutton High Sports College in St Helens. "The course opened my eyes to the profession and I signed up to study for a PGCE at Edge Hill as soon as I could.

"During my studies the lecturers provided me with great support and were on hand to offer advice if I encountered any difficulties. There was never any negativity and I felt thoroughly motivated to complete the course and start teaching."

Kenny was so glad to have attended a Teacher Taster course that he returned to host a talk to prospective students the following year.

"It's clear that some communities don't really endorse teaching as a worthwhile profession but the Teacher Taster course gives individuals the confidence to dip their toe in the water. All the support mechanisms are in place so there's nothing to worry about in that respect - I'd say if it's what you really want to do then just go for it!"

For further information on the Teacher Taster course at Edge Hill University call Laura Eaves on 01695 584687 or visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/taster.