Final posting for the weekend. I have two professional firsts.
This year I am mentoring our first ICT GTP student. So far the process has involved advertising the post, interviews and appointment processes. Supporting the application to the GTP programme at Reading University (obviously successful). A meeting for mentors (July) and most recently our first on site meeting with the course leader Jonathan Allen.
There are two stand out points to note so far. Assessment of the teacher in training is a combination of written coursework, lesson observations and course interview. I think is a marked improvement on my personal experience of teacher training in the PGCE of yester-year. Second, the emphasis on mutual support put forward by Reading staff.
Second, I am undertaking the Leading from the Middle qualification with NCSL, a 10-month professional development programme for middle leaders using a combination of online tools and face-to-face sessions.
In principal I am looking forward to the course, although first impressions are cool, 25 FAQs may indicate I am not alone or just good support?!?! From my application on 10th of July until just recently I received minimal information although on Friday I did received a very informative folder.
So far, this course is missing the warm communication and reassurances I expereinced when I enrolled in OFAT, also an NCSL course. The first Induction twilight session is on Oct 13th, followed by a full day on Dec 11th, so I intend to keep an open mind.