The TDA 14-19 Diploma ITT Conference took place in Birmingham on 13 January. It provided an opportunity to consider recent developments, as well as to network and share expertise in provision for Diploma trainee teachers. In the opening remarks, Jacqui Nunn spoke of the growth in 14-19 places, with a quarter of trainees now having access to this as enhanced experience. The three-strand model of Diploma ITT (Strand 1 - all trainees; Strand 2 - enhancement to training; Strand 3 - training to teach Diplomas) had been seen to have a number of benefits for providers, as well as schools and colleges, and could be adapted for SEN, EAL, and (next year) also PSHE. 14-19 and lines of learning were key areas in workforce reform, as well as in developing the concept of ‘beyond partnership', i.e. moving beyond a simple two-way model. HE has an important role to play in ensuring that new teachers are able to realise the government vision for Diplomas. Following this address was a short DVD presentation by Iain Wright, Parliamentary under Secretary of State for 14-19 Reform and Apprenticeships. In this, he talked of developments since 2003, and the fact that challenges lie ahead for Diploma ITT as we move towards full entitlement by 2013. He also stressed the importance of partnerships.
The first presentation of the day was concerned with introducing Diploma Development Partnerships (DDPs), consultancy and low uptake lines. Brian Tranter, from the Construction & Built Environment DDP, outlined the development and purpose of DDPs, and the support on offer. With ten Diploma lines already being taught, and seven more being introduced by 2011, he emphasised the importance of these to the future UK workforce, and hence the important role of trainers of Diploma teachers. Fiona Stubbs, from the Retail Business DDP, then spoke of the low uptake of Strand 2 Diploma ITT places for Public Services, Retail Business and Hair & Beauty Studies in particular. This was partly due to the reliance on the expertise of FE delivery with these Diplomas, which may not be perceived to be linked to National Curriculum subjects. Misperceptions needed to be challenged, and seeing these Diplomas in their wider context and thus linking them with NC subjects (e.g. HBS with science) would help uptake on ITT courses.
The TDA Quality Inspection Team, represented by Rob Batho and Alison Atkinson, then fed back the findings of the evaluation of 2008/9 provision of 14-19 Diploma ITT Strand 2 "with experience" programme. Every provider had been visited in the Autumn term, and the draft report had already been completed. The responses had been overwhelmingly positive regarding the model, recruitment, and the impact on both trainees and staff. The main barrier had remained lack of availability of placements in schools. As the model was perceived to be ‘light', there had been a range of practice regarding selection of trainees, patterns and methods of delivery, and ways in which trainees' demonstrated achievement. Overall, the industry placements had been successful, although less so in schools and colleges. Some issues emerging from the evaluation had to do with staffing, and misinterpretation of Strand 2 requirements. Guidelines on what constitutes an effective school or industry placement were due to be produced by the TDA/DDPs soon. A brief input from a member of the IAG team followed this presentation, based on the leaflet Careers-related information, advice and guidance (IAG) for ITT, contained in the conference pack. It was highlighted that guidance on QTS standard 15 now incorporates reference to providing IAG on 14-19 options and their specialist subjects. Delegates were referred to the more detailed briefing on careers-related IAG for trainees, Careers Education and IAG - A briefing for trainees in initial teacher training (ITT), on the TTRB website.
The final presentation of the morning was given by David Eaton of SSAT. In this, he provided an overview of the current 14-19 Workforce Support offer, and explored the content of two Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) websites: 14-19 Workforce Support and Diploma Support. These include modules for face-to-face support, networking and online communities, resources and tools, and case studies and films. Specific materials for ITT, currently on a holding page at www.14-19support.org/ITT, should go live at the end of January.
There was a range of workshop sessions during the afternoon, which explored the development of Diploma ITT provision at Liverpool John Moores University, University of Sunderland, Bradford College, University of Sussex, Roehampton University, Canterbury Christ Church University, St Mary's University College and Manchester Metropolitan University. The presentations from these sessions, as well as the morning's presentations, are available to view below.
Following on from the conference, the TDA are offering consultancy with Diploma Development Partnerships on individual lines of learning.
Report by:
Sue Field
Presentations and Handouts: