Teacher training courses
We are able to offer the following courses for teacher training, offered in partnership with Creative Education from the UK. Courses marked with a (P) are also appropriate for parents. Managing Conflict and Dealing with Difficult People Most people have at some time had to deal with difficult behaviour from colleagues at work. This course will help individuals to develop positive strategies for managing negative behaviour. The day will involve a balanced mix of tutor input, group discussion and tactful proactive strategies for managing conflict and difficult situations. Handling colleagues who exhibit negative behaviour Recognising the causes and consequences of conflict Managing anger and manipulative behaviour Minimising disruption when dealing with ‘problem people' Managing your own behaviour to avoid negativity Strategies to nurture healthy inter-personal relationships Developing self-esteem and the ‘feel good' factor
School Office Reception Skills for Front-line Staff As they are frequently the first point of contact with the outside world, front-line staff play a vital role in shaping the image and reputation of their school or college. This course will help office staff to maximise their potential in these areas. Giving a professional and courteous impression to visitors and callers Becoming a vital link in the school’s management chain Developing key skills for running reception successfully Improving communication and listening skills Handling difficult people, coping with crises and conflict Projecting a professional image Promoting co-operation amongst colleagues Improving your management skills
Practical Steps to Raising Boys' Achievement This practical course examines useful and simple strategies to raise the achievement of boys. It focuses on ways to improve boys’ behaviour, attitudes and performance, while offering successful methods to ensure meaningful group work, successful target setting, and improved problem-solving skills.
Making boys feel that they belong Creating a positive atmosphere and reducing negative stress Developing problem-solving skills Using active teaching methods Effective group work Developing note-making skills, including making Mind Maps™ Improving reading skills and memory
Personal Skills-Building Course for School Support Staff Effective support staff are the lifeblood of every school. This course recognises the importance of your role and works with you to develop a wide range of personal skills that will help you to complete your role even more effectively. Skills covered include time management, target setting, team working and conflict management. The important role of support staff – why you should be proud of what you do! Time management – dealing with competing demands Setting and sticking to relevant targets Keeping on top of the paperwork Working effectively as part of a team Managing conflict and defusing angry situations Drama and Special Needs This course is suitable for teachers of students with moderate learning difficulties who are interested in using drama techniques as a means of teaching. The focus of the course is on increasing confidence and self-esteem in children as well as examining the idea of ‘play’ as a teaching tool. It will also be of use to drama teachers who wish to develop their knowledge of matters relating to equality, inclusion and diversity in teaching. Learning through drama – key methods and ways of working Developing stories; sequencing events; engaging with people, emotions and issues Confidence-building Suitable classroom structures Building drama into other lessons Management Skills for Technicians and Teaching Assistants This effective course will really help you get the most out of your time. Emphasis is placed on time and workload management, the provision of a quality service and working with colleagues and the staff team. Making communications work and achieving job satisfaction Target setting and developing a professional development focus Balancing practical work with other duties Prioritising activities Eliminating the need for demand management and crises Devising an ongoing action plan to meet classroom demands Leading a Team: a Course for Support Staff Team Leaders This highly participatory course is aimed at support/associate staff team leaders in mainstream and special schools. After participating in the course, you will be better equipped to develop team working, improve leadership skills, enhance communication and interpersonal skills, and augment levels of assertiveness and performance-monitoring. Getting the job done Improving team-working Setting work standards and monitoring performance Managing the people - team leadership behaviour Understanding the team’s needs - giving credit and encouragement Disciplining members of the team
Essential Skills for Performance Management This practical course explores and develops the skills you need to carry out effective performance management of your team. After evaluating your skills and experience in this area, you will work with our experienced course leader to build on your existing strengths and address any areas for improvement. This course is suitable for any member of staff responsible for the appraisal of teaching or non-teaching colleagues. Planning for effective appraisal interviews and meetings Developing active listening skills and using a range of questioning techniques Having difficult conversations and motivating staff for change Setting, monitoring and evidencing appropriate targets Identifying suitable development opportunities The performance management cycle: following up throughout the year Self-Management Skills for PAs Effective teamwork starts with good self-management, and, in the hectic environment of a school, such skills are becoming increasingly vital in order to deal with the volume of work. Refresh your knowledge of good self-management strategy and learn new techniques to increase your productivity. Developing management strategies Assessing your own management style Working smarter, not harder Working effectively with your boss Planning and prioritising to achieve your goals Handling competing demands successfully Managing assertively and handling difficult situations effectively Developing communication skills
Supporting Literacy Skills: a Course for Teaching Assistants (P) The role of the teaching assistant is crucial in the support of literacy skills. What to support and how to provide support is a familiar dilemma, but knowing where to start helps! This course will help teaching assistants to have a clearer understanding of what exactly ‘literacy’ is; learn how to support effectively; and discover how to encourage children to become independent learners. Looking at writing skills and how to support and develop them Understanding how formative assessment works in the classroom How children read: reading strategies Encouraging handwriting style and presentation Supporting pupils struggling to spell Music for Students with Autism: a Multi-Sensory Approach Music is a powerful, therapeutic, non-threatening technique that has been shown to have great impact with those on the autistic spectrum. This course will show you how to make the most of music as a tool for those with autism, and how to develop your current practice, through the use of multiple instruments, storytelling and ICT. Background to the nature of ASD The musical elements – warming up the voice, breathing and rhythm The use of different instruments, storytelling and ICT How to develop lesson plans which incorporate music Using musical interventions for specific situations
Maximising the Role of the Maths Teaching Assistant (P) Teaching assistants play a very important role in the maths department enabling all students to access the curriculum; maths lessons to run efficiently and a wide variety of learning activities to be used to enhance understanding. Teaching assistants who regularly support the teaching of maths will find this course helpful in enabling them to fulfil their role successfully and effectively. Understanding the role of the teaching assistant in maths Working with individual pupils and small groups Strategies for maximising effectiveness Ideas for teaching including times tables Supporting pupils with additional needs including SEN and G&T Leading learning through fun maths activities Managing Behaviour in the Inclusive Classroom Inclusion has presented many challenges to behaviour management with the increase in disaffected learners and the knock on effect on all students. There is a need to clearly identify behaviour which is related to a special educational need or specific learning difficulty and provide a clear behaviour strategy which will benefit all students. The essentials of clear behaviour management in the classroom Identifying avoidant and disenfranchised behaviour The implications on behaviour of specific conditions Developing self-esteem Developing students’ responsibility for their behaviour Practical planning and discussion of specific situations ‘A Mile in my Shoes’ – the Dyslexic/Dyspraxic Experience (P) This course aims to look at the difficulties faced by students with dyspraxia and dyslexia by engaging colleagues in practical activities which allow them to experience them for themselves. The purpose of this is to provide for deeper understanding and allow colleagues to apply their skill and understanding of how it feels to have these specific learning disabilities to their classroom practice. Spatial awareness; visual perception Fine motor skills; balance and co-ordination Decoding the written word; social skills Visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learning
SEN in the Maths Classroom (P) This course will offer maths teachers an introduction to SEN and practical aspects of this, together with an overview of the learning needs of SEN students, and others in the lower ability and special needs maths groups. There will be opportunities to consider practical strategies for teaching and learning, including: examples of SEN, differentiation, assessment and monitoring, and use of specialist maths and SEN teaching assistants. SEN overview, including: identification, documentation, and the range of student needs Department and class organisation, such as: SEN and lower ability groups, and working with support Teaching and learning, with a focus on: SEN information and practical strategies Aspects of the maths curriculum, including: differentiation, accreditation, and monitoring and assessment
Essential Skills for the SENCO This course provides both an introduction to the broad remit of the SENCO and opportunities for experienced SENCOs to develop their skills. The current legislation and its implications for the SENCO Developing effective Individual Education Plans for students Meaningful target setting that is both motivational and challenging The role of other agencies and how they can support you in your drive to improve provision Practical guidance for support staff - managing them to the best effect Resources and useful links
Behaviour Management for Recently Qualified Teachers (P) This one-day course will provide recently qualified teachers with a framework and practical guidance for managing behaviour in the classroom in order to help the whole class achieve more. We will look at raising pupil's aspirations and creating engaging lessons as well as helping pupils develop social and emotional competence. Creating a positive and engaging classroom context Setting expectations Teaching positive behaviour and responding to inappropriate behaviour Learning behaviours and lesson structures Helping build positive relationships
Maximising Progress in Maths with Assessment for Learning Formative assessment can lead to dramatic improvements in learning and attainment across the whole curriculum and at all key stages. This course examines practical approaches to using assessment for learning in maths to ensure that progress is maximised, while maintaining the enjoyment of learning. It is suitable for both subject leaders and classroom teachers. What is Assessment for Learning (AfL)? The positive impact of AfL in the maths department Making learning outcomes clear and accessible Target setting, assessment evidence and record-keeping The role of peer and self-assessment in maths
Working with Students with English as an Additional Language (P) This course will provide teachers and teaching assistants with the confidence to promote a fully inclusive approach to students with English as an additional language. Methods for tracking progress and promoting literacy will be explored and strategies for adopting these to meet the needs of the individual are considered. Practical ways of helping new students settle into school Common problems faced by students during the early stages of language acquisition Planning, preparation and delivery of curriculum-based language learning activities Identification of resources to meet specific needs Assessment of students with EAL How teachers and TAs can work together to promote learning of EAL students
Developing the Role of the CPD/Professional Learning Coordinator The role of the CPD coordinator is a wide-ranging and complex one – but one which has a real impact on every member of the school community and school performance. This course is aimed at existing or aspiring CPD coordinators and senior leaders with CPD responsibility eager to research and deploy an effective continuing professional learning and development programme in their school or college.
Key features of a professional learning / CPD policy Linking professional learning to school, team and individual priorities Prioritising key areas for development and tackling these within budget Devising, monitoring and evaluating the professional learning plan Action plan – using what you’ve learnt back at school
Introduction to Special Needs (P) This course is for colleagues in all phases of education who have limited knowledge and experience of special educational needs, and are interested in learning more. There will be opportunities for delegates to raise questions and queries, and to share their difficulties and successes. This course is especially useful for NQTs, cover supervisors and TAs / LSAs What is meant by SEN? Documentation and planning for students with SEN Managing the behaviour of students with SEN Overview of specific conditions, including ASD, ADHD and Dyslexia Working with support staff Question and Answer session
Dealing with Difficult Parents From time to time all staff will be faced by a difficult and demanding parent. From challenging academic results to accusations of bullying some parents can be very intimidating or even aggressive. This course will examine effective ways of handling such situations. Real situations will be studied and appropriate solutions reviewed. This course is suitable for all staff who come into face to face or telephone contact with parents. Parents as consumers - and the issues this raises What makes a parent angry? Defusing the situation The surprise encounter Preparing for a meeting and the importance of taking notes Calling a meeting closed and escalation of issues Your legal responsibilities
Improving the Quality of Your CPD - with The CPD Mark The CPD Mark is a national quality mark designed to improve CPD standards within the profession. Under the supervision of an assessor, delegates will work collaboratively in identifying and recording appropriate evidence for the successful completion of the CPD Mark framework. At the end of the workshop, delegates will have a completed framework of evidence to take away with them, to adapt to reflect the work of their own school or college. Conducting your initial self review - completing the 'Starting points' element The 'big picture' - the significant sources of evidence Compiling your portfolio of evidence Understanding the criteria and preparing for a successful assessment Where you can find help and support throughout the process How to ensure you are ready for assessment
Using Small Group Interventions to Manage Behaviour Small group work has been found to be very effective in improving social behaviour. This course will look at practical ideas for running small groups to help students manage their own behaviour. Implementation, management and practical strategies will be explored. This course is suitable for behaviour support staff, SENCOs and managers.
Planning an effective intervention Organisation and structure of small groups Development of an effective SEBS (Social and Emotional Behavioural Skills) programme Small group work in SEAL Helping communication skills, friendship, self control and social problems Anger management classes Use of games and play
Leadership Skills for New and Aspiring Middle Leaders Moving from a teaching role to head of department or other middle leadership role is a big step. This course takes a very practical approach to making the move seem less daunting by helping you to develop your existing skills to facilitate your new role. This course will equip new and aspiring middle leaders with skills and knowledge they need to approach their new role with confidence. Understanding the role of the middle leader Applying skills from the classroom to your middle management role Identifying your strengths and areas for development Making your strengths work for you Leading and managing your team effectively Maximising performance through effective appraisals and feedback
Coaching and Mentoring Skills for School Team Leaders During this course you will develop the coaching and mentoring skills needed to develop your staff team and enable each individual to fulfil their potential. You will learn how to develop and implement either a formal or informal programme of coaching for your team and how to embed mentoring techniques into your regular interactions with staff to keep them motivated and engaged. Understanding the principles of coaching and mentoring and the difference between the two Informal and formal models of coaching teams or individuals Questioning technique - the key questions to assess your staff's skills and ability Listening actively and communicating positively Creating goals that drive action and motivate Delivering difficult feedback and motivating staff for change
