Dear Parents and Carers
Buried in the news today, almost invisible amongst all the Brexit arguments, is the report that for the sixth year in a row, the number of postgraduate trainees for secondary teaching is below target. Of particular concern are Physics where less than 50% of trainee places were filled and Design & Technology which filled just a quarter of their places. Beyond this, most subjects fell short, with only PE, History, English and Biology meeting targets. This is compounded by yearly targets failing to take into account the preceding year’s failed target or pre-existing shortages and is part of the reason teaching unions claim secondary teacher recruitment is in crisis. Worrying stuff.
At Myton, we are well aware of these statistics and, along with other schools, we are trying to act on them. As a partner in the President Kennedy Teaching School Alliance, we work with Warwick University and a large consortium of schools to attract people into our profession and train them ourselves. All the schools have experienced and knowledgeable teacher trainers to guide new recruits through their learning. One of the advantages of applying to the President Kennedy Teaching School Alliance is the ability to choose where you train. The alliance includes primary, secondary and private schools in Warwick, Leamington, Coventry and further afield in Warwickshire; there is a great deal of choice and the quality of training is excellent.
The reasons behind our current teacher recruitment crisis is a political argument and everybody will have an opinion; I’ll keep mine to myself. However, I will say that I think the airwaves are dominated by extremely negative stories about young people and what they get up to, mostly around town centres but also sometimes in school. Personally, I believe we have a moral obligation to intervene with troubled youngsters and change their direction and it is highly rewarding to do so, but even if you do find these stories off-putting, please don’t forget the other 99% who just want to learn, make friends and enjoy themselves – they are great.
If you are interested in joining the teaching profession, or know somebody who is, please see our website or contact Katie Irving at Myton School (Katie works with us and the whole teaching school alliance) on [email protected]. Katie can give you advice and information on how to join a postgraduate trainee programme. If you are unsure and just want to talk to an experienced teacher or look around the school to help make up your mind, please contact Bridget Rendell on [email protected].
With best wishes
Andy Perry – Head Teacher
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