EDINBURGH Napier University has welcomed the first intake of students on to its newly-launched Professional Graduate Diploma in Education programme.
The university will provide training in key science and technology subjects, supported by the Scottish Government as it looks to address teacher shortages in priority areas.
The first cohort of 46 students to arrive at the Sighthill-based School of Applied Sciences will follow new secondary teacher education courses in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.
The curriculum has been developed in consultation with practicing STEM teachers and will use the latest teaching tools, including video analysis of body language, verbal communication and practical skills.
The students will also develop an understanding of how issues like dyslexia, inclusion and mental health impact on life in the classroom.
The year-long programme – which has attracted recent graduates and mature students looking for a career change – will also include school-based placements to help develop core teaching and classroom management skills.
Andrew Gallacher, the university’s Head of Teacher Education, said: “We are hugely excited about getting this postgraduate programme under way, and look forward to producing people who will be a real asset to Scotland’s local authorities.
“We will help students develop their confidence and communication skills so that in time they will be ready to embrace the diverse demands of the job and inspire children to thrive in the classroom.”
The university plans to expand the General Teaching Council for Scotland-accredited programme by offering courses in Computing, English and Modern Languages over the next three years.
