Teacher scheme to cover shortage

A teacher training programme designed to address school recruitment problems on the Isle of Man has begun.

The first five post-graduate trainee teachers have attended the Isle of Man College for their induction.

The Department of Education said the one-year pilot programme will lead to the award of Manx Qualified Teacher Status in Secondary Education.

It also involves five local secondary schools and Edge Hill College of Higher Education in Ormskirk, Lancashire.

Local difficulties

The majority of the training is spent in guided teaching practice in two local schools.

It will be complemented by school-based training as well as group sessions at the Isle of Man College taught by visiting Edge Hill tutors.

The programme has been designed to address local difficulties in the recruitment and retention of suitably qualified teachers in shortage subject areas.

This year's trainees are specialising either in science or ICT.