Ever wondered what it would be like to be part of an award-winning team, teaching at a sector-leading further education College?
A College where A Level results consistently outperform the Welsh national average in the top grades, where vocational students represent Wales at skills competitions across the globe, and where teaching staff have themselves brought home medals of distinction?
If the answer is yes, then 2022 could be the year you get the chance to find out!
After a successful launch in 2019, Gower College Swansea is re-launching its bespoke Teaching Academy in March 2022 - a fantastic development opportunity for those considering a career in this exciting and fast-moving sector.
The College is actively seeking to recruit recent graduates, or professionals with industry experience, in areas that have been identified as skills priorities for Wales including, but not limited to, science, maths, criminology, business, accountancy, IT, landscaping, engineering and construction.
“We are really keen to develop home grown talent through our bespoke teaching academy, which has been carefully designed to immerse potential lecturing staff in their subject. The successful candidates will follow an in-house programme that is delivered by our exceptional staff, and which is based around the core qualities needed to successfully deliver our A Level and vocational provision and drive up standards even further.
“This is a fantastic development opportunity for someone who has recently graduated, someone who is completing a post-graduate qualification, or someone who has worked in industry and wants to add another string to their bow.” - Lucy Hartnoll, Dean of Faculty and A level Lead, Gower College Swansea.
Teaching Academy participants will be closely mentored by subject specialists throughout the process, which will see them complete Level 4 Agored units as well as undertaking an hour’s tutorial a week, teaching observation in their chosen field and training around the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Once the 15 week Teaching Academy programme comes to an end, learners could then be eligible to progress onto a PgCE qualification.
"I am delighted that Gower College Swansea are able to offer an opportunity to provide an insight into the many benefits of teaching at further education. You get the chance of delivering both academic and vocational sessions which can really help shape the future of young people and adults returning to education. It is a career with real purpose – I highly recommend it.” - Nikki Neale, Director of Quality and Curriculum, Gower College Swansea.
The first Teaching Academy will begin in March 2022 and will run for 15 weeks.
To apply please visit www.gcs.ac.uk/jobs
For more information, email Leanne Howe, Teaching, Learning and Development Manager - leanne.howe@gcs.ac.uk
Additional information:
What is the Teaching Academy?
The Gower College Swansea Teaching Academy is an initial teacher training programme designed to give you the basic skills and experience to progress into a lecturing role.
You will be trained and supported by our experienced staff and will gain excellent insight and practice into teaching in the further education sector. You will receive training on how to create inclusive resources for teaching, using the most innovative and up to date pedagogical research, how to give developmental and meaningful feedback to learners, how to plan for teaching and learning, as well as gaining an insight into the college systems that are used for diagnostic testing, target setting and pastoral coaching.
What are the time commitments required?
You will attend a two hour session every Wednesday evening for 15 weeks and will study for Level 4 Agored qualifications. In addition, you will receive one hour of tutorial with a teaching mentor and between four and six hours per week of teaching experience, which will include observations and team teaching.
The tutorial and practical teaching experience will be arranged around your current commitments and could be carried out over one day or several days.
What qualifications/experience do I need?
To train in our A level areas you will have graduated in the relevant subject with at least a 2.2. honours degree.
For our vocational areas you will need at least a Level 4 qualification in the area or have gained significant industrial/professional experience in your field and hold relevant professional qualifications.
In terms of personal skills, we are looking for those with enthusiasm and a passion for their discipline as well as good team players and initiative.
What does the practical classroom experience involve?
You will spend time with a designated teaching team and will carry out observations based around the theory and pedagogy covered during your taught sessions and tutorial.
As your confidence develops, you will be able to team teach or deliver micro teaching sessions in the presence of the classroom lecturer.
What are the benefits for me?
If you are successful in gaining a place on our Teaching Academy you will be working closely with delivery teams and the curriculum leaders.
Successful progression through the programme could lead to paid teaching hours should they become available (subject to DBS checks) and a permanent teaching post at the College (subject to successful interview).
Successful completion of the programme can also lead to progression onto our PgCE programme, which may be partially or fully funded by the college, subject to a successful interview.
How do I apply?
Please visit www.gcs.ac.uk/jobs where you will see the Teaching Academy advertised. Fill in the application form and, in the additional information section, please tell us - in no more than 250 words - why you feel you should be considered for this programme.
Is there a cost?
The programme is free apart from a £40 initial cost to cover DBS checks.
Closing date: Monday 28 February
Initial Interviews: Wednesday 16 February
Start date for successful applicants: Wednesday 2 March
For further information please contact: Leanne Howe, Teaching, Learning and Development Manager leanne.howe@gcs.ac.uk