Developing future teaching talent for the North West and beyond

Approximately 150 year 12 and 13 students from schools and colleges across Cumbria and north Lancashire are actively taking part in the University of Cumbria’s 2024 Future Teachers Programme this month.

Taking place at campuses in Carlisle, Lancaster and London, experienced academics and outreach support staff from the university’s Institute of Education, Arts and Society have developed a special series of discovery days.

The tailored initiative and events aim to empower and equip students with essential skills, knowledge, and experiences as they consider becoming future teachers and educators.

The two-part discovery days include campus tours, workshops and talks before participants are invited to return for a practice interview session.

Sessions include ‘The Science of Sound for Primary Children’, ‘The Outdoor Classroom’ and a dedicated workshop on SEND and inclusion.

Jan Ashbridge, Head of Student Recruitment and Portfolio Development at the University of Cumbria's Institute of Education, Arts and Society, (above) said:

“We take educating future generations of teachers extremely seriously with teacher training being part of the fabric of what this university does. In the last decade alone, we’ve trained thousands of highly-qualified teachers for our children and young people, regularly working in partnership with hundreds of schools, networks, and other settings to support the education sector and its workforce.

“Our Future Teachers Programme is also an example of our mission serving Cumbria, Lancashire and beyond, inspiring more to go on to university and develop higher-level skills that they will use in their chosen professional careers, making a positive impact that will enable our communities to thrive – now and for generations to come.”

Libby Haughton, T Level Education and Early Years Course Manager at Lancaster and Morecambe College, said: "This event was a fantastic opportunity for my students to experience what university life would be like on a Primary Education Course.

"My students really enjoyed the taster sessions, the hands-on experience and the opportunity to talk to current students about the courses on offer. Our students now have a fantastic opportunity to take part in mock interviews to support their applications for higher education. This has been such a valuable experience that has inspired my students to believe that University is an available option for all."

In 2023, the University of Cumbria’s long-established Initial Teacher Education was judged ‘Good’ by Ofsted across both its primary and secondary age provision, with inspectors saying that our trainees benefit from well-structured curriculums that are ‘expertly delivered’, resulting in them being ‘very well prepared for teaching’.

To find out more about undergraduate and postgraduate teacher training opportunities at the University of Cumbria, visit: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/events/

WATCH: Jan Ashbridge discusses the Future Teachers Programme and teacher training opportunities

ENDS