University chalks up top marks

The University’s School of Education, based at the Walsall Campus, received the outstanding report from the education watchdog following a recent inspection.

The inspection looked at initial teacher education provision at the University, including the training of primary and secondary school teachers, which were both rated as outstanding, whilst the University’s employment-based routes and training for further education teachers were judged to be amongst the best in the country.

Particular strengths identified were the good progress made by students on all courses, the high-quality of the academic and pastoral support provided and strong and proactive leadership. The report also highlighted the University’s highly productive partnerships, including with local schools and colleges, which “make a significant contribution to workforce development in the Black Country region”.

Professor Kit Field, Dean of the School of Education, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of the Ofsted report. Everyone within the School of Education works exceptionally hard to ensure the training provided to the teachers of tomorrow is robust, creative and inspiring. This outstanding report is testament to the hard work of our staff and the commitment of our students.

“We will continue to build on this success as we welcome our new students for the next academic year in September.”

Overall effectiveness for the both primary and secondary provision received a Grade 1: Outstanding rating in the Ofsted inspection that took place in June 2010, and employment-based routes and initial teacher education for the further education system were rated as good.

The University works in partnership with approximately 450 primary schools, 200 secondary schools and 12 further education colleges and providers.

The School of Education offers training in the 13-18 age range in business studies and psychology, and in the 11-16 age range in design and technology, English, ICT, mathematics, modern foreign languages, physical education, and science, and prepares students to teach 14-19 Diplomas.

The School of Education also offers a number of routes into primary school teaching including three-year degrees in early primary education, primary education and primary education with a European language placement, as well as pre-service and in-service training for teachers across the further education sector.

For more information about the School of Education, visit www.wlv.ac.uk/sed

ENDS

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