Details
Tutor: Sarah Mirrington
CLPE's Specialist Teaching Assistant (STA) courses have a national reputation for excellence. The course is:
• accredited at 60 points at Level 1 of a degree course
• professional development for the assessment-only route for HLTA status
• a first step for many teaching assistants towards a teaching qualification
The course is open to teaching assistants currently working with children in the Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. It is useful to schools developing the Specialist Teaching Assistant role and preparing TAs for HLTA status. Teaching assistants who undertake the STA course may choose to go on to apply for the 3 day HLTA Preparation for Assessment training.
The course enables STAs to assist classroom teachers effectively in supporting children’s learning across the curriculum with a focus on literacy and numeracy, including ICT. Key areas include:
• understanding learning development
• supporting children's literacy and numeracy development
• additional strategies for supporting children with literacy difficulties
• observation, record-keeping, assessment and target setting
• resources and strategies for supporting bilingual children
• practical experience of the role of ICT in supporting learning
The course is both theoretical and practical. There are 14 one-day sessions spread over 3 terms. Course members are expected to carry out school-based investigations, course-related reading and to complete three short written assignments. Three additional one-day school visits are a required part of the course. Participating schools are expected to nominate a teacher mentor as an integral part of support available to course members. They are required to attend 2 after-school training sessions for teacher mentors.
Course information
Applicants are expected to possess either Grade A-C GCSE English and Mathematics, or equivalent qualifications or experience together with a supporting letter from the Head Teacher.
A nationally recognised STA certificate is awarded on successful completion of the course. The course is accredited by the University of Greenwich (60 points at Level 1).
Dates: Tuesdays, 27 September, 11 October, 8 & 29 November, 6 December 2011, 7 January, 7 & 28 February, 13 March, 17 April, 1 & 22 May, 19 June, July 2012
Course fee: £1,550 (£1,350 per course member for bookings of more than 10)
Click here to download an application form