Moray Council launches distance learning course for would-be primary teachers in Moray.

Would-be primary teachers in Moray can fulfil their ambition by studying part-time for the necessary qualification.

Moray Council is working in partnership with Aberdeen University to offer an online post-graduate diploma in education, beginning early 2018.

Applications are open now, with a closing date of August 18th.

The course is structured in such a way that aspiring teachers will be able to study in their own time and fit their studies around their work schedule.

It will be delivered through e-learning, face-to-face Saturday workshops, self-study, collaborative group work and school placements to develop the academic, personal and professional skills necessary for teaching.

The course comprises an 18-month programme of study, which will include 18 weeks of placement experience in a Moray primary school with a guaranteed probationer year with Moray Council at the end of it. Placements are normally in four-week blocks.

Director of Education and Social Work for Moray Council, Laurence Findlay, said the council was endeavouring to 'grow it's own' teachers to meet demand for staff.

"This has to be the way forward to encourage more people to take up teaching," he said.

"Teaching is a rewarding career with lots of benefits, and I'm sure this new way of getting into it will suit many candidates who have existing work or family pressures."

Applicants must live within Moray and have competent ICT skills appropriate for engaging in online distance learning. Applicants need to meet the same entry requirements as the full time PGDE Primary course.

Applicants will require to have a degree and to have relevant experience of working with young people, formally or informally.

They will also be required to have gained Higher English at grade C or above, Mathematics National 5 at grade C or above, Standard Grade at grade 2 or above and Intermediate 2 at grade C or above.

Course fees are expected to be £1,820 over the two academic sessions, although applicants may be eligible for funding from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.

More information is available on our website www.moray.gov.uk/dlite

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 95,510 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.

Headquartered in  Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.