Opportunity knocks for aspiring Moray primary teachers

Would-be primary teachers in Moray are being given the chance to fulfil their ambition by studying part-time for the necessary qualification.

Moray Council is working in partnership with Aberdeen University to offer an online postgraduate diploma in education beginning early in the New Year.

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 the council at the end of it. Placements are normally in four-week blocks.

Although the closing date for university applications is September 30, the authority application should be returned by August 30.  Course fees are expected to be £1820 over the two academic sessions, although applicants may be eligible for funding from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.

Applicants must live within Moray and have competent ICT skills appropriate for online distance learning.

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, maths National 5 at grade C or above, Standard Grade at grade 2 or above and Intermediate 2 at grade C or above.

Further details can be found on the Aberdeen University DLITE web page.

The local authority application form can be obtained by e-mailing janet.cornall@moray.gov.uk and completed application forms should be returned to the same e-mail address by August 30.

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 92,500 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.