The teaching practice was quite hard at first, but I loved the study days. It was just so exhilarating to be thinking and learning again. I now have a full-time job in a primary school, where the course I did is held in high regard. The University's School of Education and Homerton College hold courses for teachers and others involved in education which tackle this need for constant in-service training. Some courses offer new inspiration for individual subjects - developing effective maths teaching or practical ways to bring history alive.
Some programmes air current debates in education - setting targets and raising classroom standards.
Others discuss a broad range of issues of organisation and approach - operating Baseline Assessment or handling difficult classes. For anyone returning to work after a career break, the opportunity to update skills and knowledge is invaluable. Homerton College's Continuing Professional Development Office runs many courses for refresher training as well as in-service training. Participants come from all over the Eastern region to attend the courses, which vary in length from one-day to 60 hours spread over two or three months. The longer courses are accredited and can be used towards gaining an Advanced Diploma in Educational Studies.