Canterbury Christ Church University College, located in the United Kingdom, is taking a step further into the world of technology by opening a new design technology post-graduate teaching program. The program will allow teachers access to some of the best technology facilities in Kent.
Christ Church’s new Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Design and Technology started in September 2003. It trains student teachers in a dynamic, creative and exciting area of the curriculum where there is a national shortage of teachers. The program is based partly at the University College, where the trainee teachers have access to the brand new multi-media workshop, and partly in Kent schools, where they gain practical hands-on experience. The trainee teachers focus on how to teach design technology in the national curriculum and to post-16 exam level through practical workshops, theory lectures and seminars.
Paul Seton, Subject Leader at Christ Church, said: “The school and the University College is working together to produce the new breed of design and technology teachers for the future of Kent schools. The students come from a wide range of degree backgrounds which include product design, graphics, model making, architecture, interior design, electronics, jewellery and silversmithing.”
John Boyes, Head of Design Technology at Sandwich Technology School, said: "The school is actively involved in the training and development of PGCE students and it welcomes the opportunity to offer the use of its modern, cutting edge technology facilities and expert staff to inspire, train and motivate the technology teachers of the future."
