“All schools are responsible for training the next generation of teachers but Training Schools are at the cutting edge.  They are making a real difference by raising the standard of education being given to our children and making a positive impact on the development of the whole school workforce”
(Charles Clarke: Annual Training School Conference – May 2004)

 “Experience has already shown us that providing opportunities for colleagues to become involved in training activities creates a vibrant learning environment for everyone.  Having the opportunity to discuss teaching and learning techniques, meanwhile, has helped us to raise standards of achievement. 

We have begun a new and exciting journey, with training and development at the heart of everything we do.  I am convinced that Training Schools will help to shape and lead the schools of the future”
(Chris Edwards – Twynham School, Christchurch.  Doing ITT – South West.  Autumn 2004)

 So what is a Training School, what is the purpose of Training Schools and how do Training Schools differ from ‘normal’ schools?

A Training School is a school that focuses on all aspects of personal and professional development with the intention of harnessing that development to increasing academic standards and pupil attainment.  It is a school that has been recognised as having a culture of self improvement which involves the whole staff and which leads to effective professional development that impacts on classroom practice. 

At Gordano we believe the purpose of Training Schools is to develop ideas and best practice relating to induction and career progress, but also to encourage staff to self-reflect and continue with their own lifelong learning in a professional context.  We believe that Training Schools should take risks and work on the edge of current best practice.  At the same time we think they need to be very clear about the successful constituent parts of good classroom practice and be able to ‘walk the talk’ in terms of in-school delivery.  We see Training Schools as part of an extended learning network that links with Higher Education providers. 

In many ways Training Schools are no different from any other schools.  All schools should be ‘Training Schools’ in their approach to developing best practice.  The only real difference is that a Training School has been formally accorded that role and so takes on a responsibility to work proactively with Higher Education providers, the Local Education Authority and other schools to promote learning gains.  At Gordano, we are clear that we would be undertaking the activities that we put into the Training School, whether or not we were successful in our application.

Training School Main Contacts:

Wendi Clayton - Training School Administrator Wendi is responsible for all aspects of the administration of the training school including acting as the main contact for interested groups external to Gordano School and managing the bookings of the courses that we offer. Any enquiries about the Training School and our work should be directed to Wendi. Email: wclayton@gordano.n-somerset.sch.uk

Lesley Greenway - Training School Manager In addition to her role as Deputy Head at Gordano School, Lesley is responsible for the overall management of the Training School including overseeing the work that we do. Email: lgreenway@gordano.n-somerset.sch.uk