This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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International training for teachers
11/12/2006
Scottish pupils will be better equipped for working in a global economy as a result of a new international training programme for teachers, it was announced today.
More Scottish teachers will be encouraged to take part in exchanges following the launch of the Scottish Continuing International Professional Development Programme (SCIPD).
The Programme, set to receive £200,000 of Executive funding in its first year, will provide around 150 study visits each year for Scottish teachers and local authority staff. Experience from these visits will be part of their Continuing Professional Development .
Speaking from South Africa, at the 16th Commonwealth Conference of Education Ministers, where he chaired a forum yesterday on how globalisation is shaping education, Education Minister Hugh Henry said:
"Scottish education has a lot to gain by opening our minds to international perspectives, and we have a lot to contribute.
"Scottish pupils also have much to gain through an international education - enabling them to have a knowledge and understanding of the world and Scotland's place in it."
"By streamlining arrangements and reducing bureaucracy we hope to raise the number and improve the value of these study visits."
SCIPD, to be launched in April 2007, will pool funding currently administered by three separate organisers to create a one-stop-shop for teachers' exchange visits, to be run by Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS).
Mr Henry added: "By giving our teachers the tools and experiences to deliver the curriculum in new and exciting ways, we can help young people to become confident individuals, responsible citizens, successful learners, and effective contributors."
Bernard McLeary, Chief Executive of Learning and Teaching Scotland, said:
"I am very pleased that we have been given the opportunity to play a key role in the further development of international education in Scotland.
"As with all LTS's work, the Curriculum for Excellence will provide the context for international education: promoting study visits to other countries by teachers, and creating opportunities for them to share their experiences and learning."
Background:
The 16th Commonwealth Conference of Education Ministers takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, December 9-14, 2006. The South African Department of Education will host this triennial event on the theme of "Access to Quality Education: For the Good of All".
Learning and Teaching Scotland is the main organisation for the development and support of the Scottish curriculum.
Teachers can get further information on exchanges from Learning and Teaching Scotland on 08700 100 297.
School exchange visits to Malawi and China will continue to be delivered by the League for Exchange of Commonwealth Teachers, Link Community Development, and British Council Scotland.
LTS are also to appoint a dedicated officer to promote SCIPD and the benefits of international education in schools, and teachers will be encouraged to contact LTS direct for information on international visit opportunities.
The themes and the countries chosen for international visits will be linked to individual professional development, as well as local, national and international good practice.