The ADVTSA achieved designation in August 2015. It is the first, and only, Teaching School Alliance (TSA) in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales, therefore serving a large rural area. The Alliance is cross phase and successfully works in partnership with 22 primary and 6 secondary schools.
The TSA works in true collaboration and has the belief that investing in the School Direct Programme will contribute positively towards the education of young children in our area by helping with recruitment and therefore improving teaching and learning.
Meetings and information evenings with Alliance schools led by the TS Director, resulted in 17 primaries offering to train 21 potential trainees: 3 schools judged “outstanding” and 14 “good”. There is capacity in these schools to provide outstanding mentoring and coaching. All the schools are highly experienced in hosting ITT, through PGCE/BEd placements. Many are already familiar with SD, as they have hosted trainees from other TSAs and have acted as mentors and Link Tutors with The University of Derby (UOD.)
The TSA has actively engaged potential trainees through close networking. Contacts with ex Secondary school students and parents of many of the pupils in the primaries are wanting to train. The TSA attended a successful launch evening at UOD (June 2016) and has gained knowledge through attending other TSA ITT events outside our area; Landau Forte (Derby) and Leicester.
Large numbers of potential trainees have attended Taster Days/Weeks in Alliance schools. Shadowing and meeting current SD trainees has also confirmed our direction of seeking to pursue this ITT route.
Bespoke packages for individual potential trainees are currently in place for volunteering in the primaries, so giving a true insight into the profession.
The ADVTSA is ambitious and bold. Training teachers and potential leaders in our area will guarantee high quality education in our expanding rural community.
34 Primary Schools are currently engaging with ADVTSA, and have been for many years.
Very close working relationships eg: regular Headteachers’ Meetings to work collaboratively and to network and share good practice.
Good cross-phase work Early Years Providers/Primary/Secondary.
Regular 'Teach Meets' for Teachers from all the schools for development, collaboration, moderation and sharing of CPD.
Teachers in the partnership have led training for ITT students at The University of Derby in Literacy and Phonics.
Primaries work in partnership with The University of Derby through having students on ITT placements.
A strength is the support of the TSA- growing and leading on the development of local Education Leaders for School-to-School Support within the Derbyshire Dales.