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There are vacancies in several schools in Highland
Wick High & Thurso High Schools are looking for teachers in several subjects
 

Highland Teacher Training INITIATIVE Extends to Secondary
A pioneering teacher training programme run by The Highland Council and Aberdeen University today received support to be extended to offer part-time, distance learning training for secondary teacher training.

The popular Primary course will see 25 teachers graduate this summer and will continue with an other 20 places from august, in English and Gaelic medium. Today, members of The Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee agreed to extend into secondary education with Aberdeen by creating another course aimed at producing new secondary teachers for Highland. No limit to numbers is being placed on this, recognising the need to recruit as many new teachers as possible.

In 2003, a unique partnership to produce primary teachers by distance learning between Highland Council and Abderdeen University was launched at Central Primary School, Inverness with ministerial backing from Peter Peacock MSP, Minister for Education and Young People.

Bruce Robertson, Highland Council's Director of Education, Culture and Sport said: "The new 25 primary teachers graduating this summer will be a huge boost to highland schools and we are delighted that Aberdeen have agreed to extend into the secondary phase next year. This is the first time that people will be able to train to become secondary teachers in their own community in Highland by distance learning and not have to leave home to get qualifications. Assuming that the course meets with General Teaching Council approval the first recruits will appear in secondary schools in two years time. The Council cannot complement Aberdeen University enough on it's foresight and commitment to the Highlands in this ground breaking initiative."

In addition to the secondary teaching opportunities in English and Gaelic, prospective students will also be able to train in Mathematics,
Technology and Home Economics. Other subjects will follow, it is hoped. 

Mr Robertson added: "One of the key aspects of this partnership with Abderdeen Univserity is that our staffs in Highland schools are directly involved as Associate Tutors. This method of training has proved successful in the primary course and it will be extended into the secondary course."