‘DLITE’d’ student teachers graduate!

Nine Highland students graduated this weekend (Saturday 23 June) through the University of Aberdeen in partnership with Highland Council following an eighteen month distance learning PGDE (Primary) Programme.

Applications for the next DLITE PGDE Programme for Primary and Secondary teaching are now being accepted. To find out more, please visit www.iwanttoteachinscottishhighlands.wordpress.com for further details. 

The graduation event, which took place in the Town House, Inverness, was hosted by Graham Ross Deputy Provost and opened by Bill Alexander Director of Care and Learning.  Kenny McIntosh and Sandra Nicol from the University of Aberdeen attended with Kenny giving the address to those present and Sandra adding her thoughts before handing out the certificates with Councillor Ross. 

The Distance Learning Initial Teacher Education (DLITE) PGDE Primary Programme is completing its fourth session in June 2018, seeing these students enter their probation year in Highland schools this August.

Another thirteen students began the fifth phase of DLITE in January this year, and will qualify in June 2019.

While the majority of study occurs through online learning, there are also regular face to face sessions with current Highland practitioners sharing their expertise in subjects such as Literacy, Numeracy, Child Protection, Health and Wellbeing, PE and Expressive Arts through Network Days. Students have also benefited from days at the University and with their Moray Council student colleagues. The DLITE model follows the same PGDE Primary Programme provided for the full time students studying at the University.

Students who graduated this weekend were: Nicola Grant, Rebecca Sharp, Sarah Stephen, Frances Midgley, Katherine Elbourne, Nicola Mackenzie, Michelle Mackay. Jeni MacDonald and Daisy MacDonald also graduated from the programme though were unable to attend the ceremony at the Town House.

Aileen Mackay, Head Teacher of Smithton Primary School gave a vote of thanks which was followed with refreshments and an outstanding piano recital by Kenna from Carma Band. Photography was provided by Emma Grady and her brother, Luke. The event was organised by Holly Ross, DLITE Development Officer and Aileen Mackay.