THE SCOTTISH Borders Council are looking to hear from graduates currently living in the Borders who would be interested in obtaining a qualification that would allow them to gain GTCS registration as a primary or secondary teacher.

The opportunity is being provided through a partnership agreement with the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI) who offer a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) primary or secondary programme for graduates with a degree.

Alongside opportunities to train to teach in the primary sector, the secondary courses offered are: biology with science, business education, chemistry with science, computing science, English, home economics, mathematics, physics with science and technological education

An Honours degree at 2:2 or above is preferred as the programme sits at Honours and Masters levels. Applicants must also hold National 5 Mathematics and Higher English (or accepted equivalents). At secondary level there are specific entry guidelines for individual subjects.

The programme is full time for one year with students required to carry out online, collaborative and individual study, interspersed with school placements. School placements will be within the Scottish Borders and students will have access to local and UHI tutor support. Please note that all arrangements will be subject to relevant COVID-19 restrictions.

Upon completion of the programme, students will apply for the GTCS Teacher Induction Scheme to be offered a year’s probationary teacher position in a Scottish Borders school. They will then be entitled to apply for posts within the local authority.

The closing date for applications for the August 2021 academic year is 26 January 2022.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more is invited to take part in one of the following virtual drop-in sessions:

Wednesday 24 November, 5-6pm or Tuesday 30 November, 6-7pm

To find out more and to get details on how to access the sessions, email: CPD@scotborders.gov.uk or phone 01896 664161.

Councillor Shona Haslam said: “This really is an exciting and innovative way for anyone with a relevant degree to join us. We’re a highly forward thinking, ambitious Education Service, deeply committed to delivering high quality learning opportunities for the benefit of all our children, young people and staff.

“Our world-class Inspire Learning programme is just one example of that commitment, harnessing the latest technology, curriculum innovation, new learning environments and high quality professional development to ensure that learning across our region is mobile, personal, collaborative and excellent.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to be part of our vision to get in touch and find out more about the programme. The online sessions are an ideal starting point as you’ll be able to speak to not only members of our schools team but also students who have already taken part in and benefitted from the programme.”