Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Aberystwyth University students have turned out in record numbers to submit nominations for the fourth annual Student Led Teaching Awards. The Awards, coordinated by Aberystwyth University Students’ Union and supported by the University, invite students to recognise the contribution of fellow student representatives and University staff by nominating individuals or departments for one of ten awards. At close of nominations, at 5pm on Friday 20th March, a total of 1,113 nominations were received. Commenting on the success of the Awards, Grace Burton, Education Officer at the Students’ Union, said: “We at the Students’ Union have been overwhelmed by the fantastic response to this year’s Awards. It’s heartwarming to see students recognising the excellent staff who make the time students spend with us at Aberystwyth great. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write a nomination; I’m really looking forward to reading them all. “The standard this year has been exceptionally high and...

BBC News - Facebook drinking posts teacher Elizabeth Scarlett reprimanded A teacher has been reprimanded after comments about drinking and parties appeared on her Facebook site and were viewed by pupils. Elizabeth Scarlett was disciplined by the General Teaching Council for Wales. But Mrs Scarlett, 50, who used to teach at Trinant Primary School in Crumlin, Caerphilly county, claimed her former partner posted sexual comments.

The value of encouraging qualified teachers to continue learning is underlined in innovative courses now being run by Trinity University College in Carmarthen. The School of ITET (School of Initial Teacher Education & Training) runs a successful MA Education course and is also developing a Graduate Diploma in Education. “Both are ideal vehicles for continued professional development,” said ITET advisor Catharine Bleasdale. “And we are finding that both courses are attracting wide interest from teachers who don’t want to stop at a base camp qualification. There are plenty of teachers out there who are keen to take the next step on the education ladder.” Rhian Kenny, deputy headteacher at Ysgol Maesllyn Primary (Lakefield School) in Llanelli is a huge fan of the graduate diploma. “For someone like me in middle management, it has been a hugely valuable course. “There is a danger that when you qualify as a teacher you move straight into teaching and then don’t get the chance to think o...