Placements for teachers are not new.  They remain a highly flexible, cost effective form of staff development.  Properly managed, placements can be used in many different ways to develop the knowledge and skills of teachers so that the targets for pupil achievement set out in the School Development Plan can be met.

WHAT CAN A TEACHER PLACEMENT ACHIEVE FOR THE SCHOOL?

• Placements can enhance learning through work by using the world of work as a resource which creates an environment and context for learning across the whole curriculum.
• Learning about work increases teachers understanding of the world of work and its contribution to the community and the economy
• Learning for work, which equips and prepares young people for working life.

This is achieved when schools "provide regular and appropriate opportunities for teachers to become better informed about business and the requirements of employers".

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HOW DO PLACEMENTS BENEFIT TEACHERS

• Teachers are empowered to meet the targets for pupil achievement set out in the School Development Plan
• They will update their own skills and knowledge following their review
• They can enhance economic and business learning
• They can contribute to better understanding between education and business
• They will develop a fresh perspective on management issues
• They will be able to offer more informed careers education and guidance

WHEN CAN PLACEMENTS TAKE PLACE?

• Placements provide better learning when they are least disruptive to all concerned.
• The timing of the placement depends on what is convenient for the school, the host and on what the teacher wishes to learn.  For example, if a teacher wishes to track the development of a produce from prototype to point of retail, it is more effective to arrange the placement days over a number of weeks or months.
• Non-pupil days are an ideal time for Tamar EBP to arrange for employers to host a group of like-minded tutors within a normal day.  This benefits the employers as they generally prefer to spend the time and energy once only to meet as many schools as possible with minimum of resources.

HOW DO SCHOOLS CONTACT A SUITABLE HOST AND MAKE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS?

This liaison role is part of the support provided to you by Tamar Education Business Partnership.