Staff Training and Development
What are the training and development opportunities available at The Marlborough Science Academy?
We have a proven track record of supporting and developing our staff at The Marlborough Science Academy. We feel that it is important to help staff realise their true potential and abilities. A skilled staff will not only aid the individual but it will also improve the outcomes and experiences of our learners. We hold this central to our philosophy and are proud of our colleagues and the advancements they have made.
We offer tailor made programmes which reflect and challenge the individual regardless of where they are in their career. We support the PGCE programmes from local universities and have been very fortunate to be involved with an accredited ITT provider in the guise of the Alban Federation, supporting the School Direct programme.
If you join us as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) you will be supported by a dedicated mentor and you will be offered a “buddy” on the staff who you can talk to about issues related to school or not! All ECTs are monitored by the professional mentor and ECT Lead and we have a policy in place which guarantees the support and development needed. For ECTs we have a consultation process at the end of the summer term.
If you are a more experienced member of staff, we offer a variety of middle management training all the way up to a Masters in Education or the NPQH course for those colleagues who wish to move into senior management. This process can be supplemented by secondments to our Senior Leadership Team and internships to local schools. Regardless of your experience, you can still be a part of our “buddy” programme if you would like. We understand the importance of career progression and how it leads to a more progressive school.
We also run a Professional Support Programme for all new staff that enables you to meet some key people during your first term with us as well as giving you an insight into our main policies and systems. This is supplemented by an excellent INSET programme, much of which is delivered by professionals within our school. Every Tuesday our before school staff briefing has a focus on disseminating best practice through our Top Teaching Tip Tuesday programme. You will also be invited to induction days before you become part of our community that will furnish you with the vital information that you need.
Observation and Feedback
We strongly believe that observation and feedback are key areas in enabling staff to reflect and continue to improve their practice. Observations take place in many forms by subject leaders, ECT mentors, middle and senior leaders, and visitors to the school. We also have a system of learning walks that provide us with an overview of teaching and learning.
Teach Meet
A Teach Meet is an informal conference-style meeting held by teachers all around the world to work together for better CPD (continued professional development) and mutual support, as well as to share ideas and to provide inspiration for good practice.
At Marlborough, our monthly meetings are called Pizza and Pedagogy. This is where staff meet at lunch to listen to ideas to support teaching and learning under our published calendar of themes.
Please click here to access our Teach Meet website.
INSET DAYS
Please click here to view a copy of the programme for our September 2023 INSET days.
Please click here to view a copy of the programme for our September 2024 INSET days.
Extended Training
Marlborough has an outstanding record of encouraging staff to attend external training opportunities. Alongside our core training programme, we also offer a wide range of curriculum-based training sessions, safeguarding and inclusion training along with Governor training.
Mark Fitzgibbon, Senior Deputy Headteacher and ECT Coordinator