Trainee teachers support children in care

Released: 14.01.21

Trainee teachers at Plymouth Marjon University have carried out their placements with a local virtual school. This is a response to the changing demands of education since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Marjon partnered with Devon Virtual School who support children in care and care leavers from the county. They do not replace mainstream schooling but provide additional teaching to children who may have missed lessons or fallen behind in their education.

During the autumn of last year, seven Marjon trainee teachers undertook their teaching placements with the virtual school. Their task was to go into the secondary schools where these children learn and provide catch up lessons.

Director of Marjon Teacher Education Partnership, Professor Gillian Golder said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for trainee teachers to learn their craft and make a significant difference to children and young people in Devon.”

Working alongside teachers in four secondary schools, the Marjon trainees worked with pupils in Key Stages 3 and 4 throughout November and December. Their final assignment was to present the impact of their teaching to Devon Virtual School Headteacher, Wendy Ohlson.

Wendy commented: “It’s been a real pleasure to work alongside the trainee teachers at Marjon, as they begin their careers in such challenging times. Their offer for individual support was fantastic and made a real difference to some of our most vulnerable young people.

“Thank you to Marjon for thinking outside the box to provide a different training experience, all while giving a learning boost to our children in care.”

Interested in teacher training at Marjon? Our next virtual open days are running for postgraduate teaching on Thursday, January 28 and Saturday, January 30 for undergraduate programmes. Book now.