Gateway Graduate School to deliver Internationally recognized Pearson Teaching qualifications
With the advancement of private education, teaching is emerging as an attractive career in Sri Lanka and the world over. In addition to being a rewarding career, teaching is considered by many as a profession that provides a good work-life balance.
One of the main draw backs for young aspirants in taking to teaching has so far been the lack of opportunities in career progress. Gateway Graduate School (GGS), the higher education and professional development arm of the Gateway Group that is supported by the network of Gateway Colleges has addressed this issue by offering teacher training and education qualifications through partnerships with prestigious international institutions:
Ms. Premila Paulraj - Director, Employability and Qualifications - Pearson South Asia exchanging the agreement with Dr Harsha Alles, Chairman Gateway Group. Also in the picture; L-R Ms. Hasini Gajadeera, Head - School of Education and Teacher Training, Gateway Graduate School; Ms. Thusitha Illukpitiya, Chief Operating Officer, Gateway Group; Mr Suriya Bibile, Country Head, Pearson Sri Lanka.
The University of Nottingham (ranked 25th worldwide for Education) for an MA in Education and Pearson Edexcel for Diplomas and Higher Diplomas for Secondary, Primary and Pre-School Teachers.
With the partnership with University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM), students are able to complete an MA in Education in Sri Lanka at a fraction of the cost of studying overseas. The course is conducted on a part time basis over 18-24 months. Teaching is carried out by the UNM faculty on a face-to-face basis at the Gateway Graduate School during school vacations in April, August and December. Students also have the opportunity of doing one module in Malaysia during a week’s stay in the University campus. During the course, students are enrolled in a Virtual Learning Environment with access to the library and other online resources. The successful graduates will be invited by UNM to attend their graduation ceremony.
Summary of the Teaching qualifications offered are:
1. Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Early Childhood Education and Care: This qualification develops students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the early education and care sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them. Full time work placement in early education and/or care settings can be arranged through the Gateway network of schools and centres.
Entry requirements: Advanced Level (local/UK) qualification or its equivalent such as the Foundation Diploma at Gateway.
Duration: Two years of part-time studies
Career progression opportunities: Upon the successful completion of the programme, students can also progress directly into employment. The skills offered as part of the qualification can provide graduates with the opportunity to work in many different areas of the early education and care sector.
2. Pearson BTEC Level 4 Professional Diploma in Teaching and Learning: This newly updated qualification is equivalent to the first year of a Degree and includes modules such as Soft Skills for Careers in Teaching, Principles and Values in Teaching and Learning, Personal and Professional Development Through Reflective Teaching Practice, Further Personal and Professional Development Through Reflective Teaching Practice, Assessment Methods in Education, Creative Development in Teaching and Learning, Use of Resources in Teaching and Learning, Pedagogical Use of ICT, Supporting the Independent Learner, Introduction to the Philosophy of Education, Sociological Factors and Education, Creating the Positive Classroom Environment and Effective Behaviour Management.
Entry requirements: Advanced Level (local/UK) qualification or its equivalent such as the Foundation Diploma at Gateway.
Duration: One year of part-time studies
Career progression opportunities: Upon the successful completion of the programme, participants can progress in their teaching careers or gain entry into the teaching profession.
Academic progression opportunities: Successful participants can progress on to the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Professional Diploma in Teaching and Educational Management
3. Pearson BTEC Level 5 Professional Diploma in Teaching and Educational Management: This newly updated qualification is equivalent to the second year of a Degree and include modules such as Educational Psychology and The Learner, Evaluation of the Learner Performance, Educational Professional Practice, Principles in Curriculum Design for Inclusivity, Evaluation and Assessment of Structured Learning, Action Research in Teaching and Learning, Educational Leadership and Management, School Counselling, Language across the Curriculum, Coaching and Mentoring for Teachers, Portfolio of Professional Practice and Digital Learning in Practice.
Entry requirements: GGS’s Pearson BTEC Level 4 Professional Diploma in Teaching and Learning or a recognised degree qualification or a recognised diploma qualification with one year’s relevant work experience
Duration: One year of part-time studies
Career progression opportunities: Upon the successful completion of the qualification, participants can progress on to senior teaching and administrative positions within the education sector.
Academic progression opportunities: Successful participants can progress on to the University of Nottingham’s MA in Education offered through GGS after completing the Level 6 qualification
4. MA in Education – awarded by the University of Nottingham: This prestigious master’s programme is offered exclusively through GGS in Sri Lanka by the University of Nottingham. The modules are taught by Nottingham’s fly-in faculty.
Duration: 20 – 24 months of part-time studies
Career progression opportunities: Upon the successful completion of the qualification, participants can progress on to senior managerial/administrative and/or teaching/training/academic careers within a broad range of knowledge-based sectors of employment.
Academic progression opportunities: Those who possess the MA in Education qualification with good grades may progress on to doctoral-level studies with the University of Nottingham or with other leading universities across the world.
In addition to the above qualifications, we also offer short programmes related to teaching:
Pearson BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Soft Skills for Careers in Teaching (Duration – One Month)
Pearson SRF BTEC Level 4 Professional Certificate in Teaching and Learning (Duration – Three Months)
Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Duration – Three Months)
Gateway Graduate School recently entered into an agreement with DFCC Bank to provide a student loan scheme that would ease the burden of students and parents, for all courses offered at Gateway Graduate School. The low interest scheme is designed in a manner where students are given the flexibility to pay only the interest during the study period and pay the capital once qualified and find employment. With a total payback period of 7 years, the loan scheme is very attractive.
Registration for the above qualifications is now on. Further details can be obtained by calling Imeshi/ Rushika (Colombo) – 0772256356, 0777060157, 2695103 or Limali (Kandy) – 0777687673, 0812203377 or by writing to info@gatewaygraduateschool.com Additional information about the programmes can be obtained by visiting the website of GGS http://gatewaygraduateschool.com/.