Gateway Graduate School announces an exciting new teaching course designed to offer a recognized qualification to all teachers and to improve the standards of teaching throughout Sri Lanka. Speaking at the launch, Patrick Casey - Director, Edexcel International, said that he was very impressed with the progress and expansion of the Gateway schools. Assuring the importance of the partnership with Gateway, he mentioned that the new course will not only benefit the persons who are already teaching but also, anyone who wishes to make teaching their career.

Designed in partnership with the London examining board Edexcel, initially this Diploma is a one-year level 4 course (i.e. the equivalent of the first year of a degree). Thereafter it is intended that the course be extended to level 5 (HND) next year, and be further extended the following year to create a degree pathway in partnership with a leading UK University.

It is planned that the final year will allow specialization in primary or secondary education. The course will be taught by well-qualified and experienced educators, led by Michael Dobson, the Head of the Graduate School.

The initial year consists of six modules: Soft Skills for teachers; Pedagogical use of ICT; Preparing to teach in the Lifelong-learning sector; Planning and Enabling Learning; Principles and Practice of Assessment; and alongside all these, Teaching in Practice. The course is planned to encompass the core skills required by a teacher in the 21st century, examining topics such as ethics, learning styles, body language, and remedial education, and also looking at uses of technology in the classroom and for communication with parents and pupils, such as SMS, blogs and Virtual Learning Environments.

All students on the course will be empowered and enabled to make use of current technologies. The course will be both theoretical and practical, enabling students to plan lessons and schemes of work.
It will be delivered in at Gateway Graduate School in Rajagiriya, mainly on Saturdays from 8.30 to 5pm, although there may be some days extra during the holidays. Details of the Gateway Graduate School can be obtained from the Registrar.