Trainee teachers briefed on UniSey courses

Seychelles Nation - 03.12.2009
Students from the National Institute of Education (NIE) yesterday learned more about the teacher training courses on offer at the University of Seychelles (UniSey).

Dr Payet, flanked by Mr Souffe (left) and Dr Ah-Thew,(photo above) addressing NIE students at yesterday’s talk

They were also briefed by UniSey vice-chancellor Dr Rolph Payet on how they will continue the training they have started at the NIE.

The talk took place at the NIE in the presence of principal secretary for education Jeanne Simeon, dean of the School of Sciences Dr George Ah-Thew, dean of the School of Humanities Dr Gerard Adonis and institute director Alex Souffe.

The students learned that the university’s School of Education will offer a four-year degree course in early childhood and primary education.

And those who want to teach at secondary level will be able to choose a three-year subject specialist degree that will be followed by a one-year Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Dr Payet said this specialist degree will be offered in a variety of subjects such as English, French, history and geography, and the university also plans to offer a master’s degree in education at a later stage.

He said these courses will be run in partnership with the Edith Cowan University in Australia, the University of London and the University of Reunion.

Dr Payet said students who are not admitted to the degree programme after the two-year foundation studies will be able to do another year and gain the assistant teacher certificate.

But he said this will be determined by the Ministry of Education, and UniSey will be working closely with the ministry to develop teacher training and help to raise the standards in our schools.

“The quality of teachers determines the quality of education that our children get in schools, and the training will help to upgrade our teachers,” he said.

Dr Payet told the students that the School of Education will give them a chance to get a recognised graduate teacher qualification, and even teachers with families will be able to graduate.

He said soon the students will apply to the university, and the faculty will meet them on an individual basis to discuss the courses.

All the training courses will start in January and February next year and will be based at UniSey’s Mont Fleuri campus, the current NIE complex.

Dr Payet said yesterday’s meeting was held because there was much misunderstanding regarding the transition that trainee teachers will make. During the talk the students were able to ask questions and seek clarification on the changes.

Today Dr Payet will meet students from the School of Advanced Level Studies to brief them on the new courses on offer next year.