Association of Teachers and Lecturers
Tameside Branch
Newsletter
September 2007
Secretary Alison Hampson
0161 304 9882 ( Home )
01457 764006 ( School )
Email ajhampson@tameside.atl.org.uk
Welcome back once again to a new school year, Time seems to have flown by yet again but some may have found that the holidays were too long !! I would particularly like to extend a warm welcome to our new members in Tameside, especially those just starting their career and our growing number of non-teaching staff members. I am sure that new staff will be looked after in our Tameside schools but please feel free to get in touch if you need anything or just want to talk. It may not always seem like it when you are so busy but Tameside is a successful authority and is working hard to support its teachers, both new and old.
We are still facing falling numbers in schools and this continues to affect staff over time. Six of our secondary schools will face changes in the coming year as we move towards the academies and mergers. Please get in touch if you are facing problems or need to talk.
The new Performance Management structure should now be in place in schools and I have already received phone calls from some members about this. There is guidance available on the ATL website and I can forward to members the guidance from Tameside if it is needed.
The first branch meeting this year will be used to show a presentation from John Tandy from Teachers TV. There are a number of useful and interesting programmes that he can explain so please try to come along.
Frances Ambrose has organised a number of events this year in her role as Union Learning Rep. and her newsletter is attached.
ULR News
2006-07 Events
Following the success of our Tameside Voice Care event we are planning a second evening for those of you who were on the waiting list or unable to attend the first event. Voices are precious take this opportunity of finding out how to take care of yours.
Two Clarins evenings were superb with wonderful refreshments and excellent advice from the consultants. In addition to learning about makeup and skin care participants enjoyed the rare opportunity of relaxing with colleagues in a stress free atmosphere.
An INSET session with Laszlo Palko's Samba Workshop was great fun culminating the performance of a samba composition another opportunity to relax with colleagues whilst learning about samba music.
A colleague has achieved her Skills for Life, Literacy Level One Certificate. She is now starting Level Two and planning a career change. Literacy and numeracy courses are free and can be taken in several centres throughout the borough during the day or evening to suit individual needs.
Teachers TV
As you will see from Alison's newsletter John Tandy, of Teachers TV is coming to our Autumn Term Branch Meeting. In the mean time you might be interested to know that
a series of programmes on numerous aspects of Performance Management and the Revised Professional Standards are being aired on Teachers TV and will be available to watch or download from the website ( www.teachers.tv ) once they have been broadcast.
- Performance Management 8 programmes commenced September 17 th
- Professional Standards 14 programmes commenced September 24 th
ATL Edge Hill Partnership
ATL's brilliant new, ground breaking, partnership with Edge Hill University has been designed to boost the professional development opportunities available to ATL members. The courses are heavily discounted and you can study in bite size pieces to facilitate flexible learning thus recognising the time constraints that we all have. It will be possible to study at study centres in your local area and make use of e learning opportunities. You will not be expected to study at Edge Hill University unless it is local to you. Academic guidance and support will be directly available from EHU advisors to help you achieve your goals and Edge Hill is keen to produce individual, bespoke a programmes. Academic credits are also awarded for undertaking our own ATL courses and can be used in conjunction with EHU courses.
The courses are open to all staff including NQT's, non QTS teachers and support staff.
Open University Discounts
Course Discounts
Members of unions affiliated to the TUC and ICTU and who are new to studying with the OU can obtain a 10% discount on Level 1 courses that carry 30 and 60 credit points.
Learning Resources Discounts
Members of the TUC and all its affiliated Unions receive 10% discount on all products including: self-study workbooks, cassettes, CDs, videos, DVDs and software
Quote Union ' when ordering by telephone of email
For more information go to: http://www.open.ac.uk/union/p3.shtml
Manchester Metropolitan University
MMU runs a variety of discounted courses. These courses carry accreditation and are discounted.
Transversal Programme
Grants are now available under the Transversal programme to contribute to the professional development of professionals involved in education and work-based learning. ( http://www.transversal.org.uk/ )
Transversal would like to hear from you if you would like to:
- spend up to a week in another European country;
- learn about teaching practices across Europe
- visit colleges, training providers and organisations involved in designing and delivering education and training
- meet students, teachers, trainers, employers and trade unions
Application forms and the catalogue for Study Visits between March and June 2008 are now available from www.transversal.org.uk/studyvisits.asp .
UNIONLEARN also has information relevant to this project at: http://www.Unionlearn.org.uk/glossary/index.cfm#154
Volunteer Placements
Mondo Challenge is looking for teachers who can undertake short-term volunteer placements in developing countries. There is an article about this on page three of Teaching' the GTC Magazine, Spring 2007, and you can find information on the Mondo website:
www.mondochallenge.org/teaching/
These are just some of the opportunities for both professional and personal development available to us. Colleges and universities are reaching out to learners which means that it is no longer essential to sign up to evening classes that may be inconveniently far away from your home in order to study. EHU are even offering bespoke courses to suit individual requirements. If you are interested in professional or personal learning as an individual, group or staff or if you just want to find out what is available to you just get in touch with me and I will do my best to help you to access the course that you want.
In the mean time remember to come along to our Branch Meeting on 6th November and meet John Tandy to find out what Teachers TV has to offer.
Frances Ambrose
Union Learning Representative for Tameside
Telephone: 0165 586864
Branch Meetings
The branch meetings for the year have been arranged. All will be at the usual place; at The Village Hotel, Captain Clark Road , Hyde.
Tuesday 6th November 2007 4.00. to 5.30.
Wednesday 27th February 2008 4.00. to 5.30.
Thursday 15th May 2008 4.00 to 5.30. This will be the A.G.M.
Please try to attend if you can. Have a good term.
Alison Hampson
Branch Secretary