A TEACHER training programme offered by a group, including Tavistock and Okehampton Colleges, has scooped a unique accolade. All three courses offered by the Devon Secondary Teacher Training Group have been awarded A grades by Ofsted. The group has become the only organisation of its type to be awarded A grades for each of the courses it offers. The group is a partnership with a number of secondary schools across the county. It provides school-centred initial teacher training courses for graduates seeking a post-graduate teaching qualification. The course originally offered specialist training in Performing Arts when it was established six years ago, but now offers PGCE courses in drama, music and French or German. The Ofsted inspection report said an outstanding feature was the ?commitment of the headteachers and school staff to the training?. Trainees spend most of their time in school learning alongside experienced mentors, but also attend regular sessions at the training centre in Dartington, providing a balance between theory and practice. Both Tavistock and Okehampton Colleges currently have trainees taking part in the training programmes. Course manager Jackie Taylor said they were delighted with the high praise by Ofsted.
