The sixth year of Bath Spa Uni’s ‘Men into Primary’ initiative, which provides men interested in teaching at primary school level a chance to gain experience, has been hailed a success.
According to the Department of Education currently only 21 per cent of primary school teachers are male compared to 40 per cent teaching in secondary education.
The Men into Primary scheme aims to highlight the benefits of being a primary school teacher, the routes into the profession and invite existing male teachers to share their experiences.
Bath Spa Institute for Education, the leading provider of teacher education in the South West, hosted the teaching taster course at their Newton Park campus at the beginning of June.
Over 30 delegates attended the three day course which allowed them to gain initial experience within a primary school setting, attend question sessions and also networking events with current male teachers at various stages of their careers.
Pat Black, Head of Teacher Education, at Bath Spa Institute for Education, said: “With male teachers still in a small minority in primary schools this really needs to be addressed.
“It is hoped our Men into Primary programme will be beneficial for men who are considering a career in teaching as well as those who are unsure if it is the right route for them and wish to explore further without committing.
“On average our taster courses result in a 43 per cent uptake – where participants go on to apply for a teaching course in primary education which shows these types of courses are essential in closing the gap in primary education.”
For further information about primary school teaching courses at Bath Spa University visit www.bathspa.ac.uk.
