School teachers from around the county are set to benefit from free professional development training from the Cornwall College Group.

The training on offer is designed to provide existing teachers looking to learn additional skills and former teachers who are returning to the profession and wishing to improve their confidence and employability skills, subject specialism training in secondary level maths and physics.

The course will be delivered as a free two-day residential at the Eden Project during February half term, where academics and representatives from the industry will provide case studies to help teachers place theory in context to improve the motivation of their students. There will be some online elements of the course, as well as in-school professional development observations.

Teachers taking part will enhance their subject knowledge, explore teaching strategies, develop confidence in challenging misconceptions and building understanding in their students. Guided lesson planning and mentor support will provide participants with the tools needed to sustain progress once the course is completed.

Dr Mark Nason, director of science and natural environment for the Cornwall College Group, said:

“Schools and colleges nationwide experience considerable difficulties recruiting enough high quality teachers of maths and physics to satisfy demand. This Department for Education funded programme is a fantastic opportunity for you to build your knowledge and confidence in maths or physics and is particularly suitable if you are returning to teaching after a break or if you currently teach another subject but wish to expand your repertoire and own employability skills.

"During the course you will be guided to online exercises and support and our tutors will observe your teaching practice to help you to produce an action plan. You do not have to be currently employed as a teacher, however if you are we can support your school with the cost of providing cover to support your attendance. This really is a fantastic opportunity for top quality professional development at no cost.”

Contact Chantelle Cook on chantelle.cook@st-austell.ac.uk if you would like to book a place, which will be offered on a first come, first served basis.