Teacher training
success
A PIONEERING approach to teacher training has proved successful for a second year in Torpoint.
The towns infants school is one of around only 40 primary schools in the country to take part in the training initiative which sees student teachers working towards their qualifications while based at a school.
This year three students, Karen Kennedy, Lara Chandler and Sandra Swain, have successfully gained their teaching qualifications while based at the infants school. They have repeated the success of Don Smith, Cushla Sheridan and Viv Waldock who took part in the first year of the programme run at the school.
The school was chosen to take part in the initiative, which goes under the name of SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training), after being judged to be outstanding by Ofsted school inspectors.
The thinking from Ofsted is that it is a good idea to train future teachers in outstanding schools.
Students learn the practice of teaching for a whole year and back it up with theory. Traditionally, students have learnt the theory at college and then gone to schools to put it into practice.
Torpoint teacher Chris Clewer, who has acted as a mentor along with other teachers to the students, said: "The SCITT courses are receiving praise nationally. It is a good system.
"Initially the students spent a lot of time observing lessons. Then they began to work with individuals and groups before progressing to whole class teaching.
"Our students are happy with the way things have gone. The trio have progressed, finishing their teaching practice and passing all their assignments and tests.
"They will be given more support in their first year as teachers. Lara has gained a post at a Plymouth school and starts in September. Karen and Sandra are looking for jobs or will do supply work.
"We had an end of year celebration meal which was also attended by the three students from last year - they are all teaching in schools."
The school has arranged for two new SCITT students to work towards a post-graduate certificate of education in Torpoint in the coming school year.
Teachers at the school have received training to be mentors from Nottingham University which validates the programme.
Prince Charles has taken a personal interest in the SCITT scheme and last year invited 120 people from around the country, including Torpoint, to his home at Highgrove for a reception.
Lip reading
classes
A SERIES of lip reading classes are to be held in Torpoint in the coming months.
Social Services, working in partnership with the Workers Educational Association, will be offering tuition as part of its service for hard of hearing people.
The aim of the course is to give students practical help in coping with their deafness. As well as tuition in lip reading, there will be training in active listening and clear speech.
Tutor Jan Frost will run the classes over three terms of eight weeks at Torpoint Health Centre in Hooper Street.
The classes will be held from 10 am to noon on Wednesdays, with the first term starting on September 20.
More details are available on 01872 320036.
Weedkilling
programme
FOLLOWING complaints from Torpoint Town Council about the amount of weeds growing in the town, the County Highways department has responded with a letter saying that a weedkilling programme had been carried out and that weeds were dying back.
Civic highlight
ONE of the highlights of the civic year in Torpoint will take place on Friday, November 17, this year. The Mayors Charity Ball will be held at Torpoint School on that date.
Website page
INFORMATION about Torpoint is being provided by the town council for a proposed Torpoint page on the Caradon District Council website.
Councillors were unhappy with the proposed wording put forward by the district council.
The town council is sending its version, featuring key points supplied by Pat and Freda Manning, to Caradon.
Lions Corner
IF you are reading your Advertiser hot from the press, don't forget that tomorrow, Saturday September 2, is Carnival Day in Torpoint. The Fancy Dress Parade will assemble at Torpoint Community School at 1.30, with judging at 2.00.
The Procession will move off at 2.30 led by the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines with the Carnival King and Queen to the fore. The route will be from Trevol Road, down Antony Road, through Harvey Street and ending in Tamar Street. The Royal Marine Band will then give a display of counter marching on the Car Park, Fore Street, Tamar Street and the Tamar Street Car Park will be closed to Traffic from 1.00 to 6.00. A Street Carnival will be held where there will be live music, sideshows, bouncy castle and slide, charity stalls and other events.
It's going to be a fun afternoon with (we hope) a bit of lucky Lions' weather. Come along and enjoy Torpoint en fete and meet all your friends you haven't seen since the last Lions' do.
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OUR Car Boot Sale at Torpoint Community School on August 19 went reasonably well. It was our first venture in this activity and twenty three cars rolled up to do their business. The Lions Charity Chest gained nearly £100 and, having broken the ice, we will be doing it again.
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THE Coffee Morning at Kingsand will be held in the Kingsand Institute on Saturday September 16 from 9 to 11.30. Come along for coffee and biscuits, a chat and a go at the raffle - we will be pleased to see you.
Fathers' Day Walk
LION Treasurer Jim Parsonage reports that the bulk of the monies promised by the Sponsored Walkers is now in the final total will just exceed £2,000. There are a few lists outstanding so, if you are still holding money from the Walk, Lion Jim, at 26 Maker Road, Torpoint, will be glad to accept or pass it over to your friendly local Lion. Once again our grateful thanks to all our walkers and those generous people who sponsored them.
Waste Newspaper Banks
JUST to remind you that the Lions have waste newspaper banks on two sites in the district - one in Cawsand Car Park and the other on the Torpoint side of Antony village. Use of these for newspapers only, no paper packing materials, glossy magazines or telephone directories, please - brings in about £200 a year for the Charity Chest. The more you use the banks the more we make.
Recent Donations
£200 - Help towards a trip to Disney Land for two children suffering from MS. £75 - Purchase of a seat for the Abbeyfield Garden.