Physical Education Teacher Development
Course, April 2010-05-09
Following the huge success of our pilot
course last year in Lizulu Zone this April, working in partnership with the
University of Bedfordshire (UB), we delivered a 3 day teacher development
course in Dedza. This year the team comprised of Michelle and Claire from
Inspire Malawi, Paul Sammon and Mark Bowler, both Senior Lecturers in PE at UB,
and four outstanding final year students from the BA PE degree; Ashley Yeomans,
Luke Taylor, Natasha Hale and Rikki Howard.
On our first day we walked to the Teacher
Development Centre (TDC) in Dedza, a thirty minute walk along a dirt track,
through fields of maize and across a stream! Upon arriving at the TDC we met
with Mr Chiphaka, the Primary Education Co-ordinator for the Zone, who was most
excited to be working with us. He introduced us to the District Education
Advisor (DEM), Mr Banda, who is extremely supportive of our initiative and gave
us a tour of the TDC and DEM’s office. The facilities in Dedza were wonderful
and it was a perfect location for our training. The course was open to PE
teachers and Head teachers across Dedza and neighbouring Zones, and we were
delighted once again to have well over 100 teachers respond to our invitation
letter.
Tuesday 13th April was the first
day of the course and it was wonderful to see so many teachers arriving close
to, but not quite at, 7.30am! By 9am and in true African time we had most of
the participants and so training commenced. Teachers were divided into four
working groups and enjoyed training in Gymnastics, Games, Outdoor and
Adventurous Activities, Athletics and Health. This year we started each day
with a ‘theme’ for the day which worked extremely well highlighting issues such
as inclusion and differentiation. This was then reinforced throughout the day
during all activities. We were very pleased to have Richard Mbewe, a teacher
from Lizulu Community Day Secondary School with us to help deliver the
training. Richard was an outstanding participant on the course last year and we
were very keen to have him working with us in Dedza. His knowledge, enthusiasm
and language added real value to our teaching. We hope through these courses to
find more teachers like Richard so that in the future courses can be lead by
Malawians for Malawians in more regions.
At the end of our final day we had a
‘graduation’ ceremony at which many inspiring and motivational speeches were
heard. All teachers completed a course evaluation which will be used to help
inform future planning. It was also wonderful for us to see some extremely
positive feedback. 106 teachers ‘graduated’ from the course and each were given
a certificated of attendance signed by Prof Les Ebdon, Vice Chancellor of the
University of Bedfordshire. All participants were delighted with their
certificates and called for follow-up refresher courses in the future if
possible! Our guest at the graduation ceremony was Sr Elizabeth who is
Principal of St Joseph’s Teacher Training College in Bembeke. It is our hope
that the University of Bedfordshire and St Joseph’s can work in partnership
with us at Inspire to deliver more training courses in Physical Education in
the future. Each of the 44 schools represented at the training received a
‘starter pack’ for PE which included a tennis ball, frisbee and resource pack.
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Of course, all Malawian participants took
many positive things away from this course including increased subject
knowledge and confidence. However, the same can also be said for those involved
in delivering the training. Delivering such a forward thinking course in such a
challenging environment is a very unique and enriching experience. These
courses really do have a dual benefit and it is our hope and wish at Inspire
Malawi to continue inspiring teachers from both Malawi and UK for many years to
come. Thank you so much to all of our sponsors and supporters here in UK,
without your continued support these courses would be unable to run. Zikomo
kwambeli.
Below are some comments from the UB team:
‘The teacher development course was a huge
success with 106 teachers ‘graduating’ at the end of the three intensive days.
I felt having a focused theme for each day was a positive enhancement on last
year’s course. Both the excellent teamwork, together with the thirst for
learning demonstrated by the local teachers were huge factors in the success of
the course.’
Paul Sammon, April 2010
‘I have had the best time on this trip. The
course was excellent and I feel it was a great way to end my fourth year of
teacher training. It was all worthwhile after seeing the Course evaluations’
Ashley Yeomans, April 2010
‘The CPD in Dedza was brilliant. I feel I
have developed my teaching and gave so many schools new ideas (I actually feel
like I have made a difference). The kids, the people and the culture in Malawi
is amazing and is something I will never forget. This trip has made University
for me, thank you so much.’
