Postgraduate Teaching Consultancy Scheme
The Postgraduate Teaching Consultancy Scheme aims to alleviate a shortage of subject-specific science teachers through engagement of PhD students in science, technology and mathematics.
The scheme, funded by a number of external agencies with support from the Academic Registrars Office and run in partnership with Durham LEA, aims to place PhD research students in their local secondary schools. The research students spend one year half-time supporting the teaching of science in the school, while spending the remainder of their time continuing with their research. This normally involves a commitment from the PhD students to spend between 90 and 100 days on school-related work in a 12 month period, and provides them with a unique opportunity to develop their key transferable skills and a greater appreciation for their own research in a wider context.
The school gains access to a highly qualified and enthusiastic science graduate who can introduce pupils (and their teachers) to leading-edge developments, research and thinking in their field. Since the first placement in 2003, 45 Postgraduate Teaching Consultants have revolutionised the way science is taught in 40 schools across the North East.
Here is an account of one school's experience of the scheme:
"Every school should have a Sid! according to Deborah Barakat a teacher at Excelsior Academy, Newcastle upon Tyne in which Siddarth Narayanan, a Durham University PhD student, was placed whilst participating in the Postgraduate Teaching Consultancy Scheme.
Many of Sid's contributions to the participating school were easy to quantify: the provision of new teaching resources, field trips for students and new after-school science clubs; but there can be unexpected outcomes. Using his photographic memory, Sid was able to memorise the dates of the children's birthdays and then recite them in a "Beat Sid quest", an absolute winner with the pupils (and staff).
The impact of a Postgraduate Teaching Consultant can be long lasting for all participants. Deborah Barakat still uses the methods Sid introduced in some of her lessons; and he still remembers her birthday!
If you are interested in participating in this scheme (or would simply like more information) please do not hesitate to contact us via the comments and questions form located at the bottom of the page or by using our contact details located on the homepage.