Graduating Teachers

Teachers graduating from the School of Education have been linked with schools in townships in Pretoria, South Africa since 2004, when staff and students funded the salary of a teacher in Banareng School, Atteridgeville.  Six ex-PGCE students also spent two weeks – self-funded - working there.

Funding from Cascade meant 21 students were able to experience this opportunity in 2010.

The benefits for the professional development of the Nottingham students were far reaching. They were moved, shocked, challenged, warmed and empowered by the experiences they had. They gained confidence as classroom practitioners. All involved express their sincere gratitude to donors for making such a life-changing experience possible. 

Professor Christine Hall, Head of the School of Education.

Prior to going out to South Africa, the PGCE students also worked in partnership with the Nottingham University Samworth Academy (NUSA) and the University’s Academy Project Unit in creating and supporting a year 6 South Africa themed transition project.

A further 15 students received funding from Cascade in 2011 to volunteer in township schools in the area of Mamelodi and the project has grown from strength to strength. To see how school pupils, students and teachers from both Nottingham and townships in Pretoria are continuing to benefit please see the following video.