Highland Council is continuing to pioneer new departures in teacher education by launching a part-time distance learning course for aspiring secondary teachers from August.
A similar course for primary initial teacher training was established in 2003, and some 25 students are expected to graduate in the summer.
Bruce Robertson, director of education for Highland, said the new postgraduate diploma in education (PGDE), taught in partnership with Aberdeen University, would initially cover the shortage subjects of English, mathematics, technology, home economics and Gaelic.
Experienced teachers are expected to be involved as associate tutors, an approach that has proved successful on the primary course, to ensure the required support in schools across Highland.
Meanwhile, writing in this week’s TES Scotland, Douglas Weir of Strathclyde University’s education faculty has called for schools to be designated for training teachers (Platform, page 21).
