In April, we delivered our market-leading Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET) qualification locally in Dubai. It was an overwhelming success with lots of great feedback from the course delegates. Here’s what some of the delegates have said:
‘One of the best courses I have attended. Informative, well delivered and organised.’
Javene from GEMS First Point School, U.A.E
‘Amazing and should be a part of the general teaching qualification.’
Tracey from GEMS Metropole School, U.A.E
‘Fantastic course, it’s definitely a must!’
Kirsha from Sunmarke School, U.A.E
‘Extremely informative and thought provoking!’
Donna from King’s School Al Barsha, U.A.E
With the April course fully booked, we decided to hold another course in Dubai for those starting new roles or looking for new challenges in the new academic year, or simply for those who missed out on the course in April.
The new course will be held on 18-20 September at the Horizon International School in Dubai and there are still a few spaces left so book now to avoid disappointment.
During and after the course you will be working closely with our highly qualified and experienced senior educational psychologists.
Please take a look at our CCET page for more information. If you deal with access arrangements applications at your school, you may be interested in combining the CCET with our Access Arrangements Course (AAC) to gain the Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements (CPT3A) – a qualification which meets the JCQ criteria for access arrangements assessors.
Following our recent summer graduation ceremony at Middlesex University, we spoke with some of our graduates on their experiences of studying at Masters level, from their hopes and aspirations through to their advice to peers thinking about making the leap into the world of study once more.
Paula Smith
What made you take the leap into taking a masters course?
I was two-thirds of the way through and my head teacher persuaded me to go for it.
What did you hope to learn and achieve? And did the course meet those hopes?
Yes absolutely, I learnt such a lot, particularly about organisation and timekeeping. I gave up every weekend and holiday to work on my MEd which at the time was really challenging with a full-time job and family. However, when I got the first email to say it was likely I had gained a Merit, I was ecstatic, I really couldn’t believe it. Always thought because of my work commitments I would get a Pass. The feeling when I walked out with my blue gown on at graduation was an overwhelming sense of achievement. For someone, who left school with a few O’levels and have studied most of my adult life, this is the pinnacle.
Why did you opt to study with Real Training?
They were so flexible and accepted the credits from my PGCert and SENCo qualification. The website and portal are extremely user-friendly.
What is the most interesting thing you learned in your studies – about the subject or yourself?
As above, the subject I will take forward into my professional life. I love the fact that the letter after my name is on the school headed paper!
What would you say to a friend or colleague thinking of embarking on a Masters?
You can do it if you put your mind to it. You need the support of work or home, or both to get you through the tough times. Resilience, time management and organisation are key!
If you could sum up your experience studying with us in one word, what would it be?
Brilliant, timely support from my Tutor, who was so positive and boosted me when I felt I couldn’t do it. User-friendly portal, which in itself is so organised already for you.
Caroline Jones
What made you take the leap into taking a masters course?
I embarked upon my first master’s course in 2009 because my nine-year-old son was struggling in mainstream education as a result of a hearing impairment, dyspraxic and dyslexic tendencies. I wanted to be able to help him achieve his potential but realised more specialist help was needed. It was then I signed up for a PG Cert in Dyslexia and Literacy with Dyslexia Action and validated by York University.
What did you hope to learn and achieve? And did the course meet those hopes?
My intention was to assist him in improving his reading, writing and spelling skills by studying a specialist course which I could apply to the children I taught in my mainstream classes. At this time, the government was encouraging teachers to become specialists in response to the Rose Report, which found that there was a deficit in professionals with the required skills and advocated that all teachers should be trained to identify and teach dyslexic children. However, whilst completing this challenging programme, there was no additional time available to assist my son. However, I am now able to put the skills learnt into practice.
Why did you opt to study with Real Training?
I noticed that Real Training advertised the CCET course as a natural follow-on to the postgraduate dyslexia course I had just completed. I wanted to have some more in-depth knowledge of assessment procedures and report writing; I also noticed that by completing this course, I could port credits towards a master. Up until this point, I hadn’t really contemplated studying to such a degree, except that I recall my late father, saying to me, before he died in 2009, “I think you could do a master’s degree you know,” so with his words in my mind, I became determined to fulfil his wishes. I was very impressed with the way Real Training explained the various routes that could be taken. I then completed the CCET Skills and Knowledge course and partner Application and Reflection module, Educational Testing. I was extremely grateful for the support given and professionalism shown by Real Training which motivated me to complete the final Enquiry Module.
What is the most interesting thing you learned in your studies – about the subject or yourself?
Before I embarked on this journey, I would never have believed I would complete a master’s degree in Special Educational Needs and Disability. However, the more I researched the subject, the more interested I became and I developed an insatiable thirst to find out more. This, however, would not have been possible without Real Training, who made me believe in myself; thank you! I was also inspired by other delegates’ posts about their thoughts and experiences, especially on completion of the final Enquiry Module and photographs of them at their graduation.
What would you say to a friend or colleague thinking of embarking on a Masters?
I would have no hesitation in encouraging anyone thinking of embarking on a masters with Real Training to take that step of faith and do it! My experience has been extremely positive, as the website is crystal-clear to work through and all the resources are easily accessible. I was grateful for the swift response to queries, dedication and positive guidance from all the tutors and to have the opportunity to message other delegates on the website.
If you could sum up your experience studying with us in one word, what would it be?
Empowering.
Francis Garbutt
What made you take the leap into taking a masters course?
The regulations for the role of a SENCO require that one completes the National Award for SEN Coordination, thus my employer offered to pay the tuition fees if I would complete the course as part of my CPD. Yet, I also enjoy CPD and learning and thus was thrilled when this opportunity arose. I successfully completed a Masters in Education in 2013 and thus this was another great opportunity to extend my skills and knowledge within the field of Education and Special Educational Needs provision.
What did you hope to learn and achieve? And did the course meet those hopes?
I hoped to learn more about the legislations and law behind SEN provision and how this applies in my context (an international school in Germany which offers GCSE and International Baccalaureate to pupils) and what this would mean for my role as SENCO for Secondary pupils. Furthermore, I wished to know more about the leadership aspect of the role and how this can be combined with working closely with so many diverse staff.
The course allowed me to learn a great deal about my own expectations, realities of the role and how to compromise between the both to achieve the best possible outcome for pupils. Furthermore, I learnt more about frameworks and methods on how to run a SEN Department and which steps needed to be taken to make inclusion a whole school matter and to have as many staff on board with the provision we offer. I have a long way to go but the course allowed me to build a solid foundation and know where to find answers to questions, if they arise.
Why did you opt to study with Real Training?
I had completed another course in London with Real Training and was impressed with the support, professionalism and thoroughness of the course. Thus, I suggested to my employer to go through Real Training to complete the NASENCO course.
What is the most interesting thing you learned in your studies – about the subject or yourself?
Resilience and support from others are fundamental qualities which I have taken from the course. I was not just provided with knowledge, resources and ideas on how to successfully become and be a SENCO who achieves the best possible outcome for pupils; but it reminded me why I chose the role in the first place and that research, collaboration and resilience pay off and are needed in this role.
What would you say to a friend or colleague thinking of embarking on a Masters?
I would strongly recommend a Masters or any other postgraduate study because it enriches your work and allows you to grow as a professional whilst learning to root your work in research and not just intuition or “old, tested methods”. Furthermore, it allows you to become more critical of established mechanisms and look at your job from different angles to be able to improve your work and skills.
If you could sum up your experience studying with us in one word, what would it be?
Worthwhile (commitment).
Sharon Simpson
What made you take the leap into taking a masters course?
My reasons for taking the leap into taking a masters course were three-fold. Firstly, I had come to the place where I wanted to reflect more deeply and systematically on my work as a SEN teacher, in order to improve my practice.
Secondly, five years had passed since completing a Post Graduate Diploma. I needed another 60 credits to gain a Masters Degree, so it was now or never!
Thirdly, having recently taken on a part-time role as a specialist study support tutor in higher education, I believed that by studying at this level again, I would have a current and personal appreciation of all that is involved, enabling me to offer more effective support.
What did you hope to learn and achieve? And did the course meet those hopes?
I undertook an Enquiry-based module in SEND Practice, hoping to learn more about the challenges faced by learners with adequate decoding skills but who nevertheless experience significant reading comprehension difficulties. I also wanted my studies to benefit my (school) work setting and this was achieved through the action research framework employed for my enquiry project. Additionally, the skills I gained have been useful in my HE role, particularly when supporting third-year students with their dissertations and final projects.
Why did you opt to study with Real Training?
Firstly, I opted to study with Real Training because they offered an affordable distance learning course and accepted my previous post-graduate training as accredited prior learning (APL). This meant that I did not have to start again in order to gain a full Masters degree. Secondly, training in research skills was part of the course so I did not need to take a bridging module. Last but not least, I had heard from a colleague that studying with Real Training was “very good!”
What is the most interesting thing you learned in your studies – about the subject or yourself?
I have learned so much through my studies. For me, the most interesting thing is that I now appreciate the meaning of research in an academic sense and have discovered a systematic and accessible way of becoming a reflective practitioner. Looking back on my research design checklist and all that needed to be accomplished alongside work and family commitments, I am also reminded of how a determination to succeed can strengthen resilience when challenges arise.
What would you say to a friend or colleague thinking of embarking on a Masters?
For someone considering a Masters, I would say:
- Be very clear in your own mind about why you want to do this
- Get good advice so you choose a pathway which is right for you
- Be realistic about how and when you will make time for your studies
- Be organised and self-disciplined – you’ll have to make some sacrifices
- Go for it!
If you could sum up your experience studying with us in one word, what would it be?
Impressive!
As you may already be aware, from this September you will be able to study on our newly revised SEND programme.
During the past five years, since we first introduced our SEND programme, a whopping 789 students have been awarded their Postgraduate Certificates, 19 have gained the Postgraduate Diploma and a further 43 have gained their Masters through Real Training and Middlesex University.
We have loved working with all the education professionals completing our courses and we are very proud of what we have achieved together. This is why we have recently reviewed and revised the programme – we want to make sure it continues to meet the ever-changing demands of the education sector in the UK and also internationally.
With our new strengthened programme, you could graduate with one of ten Postgraduate Certificate awards (some of which are new), a Postgraduate Diploma in SEND or a Master of Education (MEd) in SEND. In partnership with Dyslexia Action, we are also pleased to be able to offer a MEd Professional Practice in Dyslexia and Literacy.
To see a full list of the awards and modules available in the revised programme, please take a look at our dedicated SEND programme web page and get in touch if you have any queries. In particular, make sure you have a look at our brand new modules:
• Evidence and Pedagogy for Inclusion (available to start in September 2018)
• International Award in SEN Coordination (available to start in September 2018)
• Cognition & Learning (available to start in January 2019)
• Psychology for Education (available to start in January 2019)
Last year, like many organisations, we hosted some live, paid events to run through that year’s updates to the JCQ regulations. Following a great deal of thought and debate, this year we have decided to do something quite different. We are going to be offering a free-to-access update, available to all qualified access arrangements professionals.
This will take the form of a detailed webinar, hosted by our experts, giving you full details on the changes implemented this year and discussing potential challenges, interpretations and scenarios.
Why have we made this change?
There are two main reasons behind this change, one technical and the other a matter of principle. The technical reason is that we understand that the upcoming changes are not particularly wide-ranging or challenging – certainly not sufficient to merit a full day of training. The fundamental reason, though, was one of principle. As an organisation committed to improving outcomes for all – and giving education professionals the confidence they need – we feel a professional duty to ensure that all access arrangements assessors have the information they require, regardless of their school’s financial circumstances.
How can you register?
A registration form for the webinar will be circulated in the coming weeks. If you want us to add your name to the list, however, simply email us and we can process your free registration from here.
When will you be able to access the Real Training Access Arrangements Update?
We’ll be working over the summer, to ensure that you can access this full, free update by the start of the autumn term – giving you the confidence you need ahead of the first wave of Form 8 submissions in the winter.
Can you pass this on to your colleagues?
The short answer to this is yes! Whilst this update is being created with our previous graduates foremost in mind, we want to support all assessors. So, if you have colleagues who might benefit, please forward this email to them so they can also benefit.
On 15 and 16 June, we will be at the Autism Show in London. If you’re planning to head to the show, please come along and see us at our Dyslexia Action stand.
As always, the organisers have developed an interesting and thought-provoking range of seminars and workshops, please have a look at the Autism Show website for full details of what to expect.
Free tickets!
If you would like to attend the show but do not yet have a ticket, please email our colleague, Liz Martin, and we will enter you into our draw to win one of 15 free tickets. If you are a winner, you will receive a code to order your free ticket during the week commencing 4 June.
We have so much to discuss
You’ll find us on stand D6 at the show. It’s easy to remember because D stands for Dyslexia Action and there are 6 main reasons why you should come and see us:
- To find out about how Dyslexia Action’s level 4 and 5 courses can support you and your colleagues. Although the focus of the courses is on Dyslexia, the skills you will master are also applicate to a wide range of learning difficulties.
- To discover how Dyslexia Action’s level 7 programme can support you in taking the next step in your career towards becoming a specialist teacher or specialist assessor.
- To take advantage of exclusive discounted resources for the show from our Dyslexia Action Shop.
- Find our more about the different levels of Dyslexia Guild membership and how you can join.
- Learn about Real Training’s newly launched, inclusively-led range of NPQ courses.
- To find out about the exciting new modules on the Real Training MEd in SEND Programme along with our ever-popular autism spectrum conditions masters module.
Keep your student testing and assessment up-to-date
As you may be aware, the new Wechsler Individual Achievement Test For Teachers is about to be released in the UK.
WIAT-IIlUK-T provides a reliable assessment of reading, language and numerical attainment in one test and is suitable for use with learners from ages 4 to 25.
Who is WIAT-IIIUK-T aimed at?
This is a professional test kit to be used only by qualified teachers that hold a further Postgraduate qualification in SEN ie Postgraduate Diploma or Masters in SEN, SpLD or a relevant field. Please note that you will be required to provide the name(s) and qualifications for those that will run the assessment – providing this information at checkout will speed up your order.
Why should I switch?
As the new WIATIIIUK-T replaces the second edition, you may ask, why should I switch? The new assessment has been re-standardised with UK norms so this will be more up to date giving you better results.
When can I order?
You can pre-order today at the Dyslexia Action Shop, whether you are looking for the boxed test kit, or with an additional bag to make the kit easier to transport around your setting.
Our price-match guarantee
Place your order by June 30th and we promise that if you find the same product cheaper anywhere else, we will match that price. You can shop with us with confidence, knowing you’re getting the best service and the best price possible.
We are pleased to inform you that, due to popular demand, we have recently added a new date into our training calendar for 2018. Our highly-regarded 3-day intensive Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET) course will be taking place on 27-29 June at Conference Aston in Birmingham. The venue has a 4 star rating on Trip Advisor and boasts excellent leisure facilities for you to take advantage of if you are looking to book our residential option.
Course eligibility
CCET is an open access course and is therefore completed by a wide range of professionals from a variety of education settings. This includes teachers, SENCOs, teaching assistants, tutors and education officers. The only requirement is that you will need access to suitable students and psychometric tests in order to complete the assignments after the 3-day course. If you are unsure as to whether you would have access to tests, please find more details here about the loan scheme available through the Dyslexia Action Shop. As a CCET delegate, you would also receive 10% discount at the shop.
What you will learn
By completing this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge required to be able to administer and interpret psychometric tests effectively in your setting. The course covers all of the British Psychological Society’s (BPS) competences and standards so at the end of the course, if you wish, you can become a registered Test User with the BPS.
How to book
If you would like to attend this intensive CCET course in June, please complete the online booking form and ensure you select the Birmingham course option on the drop-down list. We will not take payment at the time of booking, however a £500 deposit is required within seven days of booking to secure your place.
Of course, there are other dates and venues available should Birmingham does not suit you this time. You can see full details of these on our dedicated CCET webpage.
Our sister company, Dyslexia Action, is holding The Dyslexia Guild Conference on Thursday 28 June at Aston University in Birmingham. If you are a professional in the education sector and you have an interest in Dyslexia and specific learning difficulties (SpLD), we would love for you to join us.
LEARN more about recent research and current hot topics such as the multilingual aspects of dyslexia, as well as the immediate and longer-term effectiveness of a speech-rhythm-based reading intervention and academic writing, by listening to our keynote speakers.
SHARE best practice by networking with over 150 education professionals with the same interest in dyslexia/SpLD, including our colleagues at Dyslexia Action.
DISCOVER the latest news and innovations from the world of SEN in the exhibitors hall, including an exclusive look at the new WIAT-III UK-T at the Dyslexia Action Shop stand.
Take a look at our conference programme for full details of what to expect from the day. You can also book to attend on Wednesday 27 June for an additional seminar, dinner and accommodation.
Book before 17 May and pay an early bird rate of just £95 if you are already a member or £125 for non-members. These prices are inclusive of VAT and cover the full conference programme for Thursday plus lunch and refreshments. If you wish to attend both Wednesday and Thursday, the rate is £247 (inclusive of VAT). To book now, simply complete our online registration form.
For more information before you book, please look at The Dyslexia Guild web page.
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