As previously reported in Voice Matters – Spring Issue, the VCN was awarded some start up funding for a pilot project to deliver voice training workshops to fill gaps in CPD provision for teachers in England, by the TDA.
The workshops have been developed to focus on vocal skills and clarity and the application of these skills to different groups of pupils in different situations, rather than just voice care alone.
We have had an interesting response from a range of Local Authorities, particularly to the West of London, the West Midlands, the North West and Yorkshire. Strangely we have had difficulty finding the right decision makers in the East of England, the South East and East London!
We have already delivered 4 pre-pilot workshops to “debug” the new courses and have had some encouraging feedback:
From a LA in the North West:
- “Very good and well received”
- “Clear, specific, practical and user friendly”
- “Practical ideas, lots of useful tips”
- “Make it available to all NQTs”
- “Could be turned into a full day”
And comments from a LA in the West Midlands:
- “Plenty of suggestions, good advice”
- “Practical activities, everyone involved”
- “Held my attention 100%”
And from a LA in the South West:
- Good balance of theory and practice”
- “Excellent, good trainer”
- “Hands on and interesting”
Further pilot workshops will be delivered during the next academic year when a full report will be made available to the TDA, which we are certain will demonstrate the very clear need (and demand) from all parts of the School Workforce for Voice Training at the start and throughout their careers.