Mr. Stephen Cook with a current iQTS student, Keith, and his mentor at Tsinghua International School Daoxiang Lake.

In early November, Professor Barnaby Lenon CBE, the Dean of the School of Education, and Mr. Stephen Cook, the Director of International Programmes, embarked on a visit to China to participate in the University of Buckingham's annual Alumni & Networking events. This year, the events were hosted in two cities, Beijing, and Shanghai.

Following the Alumni & Networking events, Mr. Stephen Cook, along with representatives from the Buckingham International School of Education (BISE), had the privilege of visiting and being warmly welcomed by several international and bilingual schools, including Keystone Academy, Tsinghua International School Daoxiang Lake, Olive Tree International Academy BFSU, Hangzhou World Foreign Language School, St. Bees Dongguan, Yew Wah International School of Guangzhou, and ISA Liwan International School. 

Each of the schools visited, supports trainee teachers undertaking the University of Buckingham’s teacher training, therefore, the school visits focused on interactions with PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and iQTS (International Qualified Teacher Status) students, their mentors, and the school leadership teams. 

Keith Budd, a history teacher of Tsinghua International School Daoxiang Lake, is one of the students currently taking the iQTS course with the University of Buckingham.

"It was great to meet Steve and the team from Buckingham at my school, and later at the presentation in downtown Beijing.  I learnt a lot about the Buckingham University, and what it can offer my students from China as well as the programs offered from BISE."

In addition, he told BISE that he is enjoying his iQTS study.

"Even though I have been a teacher for many years, the theories, readings and observations that form part of the PGCE + iQTS program have been wonderful in helping me to reflect upon and improve my own classroom practice, I learn something new every week."

During the school visits, university representatives had a unique opportunity to witness the tangible effects of teacher training programs on schools and their communities. Engaging with school leadership teams not only shed light on the global resonance of the University of Buckingham's dedication to educational excellence but also provided valuable insights. Interactions with trainee teachers further deepened the understanding of the successes and challenges faced by individuals undergoing teacher training.

The School of Education at the University of Buckingham was founded in 2002. With over 1,300 teachers and school leaders studying there in any one year, the School of Education has become one of Britain’s leading providers of teacher training and professional development. The school is led by Professor Barnaby Lenon CBE who, as headmaster of Harrow School, started two schools in China. He and his team have a wealth of experience globally and in China to offer schools and individual trainees.

BISE in collaboration with the University of Buckingham provides a range of options for China based teachers:
▪        The International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS)
▪        The PGCE for International Trainees
▪        MA Education degrees
▪        Professional Doctorate in Education

Applications for the 24/25 intake for all courses are now open. Please contact the admissions officer Tracy Yang at [email protected] for more information.