Volunteers qualify as teachers

Dedicated volunteers of St John Ambulance in Leicester have completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and can now use their new skills to train people in future.

12 hardworking members took the course at South Leicestershire College and did the work in their own personal spare time.

The qualification was through the University of Northampton and the group achieved a pass rate of 100% on all modules with many of the St John learners earning distinction grades.

As a result of their success, the members will now gain a QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills Sector) licence to practice as fully qualified lecturers and trainers in post compulsory education and training.

National recognition

During the 2008/9 academic year, the group were nominated for an adult learners award with the National Institute for Adult Continuing Education and at the end of the course, one student from the group was put forward for the university ‘Adult Student of the Year ‘Star’ award for 2009. St John Ambulance volunteer Karen Moore, was the winner of this prestigous accolade.

Dr Pete Keeffe, Programme Leader for the course, said: 'It was both a pleasure and a priviledge to be the tutor and research supervisor for such a dedicated and hard working group of students.

'I am delighted that we have begun a new PGCE/CertEd programme at St John Ambulance in Leicester and whilst looking forward to teaching the new group, I know that this graduating class of 2008/9 will be a very hard act to follow.'

St John Ambulance in Leicester would like to congratulate the following students for completing their PGCE:

• Ann Barkel from Thurnby Lodge
• Luke Easingwood from Anstey
• Barry Hambridge from Leicester
• Avril Holland from Birstall
• Ian Hopgood from Hinckley
• Kathie Lazell from Kibworth
• Karen Moore from Leicester
• Chris Newson from Leicester
• David Parker from Anstey
• Joyce Shorley from Market Harborough
• Karen Upton from Glenfield
• Kate Wright from Melton Mowbray