Windsor was awarded Training School status in 2004 and retains this status until 2010, when we will apply
for redesignation. We are one of only three Training Schools in Dudley.
The school has been involved with ITT for many years and takes trainees from five Higher Education Institutions.
Our expectation is that all staff at some point are trained as mentors. We offer certificated generic mentor
training for our recently qualified teachers every two years. We offer trainees an extensive after school
training programme which is delivered by key staff at Windsor and also taught pedagogy sessions.
We also run a year long induction programme for NQTs and Graduate Teachers delivered by both Windsor staff
and external consultants. We work with NQTs and staff from another High School to maximise collaboration
and networking opportunities. The training programme includes a Residential weekend in a local four-star
hotel in the Autumn Term.
We have developed an observatory classroom where trainees and NQTs can watch experienced practitioners teach
and vice versa without additional presences in the room altering the dynamics of the group.
We are delighted with the training opportunities this room affords. We are able to record lessons onto DVD
to share best practice and extend opportunities for self reflection and evaluation.
To support the workforce re-modelling reforms, the school currently supports five teaching assistants in a
Foundation Degree delivered at Halesowen College by Windsor's SENCO and the SENCO at the Earls, another local
High School. All teaching assistants follow an internal training programme with opportunities for collaboration
and work shadowing. All Teaching Assistants also complete and disseminate action research in areas of
Special Need.
We use a combination of INSET days and Twilight INSET sessions to deliver training and promote reflection
time and collaborative opportunities on both whole school and Faculty teaching and learning priorities.
This year we have discrete training programmes for Cover Supervisors, Pastoral Managers and Teaching
Assistants, a teaching and learning programme for recently qualified teachers, and half termly Special Needs
sessions delivered by experts from the L.A. in addition to other wider professional development opportunities.
Our Trust status with two local High Schools, an F.E. College and a University means that opportunities for
work shadowing and observation outside Windsor are extensive and easy to arrange.
All Faculties carry out classroom based action research some of which is certificated and supported through
the GTC's Teachers' Learning Academy. Projects have included research into impact of sketch books on raising
achievement of boys, the value of homework in Design Technology and why students opt out of MFL at KS4.
Research findings are disseminated across the school.
We actively develop and promote international links for staff development.
Staff have participated in a study visit to a High School in Baltimore, USA, two study visits to Schools in
Holland and a visit to an International school in Madrid.
We offer support staff a whole range of training including ECDL, NVQs for our technicians and administrative
training through our local COVE.
Training School status affords opportunities to see first hand innovative and cutting edge practice in
successful schools across the country and embed the best practice at Windsor. We realise that effective
high quality training greatly aids recruitment and retention of high quality staff. This impacts positively
on teaching and learning and is a significant factor in maintaining pupils' high standards of achievement.