Partnerships & Professional Learning

Working Together to Improve Education

At Ponteland Community Primary School, we believe that excellent schools continue to learn, develop and share expertise.

We are proud to work collaboratively with other schools, educational organisations and professionals to strengthen teaching, develop staff and improve outcomes and opportunities for children.

Our commitment to professional learning has deep roots within the history of PCPS and continues to influence our approach today.

Our Teaching School Heritage

Ponteland Community Primary School has a proud history of supporting teaching and professional development beyond our own school.

In July 2014, the former Ponteland Community Middle School was designated as a National Teaching School, recognising the strength of teaching, learning, leadership and professional development within the school.

As a Teaching School, we worked with schools and professionals to support:

  • high-quality teaching and learning
  • professional development
  • school-to-school support
  • leadership development
  • initial teacher training
  • the sharing of effective practice

The national Teaching School programme came to an end in 2021, when the Department for Education moved to a new national model of school improvement and professional development.

Although PCPS is therefore no longer designated as a Teaching School, the principles behind that work remain important to us.

Professional Learning at PCPS

We believe that investing in our staff is one of the most effective ways of investing in our children.

Professional development at PCPS is focused on continually improving the quality of teaching, developing expertise and ensuring that staff have the knowledge and skills they need to provide an excellent education.

Our staff benefit from opportunities including:

  • school-based professional development
  • subject-specific training
  • leadership development
  • coaching and professional dialogue
  • collaboration with colleagues
  • external training and development
  • opportunities to share expertise and effective practice

We encourage staff at every stage of their career to continue learning and developing.

Developing Future Teachers

We are proud to support the development of people who want to build a career in education.

PCPS has a long history of involvement in Initial Teacher Training and of providing opportunities for trainee teachers to learn alongside experienced practitioners.

Working with future teachers also benefits our own school community. It encourages professional reflection, brings new ideas into school and allows experienced colleagues to share their knowledge and expertise.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING AT PCPS

Continuing Professional Development

Our commitment to professional development extends beyond initial teacher training.

We believe that effective professional development should have a clear purpose: to improve children’s experiences and outcomes.

Our approach therefore links professional learning closely to school priorities, curriculum development, subject knowledge, teaching practice and leadership.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CPD OFFER

Working in Partnership

We value opportunities to work alongside other schools and organisations.

Partnership working allows schools to:

  • share expertise
  • learn from one another
  • develop staff
  • explore effective practice
  • solve problems collaboratively
  • strengthen provision for children

We are always interested in developing positive partnerships that benefit children, staff and the wider education community.

Interested in Working With PCPS?

If you are interested in professional development, teacher training, partnership working or collaborating with Ponteland Community Primary School, please get in touch.

Telephone: 01661 824853

Our team will be happy to discuss how we may be able to work together.

A Proud Heritage – An Ambitious Future

We are proud of our history as a National Teaching School, but our focus remains firmly on the future.

By investing in people, developing expertise and working collaboratively, we continue to strengthen the quality of education we provide for every child at PCPS.

Ponteland Community Primary School

Where an abundance of opportunities await.