In 2002-03 we had more than 7,000 UGC-funded students who were either preparing to teach or already employed as teachers. Our main focus was on the preparation of teachers for the early years and primary sectors and in special education. Students in these areas made up over 70% of our student body. We also continued to play an important role preparing secondary teachers in languages and cultural and technology subjects including music, design and technology, art and physical education.

As well as providing initial training for new entrants to the profession, a major part of our work is with serving teachers studying on a part-time basis to upgrade their academic qualifications or enrich their professional skills. Around 45% of our student numbers in 2002-03 were taken up by serving teachers engaged in top-up degree programmes, part-time post-graduate diploma programmes or professional upgrading courses.

Finding future teachers
We actively seek out secondary students with the academic, practical and personal qualities to make them committed and effective teachers. To do this we have developed processes which allow us to attract and select the most suitable candidates for a career in teaching.

In 2002-03 we ran information sessions for career teachers, prospective students and their parents and a broad range of innovative promotional activities. We sought quality applicants through outreach programmes where teaching staff visited secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

We also organised activities to bring secondary school students to our campus to engage in experiences designed to cultivate a deeper understanding of what is involved in a teaching career.

Choosing students with the aptitude to teach
We seek students with effective communication and language skills, potential for critical and creative thinking, positive attitudes towards learning, enthusiasm for and genuine interest in teaching, commitment to the teaching profession and a love for and the ability to empathise with children.

To help us choose the best applicants, during the reporting period, admission interviews were conducted with the assistance of about 30 school principals or senior teachers from local schools. They provided valuable contributions to the selection of quality applicants with the personal qualities and professional attributes suitable for joining the teaching profession.