Professional development at St. Clare's

St. Clare's played host to 40 primary and secondary teachers from Korea for a three-week training programme during January. They were sponsored by the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education as part of the drive to improve English-language teaching in schools throughout the province.

Teaching methodology sessions at the Bardwell Road site were enriched by observations in local primary and secondary schools as well as study visits to Christ Church College, Oxford University Press and Blackwell's bookshop. Outside speakers included the Director of Education at the Korean Embassy in London, a well-known author of EFL materials for children and the Emeritus Professor of Cardiovascular Physiology at the University of Oxford.

The teachers also made the most of the many cultural opportunities in Oxford and beyond. In a packed programme they enjoyed the welcome and farewell receptions in college; concerts at Holywell Music Rooms and Balliol College; a skittles evening at a traditional English pub; a formal dinner at St. Hugh's College; the Talent Show and Lunar New Year's Celebration in college; and the guided excursions to London, Stonehenge, Avebury and Bath. Somehow many teachers also found time to experience one or more London musicals!

They were welcomed back to Korea by the Superintendent of the Ministry of Education in Gwangju who was delighted by their positive feedback.