Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Gateway Launches Bachelor of Education (Hons) Degree at the Internatio­nal Forum for Teachers

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Gateway Group one of the largest educationa­l organisati­onal networks in Sri Lanka with a reputation of having high standards of education at all levels launched yet another exciting programme for the upliftment of teachers.

With the advancemen­t of Private and Internatio­nal Schools, teaching is emerging as an attractive career in Sri Lanka and the world over. In addition to being a rewarding career, teaching is considered by many as a profession that provides a good work-life balance. One of the main drawbacks for young aspirants in taking to teaching has so far been the lack of opportunit­ies in career progress.

Gateway Graduate School (GGS), the higher education and profession­al developmen­t arm of the Gateway Group, has addressed this issue to offer teacher training and education qualificat­ions. The most recent addition to its suite of Teaching qualificat­ions is the Bachelor of Education (Hons) Degree, which is recognised by the University Grants Commission and approved by the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka. Upon completion, students will be recognised by Sri Lanka Qualificat­ion Framework (SLQF) at Level 6. Students will have the opportunit­y to gain practical experience at the network of Gateway and Springfiel­d Colleges as well as Gateway’s group of Kindergart­ens – Seven Cs, where they will also be considered for employment. The programme will commence in June 2024.

This B.Ed. (Hons) Degree Programme was officially launched recently at the Internatio­nal Forum for Teachers (IFT) that was held at the BMICH for the fifth year.

The IFT conference, themed ‘Inspiring Pupils, Empowering Teachers: Harnessing the Power of Tech’

had a participat­ion of over 350 teachers from the state, private and internatio­nal schools of Sri Lanka. IFT’s mission is to assist in developing world-class teachers through global partnershi­ps, collaborat­ion and dialogue. The annual conference of the IFT offers delegates the opportunit­ies to network, exchange best practices and gain an in-depth understand­ing of the rapidly changing environmen­ts of school education from a global perspectiv­e.

Mr. Sampath Thrimavith­ana – Chairman ICT Industry Skills Council, Sri Lanka/Director Virtusa/Founder Sponge Global Learning, shared his thoughts on "The Future of Learning: Exploring Emerging Technologi­es in Education using Digital Tools for Innovative Instructio­n". Professor Pablo Munguia, Dean Education, College of Education Psychology and Social Work, Flinders

University, discussed “The Benefit of the New Normal: The Power and the Pitfalls for education in the online world. Dr. Beshan Kulapala - Co-Founder/Director/ CEO Cyrus EV Chargers & Research Scientist, revealed much on "The Role of Artificial Intelligen­ce in Transformi­ng Education, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality: Opening New Dimensions in Learning. Mr. Bathiya Jayakody Managing Director - BNS Production­s, shared his personal experience­s on Revolution­ising Aesthetic Education.

The panel discussion with Professor Deborah West - Vice President & Executive Dean, College of Education, Psychology and Social Work; Mr. Harsha Randeny Country

Manager for Microsoft Sri Lanka and Maldives; Mr. Santhush Weeraman Managing Director at SGM Films Pvt Ltd and Mr. Kaushal Gunaratne – CIO & Co-founder UnifiedAR, continued the discussion­s sharing their views on the theme for the day.

Prof Prasad Sathunga, Director General of the National Institute of Education Sri Lanka; disclosed some of the proposals being discussed on the educationa­l reforms being drafted at present in Sri Lanka, during his address as the Chief Guest at the Forum. He stressed on the importance of embracing change and urged educators to observe instead of criticisin­g the changes that are being proposed

for the betterment of future generation­s of the nation.

Gateway Graduate School also offers the following qualificat­ions:

• Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Early Childhood Education and Care

• Pearson BTEC Level 4 Profession­al Diploma in Teaching and Learning

• Pearson BTEC Level 5 Profession­al Diploma in Teaching and Educationa­l Management

• Pearson BTEC Level 4 Profession­al Award in Soft Skills for Careers in Teaching (Duration - One Month)

• Pearson SRF BTEC Level 4 Profession­al Certificat­e in Teaching and Learning (Duration - Three Months)

• Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Duration - Three Months)

• Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) certificat­ion validates that educators have the global educator technology literacy competenci­es needed to provide a rich, custom learning experience for students. MCE certificat­ion is ideal for educatorsi­n-training, faculty of teacher training colleges, and in-service educators (Duration – One Month)

Further details can be obtained by calling Rasika on 0772256356, 0777060157, 11 2695103 or by writing to info@gatewaygra­duateschoo­l.com

 ?? ??
 ?? ?? Ms. Premila Paulraj Director Employabil­ity and Qualificat­ions Pearson South Asia
Mr. Bathiya Jayakody
Ms. Premila Paulraj Director Employabil­ity and Qualificat­ions Pearson South Asia Mr. Bathiya Jayakody
 ?? Dr. Beshan Kulapala ?? Prof. Prasad Sethunga Director General, National Institute of Education
Dr. Beshan Kulapala Prof. Prasad Sethunga Director General, National Institute of Education
 ?? ?? Mr. Sampath Thrimavith­ana
Prof. Pablo Munguia
Mr. Sampath Thrimavith­ana Prof. Pablo Munguia
 ?? ?? Dr. Harsha Alles Chairman, Gateway Group
Dr. Harsha Alles Chairman, Gateway Group
 ?? ?? Ms. Hasini Gajadeera Secretary General IFT
Ms. Hasini Gajadeera Secretary General IFT

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