Teachers' International Professional Development Summary  

This summary contains an introduction to the TIPD programme, Local Authority Study Visits
and the School Determined Visits.

Introduction

The DCSF TIPD programme offers a variety of short-term visits overseas that enable teachers
to experience good practice around the world. The programme supports continuing professional
development, school improvement and the international dimension.

LA Study Visits

Cambridgeshire takes part in the visits organised by the British Council, who act as service 
providers. Teachers with two years experience from Special, Primary and Secondary Schools
are eligible to apply.
Since the start of the programme over 100 teachers from Cambridgeshire have taken part in
such visits. The visits have looked at good practice in Australia, Canada, Lithuania, the Netherlands,
Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, Uganda and USA.

Teachers have found that the visits have enabled them to reflect on their practice, identify what they
and their schools do well and plan to incorporate aspects of good practice seen abroad in their own
teaching. A number of teachers have felt the study visit has been the most exciting form of CPD
they have ever experienced.

Details of the recruitment process for future study visits will appear on the International Education
Homepage.

Click here to view an application form so that you know the sorts of information required.

School Determined Visits

There are 500 places each year for study visits where the school chooses the destination. These
will be allocated on a first come, first served basis subject to meeting agreed quality criteria.

The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust also provides this element of the programme. Schools
will be expected to submit proposals based upon the themes and which meet the criteria set out 
above. In this element it will be school that makes the links with the school abroad which is to be
visited and makes the necessary arrangements with that school for the visit. The provider will
facilitate other arrangements.

If your school is interested in this option, click here for a copy of their prospectus.

For further information on school determined visits organised by the The Specialist Schools
and Academies Trust, visit the SSAT TIPD pages at:

http://www.specialistschools.org.uk/TIPD2/default.aspa 

or contact:

Emma Coward
TIPD Project Manager

Email: emma.coward@ssatrust.org.uk 

Tel: 01733 405774