Teacher Training Course
A Longstanding and Unique Tradition
In 1931 F M Alexander established a training course for teachers. Walter Carrington joined this course in 1936 and after qualifying continued to work with Alexander until F M died in 1955. Walter moved to 18 Lansdowne Road in 1960 and continued to run the course until his death at the age of 90 in 2005. Since then, Ruth Murray, who worked with Walter from 1980, has headed up a large team of teachers many of whom also worked with Walter for a considerable number of years. Our aim is to continue this unique tradition, still working in very much the same way and still at Lansdowne Road!
"It is no use to tell people what to do and how to do things - you have to teach them how to think so that they can use that in any situation."
Dilys Carrington
The Three Year Course
Tailor made to the individual
What sets the Alexander Technique apart from other learning is the focus on the individual's personal development. Whatever the activity, and whether a student is working alone or with other students, the teachers' attention is always on the individual, and their aim is to facilitate each student's developing experience and understanding of the Technique. Because of our reputation for excellence, we have many teachers who visit from all around the world so students have a wide and varied experience from different teachers.
Core Content
Each of our students receives daily individual work from a variety of teachers. In the first four terms they will receive a weekly private lesson from one of the senior teachers, after which they will have a weekly lesson with the Head of Training, Ruth Murray. Other core content includes working in small groups, directed activities, the reading and study of Alexander's books and basic anatomy.
Proposed changes to the working day
It has become necessary to implement changes to the structure of the training course, which will be reviewed at the end of the summer term. We propose to combine the morning and afternoon schools from 9.30am - 1.30pm, with the usual half hour break at 11am. This means that students will have a slightly longer day, but we are reducing the number of weeks taught from 37 to 33 per year. Hopefully it will allow students who need to work while on the training course greater flexibility to find that work and for parents of young children greater freedom to tailor their timetable to that of their children. The new regime will be in effect from the start of the summer term.
Post Graduate Terms
We are committed to the idea that there is no end to learning about the Technique and offer our graduates two post-graduate teaching terms, without fee and for which student teachers receive expenses. These terms offer an excellent opportunity for newly qualified teachers to gain further teaching experience under supervision, but of course, this is not mandatory.
Qualification
The course is recognised by the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, (STAT) At the start of their training students are required to give an undertaking that they will not teach until they have completed their training. On satisfactory completion of their training, students receive a certificate of graduation from the Constructive Teaching Centre and become eligible for admission to STAT as teaching members. STAT approved training courses require three years study. The school follows the usual academic pattern of three terms, amounting to about 33 weeks per year.
College of Teachers Approval
As part of the process for schools to meet the new student visa regulation imposed by the Government, STAT have been working with The College of Teachers to get our qualification officially recognised. The College of Teachers is one of the accrediting bodies recognised by government to approve qualifications.
This step in the process has now been achieved. The CTC is now able to offer this qualification to any student who wishes to participate. Overseas students, who require a visa, will have to follow the College of Teachers approved programme, but it is also open to any UK or EU students.
The teaching in the school will not change in any way, but student will be asked to keep a journal of their observations and write one short and one long essay during the three year training period. Certain teachers will be available to help them with this work. These pieces of written work will be assessed.
If you want more information on this, please contact the school directly.
Applying to Study at CTC
There are no formal or academic requirements to attend this course (though we do appreciate a good sense of humour!) and prospective students are expected to make themselves familiar with the Technique by having private lessons and visiting the training course, where they will meet the students and teachers.
Application Form
To apply, please print off this application form and send it in to the school.
Fee and Financial Assistance
The fees per term are at present £1500 + VAT and are payable in advance.
For information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact 0800 100 900. Some students have had assistance in the form of discretionary grants from various charitable organisations.