During 2012, Treverton’s Environmental Liaison Officer Janet Snow conducted a comprehensive Educator Skills Development course at Treverton. This course focused on content knowledge, pedagogical processes and assessment practices relating to the biodiversity component of the Grade ten – 12, Life Science curriculum. The course was the first accredited training (NQF Level 5 – 14 points) conducted at Treverton.

Teachers throughout the KZN Midlands were invited to attend and those participants who achieved all the requirements of the course (including assignments and proof of teaching practices) received their certificates during a recent ceremony at Treverton. The day also involved the teachers in a number of Treverton Prep activities, which gave them the opportunity to view alternative teaching methods. They judged the Grade seven Zulu Day events.

The Grade six class helped the teachers plant indigenous trees as part of the International Peace Day – ENO (Environment Online) tree planting programme. Trees were purchased with funds obtained from the recycling project at Treverton.

The certificates were presented to the teachers during an official ceremony.

During her acceptance speech, one of the successful teachers Antonia Mkhabela explained how her learners attitude to Life Science and participation in her classes had dramatically changed since the course, due to her improved teaching practices.

While the certificate ceremony is important as recognition of the teachers newly acquired skills, the greatest achievement is that these teachers are now confident and competent to teach biodiversity.

A number of companies and environmental organisations have generously sponsored this course.