The Centre for Teacher Education (CTE) exists to provide high quality Initial Teacher Education (ITE) and Professional Development for teachers. We are passionate about the importance of developing the very best teachers who gain employment in our partner schools and beyond and who make a difference to children and young peoples’ lives.

As part of its strategy on community impact and social inclusion, CTE works with policy makers in a number of ways and including through the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Teaching Profession. It also provides early career teachers and school students the opportunity to meet Members of Parliament and visit the seat of UK government.

For the fourth year, Warwick trainee teachers and school pupils have taken part in a unique celebration of World Book Day in Parliament. This year, the focus was on "Books that change lives" and the pupils were treated to readings by Sharon Hodgson MP, Warwick Teachers and authors from the Midlands, Dale Hancock and Kristina Gray. Warwick students (pictured above, left to right, Emma Wood, Natasha Khan, Georgina Newton (tutor) and Kim Roberts) took the roles of Elizabeth I, Alice in Wonderland, Pippi Longstocking and Albert Narracott, respectively. Rebecca Friesen (tutor, not pictured) was also in attendance, as Stanley Yelnats, from the book Holes.

Over 200 students came to the event, from Stoke Park School, Thomas More Catholic College, Ash Green School and others from around the Midlands, Inner London and Hampshire. They were enthralled by the fantastic surroundings and found the day engaging and entertaining … the children really enjoyed it.

Georgina Newton, co-organiser says

“A day in Parliament opens doors to an understanding of our society, our heritage and our government. We deliberately choose to invite children who haven’t had the opportunity to visit before. Already two participants have organised return visits to discover more about what goes on in Parliament – who knows what that might lead to!”