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Teacher Training
The Wellington Alexander Technique Training School, (Watts), established in 2001, was the first school in New Zealand to train teachers to the international standard set by STAT, the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, U.K.
Watts was also recognized by NZQA, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, as a Primary Training Establishment.
The first intake of students graduated in 2003. For more information on teacher training courses contact: info@alexandertechniquetraining.co.nz
Prospectus Overview
The teacher training
programme at Watts provides an intensive, supportive and practical
training to a professional standard, over three years. Primarily,
we train in the art of self-work, following F.M. Alexander’s
principles as written in his four books.
Alexander’s principles can be stated as follows:
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Psychophysical unity |
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Use affects functioning |
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Primary control |
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Inhibition and direction |
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Faulty sensory appreciation |
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Power of habit |
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End gaining and means whereby. |
We work to develop a constructive and conscious use
of the self in the context of Alexander’s understanding of
“self”, that is, as a fundamental unity of mind and body.
The locus of training dwells in the 'use' of ourselves. Our thinking
processes, our emotionality, our interpersonal relationships, our
relationship to the environment we inhabit, as well as our physicality
are woven into this locus; and are stimuli to the training process.
In short, training is a wholistic process.
Self work, in an Alexander context, requires training in awareness
and observation; and the willingness to attend, consciously and
continuously, to the drift of unconscious habitual reaction and
patterning. Choosing new, unfamiliar and untried, more appropriate
responses to stimuli can be a challenging as well as exciting path
of discovery. Improving our own use, developing the skills necessary
for teaching, and integrating Alexander’s principles within
our being is a worthy endeavor requiring persistence, gentleness
and courage. The staff at Watts attend to the individual and group
training process with care, by generating a safe, stimulating, and
enjoyable training environment.
Course Curriculum Outline
Teacher training is designed to equip the student with:
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Familiarity with F.M Alexander’s books and
writings |
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Thorough working knowledge of F.M Alexander’s
principles and procedures |
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Competence in the art of self work |
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Skilled use of her/his hands |
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Competence in the art of teaching the Alexander
Technique. |
Each year identifies a distinct focus, yet is continuous
with other years:
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First year focus develops
the students use, awareness, and self work with classic Alexander
procedures, (for example: monkey, whispered ah, hands on back
of chair). |
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Second year focus continues
the emphasis on personal use, expanding to include ‘hands
on’ skills and teaching procedures, (for example: chair
work, table work). |
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Third year applies the skills
accrued in previous years to practice and develop competency
in the art of teaching. |
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Timetable
The required timetable comprises 80% practical instruction, (personal
work, hands on work, procedures, practical application). The remaining
20% of class time is used for related areas of study, (Alexander’s
books, anatomy, group discussion, guest speakers). The timetable
structure remains consistent over the three years. Timetable content
is assessed each term and tailored to suit student need and development.
Students have:
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Individual work with a teacher
each day |
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Private lesson/ tutorial each
term with directors |
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Procedures in small group
each day, (teacher led) |
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Hands on in small group twice
weekly or more, (teacher led) |
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Daily self work from an individually
tailored programme |
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Classes in Alexander’s books, other writers
on the Technique, anatomy, practical application of principles,
group observation and discussion, and related areas of study,
(setting up a teaching practice, guest speakers, complimentary
disciplines) |
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Supervised individual and
group work with the general public in year three |
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Ongoing opportunity for post-graduate
study and support. |
Students are encouraged to keep a training course
diary, and will be required to submit a review essay on one of Alexander’s
books, a research project and a promotional brochure, as well as
giving an introductory talk to fellow students.
Course Structure
The required 1600 hours of training follows the school year, completing
forty weeks study over four terms, for a period of three years.
Sessions run over four week day mornings; each session runs for
three and a half hours duration including a fifteen minute break.
Additional training hours will be completed by off site training.
Teacher/ student ratio will be no less than 1:5, except in the final
class of the day.
Assessment
Assessment is continuous and ongoing over three years, and includes
all parties: the student, teachers and directors. Also, an external
moderator is engaged to ensure standards and fairness. A probationary
period for the first ten weeks of training gives the student and
the directors an opportunity to confirm the student’s suitability
to train.
In most cases, 1600 hours of training provides enough time for the
student to reach an adequate standard. However, it is the responsibility
of the directors to determine this, and sometimes extra time is
required. In such cases, an arrangement is agreed upon between the
student and director. Extra training requires additional funding.
The directors undertake to inform the student as early as possible
if further training is necessary.
Successful completion of the course and possession of a teaching
certificate are the mandatory pre requisites to achieving teacher
status, and to calling oneself a teacher of the Alexander Technique.
Fees
Fees are anticipated to be set at $10,000 per annum including GST
Entry Requirements
A prospective student will need to have completed a course of thirty
lessons with a Stat recognized teacher. A recommendation from your
teacher is desirable. After completing an application form, an interview
and a private lesson with the directors will be arranged to assess
suitability. If accepted, a contractual agreement will be made,
and you will be asked to pay a deposit to secure your place on the
training. Your deposit will be deducted from your final fee payment.
Application forms are available by emailing wattstaught@alexandertechniquetraining.co.nz
with your request. |
