KICP Initial Teacher Education is a model of preservice teacher training and development which relies on student teachers engaging in ITE qualifications through Open Distance Learning (ODL) while being placed as full-time teacher interns in schools. The aim of the programme is to produce skilled, well-developed educators able to provide a solution to challenges facing the teacher education sector in South Africa.
The most effective environment for teachers to improve their teaching skills is in their own classrooms, preferably in collaboration with a mentor, a tutor, a colleague or a peer coach but crucially, in their own authentic context. The KICP In-Service Teacher Education programme seeks to root professional development within the teachers’ school, taking into account their unique context.
Responding to the needs of local public schools, KICP offers a variety of support activities to local school principals and management teams. The intention of the Leadership Development Programme is to ensure that school leaders focus on the key principles of leadership and implement these in their context.
At the core of KICP programmes is the wellness of all those involved. Therefore, Social Emotional Learning is the foundation sustaining all three programmes.
The objective of Whole School Development is to improve overall management systems and communication at all levels, throughout the school.
Digital Teaching and Learning (DTL) is another cross-cutting theme that is promoted across all KICP programmes. KICP believes in promoting a blend of digital and classroom learning.