Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique Training Programme is a three-year course, which aims to encourage our Alexander Technique Training students to develop to their highest capacity. This training process involves intense group and individual work.

This is a professional training programme. However, a prior academic degree is not essential.

Aims of the ATTS

• The ATTS aims to be a centre of excellence in the training of future generations of Alexander Teachers. The programme is designed for each student to develop his/her highest capacities. Students are encouraged to integrate the principles of the Alexander Technique, and to develop into authentic and unique Alexander Teachers.
• The ATTS offers a contemporary approach to adult education. Students are accepted into training as equals who participate and take responsibility for their own process.
• We aim to create an environment free from sectarianism. We welcome visiting teachers and students from different trainings and lineages in an atmosphere of openness and respect.
• The ATTS provides a space where teachers can come to visit freely after their training and continue to develop their teaching skills in an atmosphere of mutual enquiry.
• We offer a post-graduate training certificate at the school. Qualified teachers from any school are welcome to participate in the training as one of the students. This course of study can be tailor-made to include a minimum of two days per week over a period of between one to three terms. A certificate will be awarded in recognition of this post-graduate study.
• The ATTS believes in the importance of training the future generation of teacher trainers to the highest standard. The school supports candidates who wish to gain experience in the skills of running a training school or working as a trainer.
• We have established a network in which teachers can meet regularly to engage in creative dialogue and to exchange work. These small group meetings include a supervisory element that supports the ongoing professional development of the teachers.
• The ATTS believes that it is important not to impose a ‘philosophy’ onto a training course. As with the Alexander discoveries, the theory and the philosophy are an outcome of the practice, and not the other way round.
• We aim to facilitate a measure of self-criticism among our teachers so that they do not fall into the traps of complacency and arrogance.
• The ATTS believes in ongoing dialogue and debate within the Alexander community without having to compromise the essentials of the technique. The ATTS is committed to the transmission of Alexander's core principles.

Curriculum
The core curriculum is based on Alexander’s basic principles, and therefore will cover the essential concepts of inhibition and directions, the unity of mind and body, doing and non-doing, false sensory awareness and the force of habit.

At least 80% of the teacher training will be practical work, in keeping with the fundamentally practical nature of the Alexander Technique. A minimum of 1600 training hours over a period of at least three years is required by STAT for certification.

Students are required to undertake a certain amount of home study. This entails the preparation of written assignments, the reading of appropriate literature and the application of self-observation and practice. It is expected that on top of the 16 contact hours, an extra 5 to 6 hours per week will be necessary.

Students at the ATTS will benefit from one of the highest teacher to student ratios, supporting every stage of their Alexander progress.

The course runs from Tuesday to Friday, 9.00am to 1.00pm. The first half of the day is devoted to the experience and practice of hands-on work. There is a fifteen minute break half way through the day. During the second half of the day, more time is devoted to developing and refining these delicate hands-on skills. The seminars, modules, discussions, and demonstrations also occur in the second half of the day.

Each week there will be time for reading Alexander’s writings, other relevant material, and discussions and feedback on the ongoing aspects of a student's process.

In addition, students will explore throughout their training a total of five modules which will help prepare them for their future professional lives. Experts in their respective fields will offer 10 seminars in each of the following topics:

a. Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
b. Alexander, Music and the Performing Arts.
c. Basic Counselling Skills.

and 5 seminars in the folllowing:

d. Professionalism & Ethics.
e. Psychophysical Unity.
f. The Holistic Model and Integrated Health.

Students are required to submit some written material based on the modules or other relevant Alexander issues, as well as preparing a graduation project. Class presentations may serve as an alternative to written projects.

The program is organised so that all the students work together during the training. There is a growing responsibility on the students as they develop their hands-on skills and verbal aptitudes. The more senior students will work progressively on the new students, and also on selected visitors. Training is largely based on the apprentice model.

In the final year, all students are required to work with members of the public under appropriate supervision, as a preparation for their graduation to full teaching status.

The ATTS also offer students the opportunity to gain certification by the Royal College of Teachers at NQF level 5, recognised and endorsed by STAT. This course requires extra academic work and can be completed alongside the standard STAT Teaching Certificate.

As part of the school CPD program, our graduate teachers are welcomed back to the class at least once a week, to assist, share their knowledge with the group and gain vital teaching experience.

ATTS Holiday Workshops
The ATTS annually enjoys intensive worktrips in both the UK and abroad. These occur in the Summer term for 4-5 days at a time. Recent trips have seen us in Lychen, a tranquil lakeside near Berlin, the Alpujarras mountains in Southern Spain and the beautiful seaside town of Maldon in Essex. Working with a combination of visiting schools and teachers to stimulate a creative atmosphere, where experience is learnt and shared, new friends made across the Alexander world and much fun had by all.

And of course there's always time for relaxing and good food!

Alexander Technique Teacher Certification
In a tradition established by F. M. Alexander, it is the prerogative of the Heads of training schools to declare their students competent and ready for certification as Alexander Technique teachers. Also, in line with STAT policy, external moderators are invited in to the School to assess the progress of the students in their 6th and 9th term. They will submit a report to the Head of Training. The Head and the other trainers will continuously monitor your development throughout the Alexander Technique Teacher Training School program.

There are no academic examinations to "pass" or "fail", although some written work is required. Each year a student prepares a seminar or project on some aspect of the Alexander Technique. The format is usually based on a 2,000 to 3,000 word essay.

Most students are assessed as competent to teach by the end of three years. If necessary, however, you will be asked to continue your studies beyond this minimum time. Notice of this possibility will be given as soon as it becomes apparent.

Some students prefer not to be pressured by a time-limited Alexander Technique Teacher training, and may themselves request an extension of their training beyond the normal three years.

Enrolment & Fees
The fee is paid at the beginning of each term and can rise periodically over the course of the three-year training. This increase will occur no more than once per year, and will normally take place in the Autumn term.

Trainees are obliged to join STAT as student members. They are required to pay a subscription to STAT payable in two instalments.

The trainee will be entitled to receive copies of Statnews and The Alexander Journal, attend the AGM as non-voting members and receive advice and information from the STAT office.