Eleven teachers have been congratulated by education minister Wayne Scott after completing the new teacher induction programme.

The two-year scheme is designed to assist new teachers as they meet the challenges of the contemporary classroom, according to a ministry statement. Mentors are assigned to ensure that during their first two years of teaching, inductees receive coaching, professional development and support.

Research and experience have shown that the new teachers will have numerous concerns and needs with which they will require assistance, added the statement. Mr Scott said: “In our fast-paced, technological society, many brand new teachers are faced with an arduous task in the classroom.

“Learning and training should be an ongoing process. It is my sincere hope that these past two years have been most beneficial for your personal and professional development.

“As teachers, administrators and leaders, we must be committed to the basic components of providing a quality curriculum while ensuring that our teachers can effectively deliver that curriculum and improving overall accountability.”