Programme Information

The Alan Herdman Pilates Teacher Training Course is a fully comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Course, with an Active IQ Level 3 Instructing Pilates Matwork Qualification embedded in the course work. It is taught over 10 months annually, from the second week of September to the third week of July, and is a minimum of 750 hours of student learning, observation, and home study. The comprehensive course includes the Reformer, Trapeze Table, The Chair, Ladder Barrel, Arc, and small equipment. The weekly lectures and classes are held every Thursday at the Alan Herdman Pilates Studio at Canary Wharf, within the Third Space Gym. On completion of the course successful students will have gained a REPS recognised qualification in instructing Pilates Matwork and an Alan Herdman Certificate which is recognised around the world.

Equipment

The studios are well equipped with traditional Pilates equipment and have a range of other apparatus specifically designed for remedial and therapeutic use. All equipment is maintained to the highest standard and is subject to regular maintenance. An additional movement studio is rented for a weekly mat work class and as a venue for visiting lecturers. The studios have a diverse clientele providing scope for the trainee teachers to develop a wide range of teaching skills.

Health and Safety

The studios are under appropriate insurance cover and comply with current health and safety legislation. The principles of health and safety at work are emphasised at all times. All staff have first aid training, updated regularly.

Course Work

Written course work is critically reviewed on a regular basis and feedback on progress is promptly given to the students. Confidential structure appraisals are carried out at regular Intervals; these are intended to provide guidance and support, and include a complaints procedure.
Confidentiality of learners on the program is maintained at all times.
Assessment is continuous throughout the programme, beginning with an initial assessment and agreed training plan. For details of Mat and Equipment Assessment click here.
All assessments are documented and kept in a confidential portfolio.

Complaint and Appeal Procedure

In the event of a student wishing to contest an interim or final assessment the following steps will be taken:

1. An interview with the Program Tutor to discuss the concerns and develop a plan of action including, if necessary, a re-evaluation of the structured appraisal interviews.
2. If this step does not satisfy the student the same discussions will be undertaken with the Program Director
3. Following these stages the student may be requested to undertake some or all of the following:
   • Undertake extra practical training under supervision.
   • Retake practical assessment.
   • Review lecture material and resubmit written course work as appropriate.
4. In the event of exceptional personal circumstances preventing completion of some of the program, and at the discretion of the Program Director, the student may be allowed to extend the program for a fourth term.

Following these stages the student may be requested to undertake some or all of the following: Undertake extra practical training under supervision. Retake practical assessment. Review lecture material and resubmit written course work as appropriate. In the event of exceptional personal circumstances preventing completion of some of the program, and at the discretion of the Program Director, the student may be allowed to extend the program for a fourth term. All complaints will be dealt with in strict confidentiality.

Equal Opportunities

All applicants will be individually assessed with no discrimination by race, age, religion or gender.

Although Pilates is a suitable exercise program for people with specific disabilities, the physical demands required to teach the exercises fully and with the necessary skills may make it impractical for some disabled or elderly people to become teachers.

No particular type of clothing is required to perform or teach the exercises and this would not usually be an issue, for example, with persons whose religion requires a particular style of dress.

However as certain types of clothing may impair freedom of movement or provide a safety risk, a suitable compromise style of clothing may be required to be worn.

Quality Assurance

The Program Director is responsible for assuring that the program is delivered adequately and to a high standard and is also responsible for maintaining contact with the Open College Network and arranging external moderation when appropriate. Internal moderation and quality assurance responsibilities will be shared between the Program Director and the Program Tutor, each of whom will review assessments undertaken by the other.
The confidential structured appraisal interviews carried out during – and at the completion of – the course will provide the learner with opportunities to express and document their evaluation of the course.

Principal Tutor and Assessor

Alan Herdman
Responsible for the development and maintenance of the program and the conduct of appraisal and student welfare aspects, also specialist teaching activities.

Course Tutor

Sara Gallie
Will be responsible to the director for supervising the exercise tuition and teaching practice.

Course Administrator

Mauro Ossola

Experts in anatomy etc will complement the in-house teaching staff. The studios are staffed by experienced Pilates teachers with at least five years experience and come from various backgrounds including dance and physiotherapy.

Staff Training and Staff Meetings

Members of staff at the studio are expected to undertake regular off-site additional training in specialist techniques, and these are reviewed at regular staff meetings. This program of continuous improvement to undergo training is integral to maintaining ACTIVE IQ accreditation.