Primary Education with QTS BA (Hons)

School Experience 1 (Core)

This is for three days a week for four weeks full-time early in the year so you can contextualise what you are learning at university. You are given the opportunity to observe good classroom practice and are supported by your class teachers in the preparation of teaching activities to meet the needs of all children. Later in the year, an enhancement placement allows you to spend time in Key Stage 1 and explore early literacy and mathematics in depth.

Professional Studies 1: Teaching and Learning (Core)

The module unites university work with time spent in school ensuring you understand the links between theory and practice. It focuses on the ways children develop and learn effectively. It considers the roles and responsibilities of a teacher, key learning theories and some of the major educational thinkers. You explore the cycle of planning, teaching and evaluating and the importance of creating a stimulating and safe learning environment for the children in your care.

Core English 1 (Core)

The module explores children's literature, how children learn to read, phonics and reading routines in schools. You examine how children learn to write. You are taught how to plan effective English lessons and to understand strategies to develop reading for pleasure and a positive literacy environment in schools.

Core Mathematics 1 (Core)

This module encourages you to develop positive attitudes to mathematics so you can teach it with confidence and enthusiasm. You explore the use of resources in the teaching and learning of key mathematical concepts number, shape and space. You learn how to plan interactive lessons and how to secure children's progress.

English, Mathematics and Science Subject Knowledge Audits 1 (Core)

You develop your subject knowledge through directed tasks and self-directed study following a diagnostic audit. You collect evidence to demonstrate your developing knowledge. This continues throughout each year of study.

Core Science 1 (Core)

You are encouraged to develop an enthusiasm and confidence to teach science. The module brings together subject knowledge and a developing pedagogical understanding to support children in their progression of conceptual knowledge and their ability to work scientifically. It looks at how scientific process skills and subject knowledge may be developed through effective questioning and enquiry-based learning.

Core Physical Education 1 (Core)

You study how to structure, plan and teach a PE games lesson and about effective organisation and safety. Pupil management strategies and how to meet individual needs through differentiation are taught. You consider the unique contribution PE makes to children's social, creative and cognitive development and physical literacy.

Core Foreign Languages 1 (Core)

The module encourages you to develop a positive attitude to the teaching of languages and aims to demonstrate the potential benefits to the children of this subject. You participate in a range of activities in French and Spanish and explore practical ideas and appropriate resources for effective teaching and learning.

The Broader Curriculum: Expression (Core)

The module aims to develop confidence in teaching and learning of the expressive subjects of art, drama and music. It aims to demonstrate the potential of the expressive arts as a tool for creative learning and teaching across the curriculum. You experiment with a range of media, processes and techniques, with an opportunity to explore each subject discretely with a specialist tutor. The sessions are very practical and hands on. The sessions explore the approaches to SEND, behaviour management, resourcing and lesson planning that are unique to the practical aspects of the expressive arts.

The Broader Curriculum: Communication (Core)

The module aims to develop confidence in teaching and learning in the History, RE and ICT. It demonstrates the potential of these subjects as vehicles for learning and teaching across the curriculum. You discover how cross curricular learning between these subjects can provide a rich source for developing concepts, attitudes and skills, bringing relevance and authenticity to learning in these contexts. You develop your knowledge of new technologies in ICT as presentational, interactive and cross-curricular tools. You develop your subject knowledge in history and RE and learn how to plan, teach and assess these subjects. You explore the use of artefacts and primary and secondary sources as a rich source of teaching and learning.

The Broader Curriculum: Innovation (Core)

This module provides an introduction to the discrete skills, knowledge and understanding in geography, ICT and design and technology. Tools, programmes, strategies and techniques are introduced to support inclusive teaching and learning. A creative, problem-solving approach is a focus of the module and you explore a range of engaging contexts for learning. In D and T sessions, you combine practical and technological skills with creative thinking to design and make products with a real user and purpose in mind. You learn about the importance of geography to deepen your understanding of the contemporary challenges the world faces and to inform you as citizens. You develop skills, techniques and conceptual understanding to develop your ICT capability by exploring a range of software and hardware in real life contexts.

School Experience 2 (Core)

This placement is for seven weeks full-time in the spring term. The placement develops your competencies and skills in teaching the primary curriculum using a variety of resources and teaching strategies. With support from your class teachers, you prepare lessons to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring they are successful learners who make progress and achieve. Focus is given to the planning and assessment cycle and to the evaluation of record-keeping systems.

Professional Studies 2: Valuing Learners as Individuals (Core)

The module focuses on inclusion. You gain knowledge of equality and inclusion policies, whilst improving your knowledge and skills for curriculum planning, delivery and evaluation using differentiated strategies. The module includes input and discussion on dyslexia, autistic spectrum disorder, behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, bullying, English as an additional language and gifted and talented learners. The SEN Code of Practice, Closing the Gap and Safeguarding requirements and other key government guidance are also explored in detail.

Core English 2 (Core)

There is a focus on grammar features examining how children are taught grammar and how they learn it and use it. The use of Standard English and the importance and value of non-standard dialects are explored. Spoken language, phonics, shared writing and strategies for the teaching of spelling, writing and reading are also studied.

Core Mathematics 2 (Core)

This module focuses on problem solving and the role it plays in the development of mathematical thinking. You explore a variety of mathematical challenges and research theories that supports how children learn through practical engagement and collaboration. You develop practical strategies to challenge children with a range of different abilities and needs.

English, Mathematics and Science Subject Knowledge Audits 2 (Core)

You develop your subject knowledge through directed tasks and self-directed study following a diagnostic audit. You collect evidence to demonstrate your developing knowledge.

Core Science 2 (Core)

You learn how to teach science effectively and how to ascertain progress of scientific skills and knowledge. The module consolidates your understanding of planning whole science lessons and the needs of different groups of learners including SEND in the context of science.

Core Physical Education 2 (Core)

This module develops your confidence, competence and commitment to teaching high quality PE lessons with enthusiasm. Specific focus is given to recognising and meeting individual needs and you are introduced to teaching gymnastics and dance activities.

Core Foreign Languages 2 (Core)

The module develops your understanding of best practice in modern foreign languages teaching (MFL) through practical examples in French and Spanish. It aims to demonstrate the cross-curricular potential of MFL as a tool for teaching and learning across the curriculum.

Cross Curricular Learning (Core)

The module introduces you to the value of using a cross curricular approach to provide meaningful contexts for learning. Keynote lectures from experts in their fields, including classroom practitioners inform and stimulate you to work in small teams to develop a cross-curricular plan based on a current theme. You present your work at an exhibition that encourages debate and shared learning.

Elective Module 1 (Core)

You rank the 14 subjects below in order of preference and you are allocated four. You are not always able to have your top four choices because of a restriction on numbers and timetable constraints.

1: Art and Design
The module develops your knowledge, understanding and skills in art and design. It develops confidence and competence to teach art and design safely and demonstrates the potential of the subject as a tool for learning and teaching across the curriculum. It enables you to explore and experiment with a range of media, processes and techniques, through discrete art themes. You explore the work of a range of artists, craftspeople and designers and relate it to your own work and visit an art gallery or a museum. You explore the health and safety issues that are unique to the practical aspects of art and design.

2: Computing
The module develops confidence in the use of computing applications. Through developing an understanding of the creative possibilities of using the interactive whiteboard and introducing a range of techniques in the use of software, you integrate their use into the planning and computer science teaching of a range of curriculum areas. Through a focus on modelling and control, you experience a range of opportunities to introduce these into the curriculum, developing children's ability to develop their ideas through creating sequences of instructions to make things happen and through changing variables and evaluating outcomes.

3: Design and Technology
This module develops your capability in the context of food technology and packaging for all children. You develop confidence and competence to teach D&T safely and hygienically in primary schools. You learn to develop units of work in food and packaging and manage practical work safely and effectively.

4: Early Years
The module develops understanding of the early years as a significant phase of learning and development, and explores key educational theories relating to how young children learn. You develop your knowledge and understanding of the value of play and the role of the learning environment. You look closely at the principles and structure of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) and critically consider how this current model lays the foundations for lifelong learning.

5: English
This module develops your knowledge and understanding of different genres of children's literature and of resources that support future professional development. You consider the nature and importance of reader response and explore creative responses to literature, including drama, story telling and book making.

6: Geography
The module develops the detailed knowledge, understanding and skills to teach geography effectively, by exploring appropriate research, geographical concepts, perspectives and theories of learning, especially geographical enquiry. You explore places near and far, including the school locality, UK localities and the global dimension.

7: History
This module encourages you to question how children can develop their historical knowledge and how this knowledge can be transferred in an exciting manner in order that children engage in enquiry and questioning about places, people and past events to help them understand their present and their impact on the future. You examine the use of a variety of sources of information and artefacts to enhance historical understanding, enquiry skills and a sense of ownership of the past.

8: Mathematics
This module focuses on the effective and creative use of resources in primary mathematics. You collaborate to plan and teach lessons in a local school and then evaluate your experiences, particularly considering how resources contribute to teaching, learning and assessment. You develop both your confidence and ability to teach using a wider range of strategies, whilst making stronger links between theory and practice.

9: Modern Foreign Languages (French or Spanish)
The module builds your confidence and competence to teach languages in primary schools by practising the required language skills and exploring the cultural knowledge needed to teach the KS2 curriculum. Sessions are practical and interactive and encourage lots of use of French or Spanish. Ideas for teaching activities and resources are shared and good MFL practice is modelled and discussed.

10: Music
This module develops your confidence and musicianship in vocal and instrumental performance, and the theoretical knowledge and understanding required to teach music at primary level. You gain insight into music of differing styles and cultures and develop the competence to facilitate musical activities which integrate performing, composing and appraising.

11: Physical Education
This module extends your subject knowledge, skills and understanding in PE to enable you to create an effective learning environment. With a focus on continuity and progression, you learn how to plan and implement a medium term unit of work and teach and evaluate a series of PE lessons, which are delivered in local schools. The module explores the importance of meeting individual needs and considers a range of strategies for managing pupils effectively in PE.

12: RE - Exploring World Religions
The module develops confidence in teaching and learning in religious education. The module develops in depth subject knowledge in the teaching of major world faiths and the knowledge of the principles and processes of good planning and assessment in religious education. You experience the value of outdoor learning and the importance of visits to places of worship.

13: RE - Teaching in a Christian context
The module develops confidence in teaching and learning in Christian religious education and other associated aspects of the curriculum, particularly PSHCE and sex and relationships education. There is a focus on the vocation of the teacher in a church school setting and developing an understanding of the concept of distinctiveness. You explore the personal contribution that a teacher can make to the mission and ethos of a church school.

14: Science
This module develops your understanding of the pedagogical issues related to the teaching and learning of science in the primary classroom with a particular focus on scientific enquiry. You explore approaches to classroom management, SEND, resourcing and lesson planning and deliver a series of lessons in a local primary school.

School Experience 3 (Core)

This placement is for eight weeks full-time in the final term. The placement consolidates your competencies and skills in teaching the primary curriculum and supports you in moving towards taking the responsibilities of a newly qualified teacher.

Professional Studies 3: Promoting Progression (Core)

The module introduces you to a range of assessment strategies, including the statutory requirements of National Curriculum. You will understand the purposes of the different types of assessment and how formative assessment impacts on learning. The module equips you with a range of practical assessment strategies, including giving effective oral and written feedback and setting appropriate targets for learning. The module ensures you are confident in using summative assessment methods, including assessing pupils' learning against end of year expectations.

Core English 3 (Core)

You develop creative approaches to teaching fiction, non-fiction and poetry, and will develop your understanding of literacy difficulties, personalising learning, SEND and extending more able children. Best practice in supporting children with English as an additional language is explored. You learn how to assess children and progress their learning in English, examining tests, statistics and national trends.

Core Mathematics 3 (Core)

This module focuses on the importance of using real, meaningful contexts and cross curricular links to make planning more purposeful and effective. You will collaborate to research and plan for progression in teaching and learning in a particular area of statistics or measurement. You use your research and experiences to develop a personal philosophy for teaching mathematics.

English, Mathematics and Science Subject Knowledge Audits 3 (Core)

You consolidate your subject knowledge through directed tasks and self-directed study following a diagnostic audit. You collect evidence to demonstrate your subject knowledge.

Core Science 3 (Core)

This module consolidates your ability to teach science effectively in the classroom. The module focuses on progression within medium term plans through assessment for learning. You plan for progression and continuity of a science concept within a medium term plan, integrating effective opportunities for assessment.

Core Physical Education 3 (Core)

This module consolidates and develops the knowledge, skills and understanding acquired at Levels 4 and 5. Specific consideration is given to the processes of assessment for learning to realise the maximum potential of pupils and you are introduced to teaching athletics and outdoor and adventurous activities.

Core Foreign Languages 3 (Core)

The module develops further your understanding and knowledge of good practice in foreign language teaching, through practical examples of lessons in French. It focuses on the importance of cultural input and demonstrates how the teaching of languages can raise cultural awareness and help children appreciate diversity.

Personal Research Project in Primary Education (Core)

The module establishes the importance of undertaking research, the purpose of research methodology and the benefits of writing a literature review. It gives an insight into the philosophy of education. You conduct a small-scale research through your chosen theme and in so doing you are able to bring together theory and practice in a way that enhances your understanding of teaching and learning. The module establishes the importance of teachers taking responsibility for deepening their understanding of teaching and learning thus improving what they do. The module provides a taster of and springboard for master's level work.

Elective Module 2 (Core)

You rank the four subjects you studied in Year Two in order of preference and you are allocated one. You are not always able to have your first choice because of a restriction on numbers and timetable constraints.

The sessions build on the content of Year Two electives and have a focus on building expertise in the subject and preparing you to become subject leaders in these areas in the future.

Many of the elective groups spend time observing and teaching in local schools. There are many opportunities for school visits, trips to museums and galleries, visits to places of worship and local fieldwork.