Course summary

Do you want to play a major role in a crucial stage of the development of a child’s cognitive ability? Children enter Key Stage 1 having experienced a range of different approaches and practical play-based learning opportunities in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The Key Stage 1 curriculum for Years 1 and 2 is carefully planned to build on prior knowledge and skills learnt in the EYFS. In Key Stage 2, children are learning to use key skills such as working with others, problem-solving and communication. They need high-quality learning opportunities to help them develop these skills effectively and prepare them for moving to secondary education and beyond. As soon as you begin the programme, you start your journey of professional development towards becoming a qualified teacher. Our Primary Education (Later Years 5-11) degree fulfils the minimum entitlement of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF), alongside an ambitious and innovative curriculum which provides opportunities to develop clear links between theory and practice along with a series of visiting speakers to enhance your understanding of all aspects of primary school life and learning. Throughout this course, we give you the opportunity to specialise in training to teach children aged 5-11 years old, so that you can ensure all children access the learning they need during this key period. You’ll learn how effective teaching and learning can impact a child’s educational progress, developing teaching skills informed by theory and subject knowledge. You’ll apply your knowledge in a classroom setting, working across all areas of the National Curriculum. You’ll understand the roles and responsibilities of a teacher and develop the professional skills of planning, teaching and assessing learning, as well as how to build effective relationships with children and create positive classroom climates for learning. School Experience Over the course of the three-year programme, you will complete a minimum of 26 weeks of assessed school experience. In the first and second years your school experience is eight weeks; in the final year, it’s ten weeks. Intensive training and practice (ITaP) weeks provide opportunities to focus upon foundational aspects of teaching and learning. These will draw upon the expertise of a range of colleagues and have been developed to give you the opportunity to practice, apply and refine your skills in specific aspects of teaching and learning. You will be mentored by expert colleagues in school and University settings. In the first year, you will gradually take on some of the teacher’s role by working with small groups of children, setting activities in areas of provision, team teaching and moving on to teach whole group lessons. Throughout the second and third year, you will increase the amount of time you spend planning, teaching and assessing children; building your confidence, independence and progress in meeting the Teacher Standards and preparing you for your Early Career development. Graduate opportunities As a qualified teacher, you’ll open the door to a wide range of career progression opportunities that will help you to make a difference at a much higher level. We’re really proud of our alumni, whose teaching careers have taken them across the UK and the world. They’re making their mark on the future generation as heads of departments, head teachers, pastoral care leaders and even as international school founders.