Outstanding Training
Delivered by an Ofsted rated “Outstanding” provider of teacher training, this one year postgraduate course will recommend you, on completion, for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with full PGCE to teach children aged 3-7 years in primary or infant schools. We work closely with over 300 partnership schools to prepare you fully for the practical demands of teaching, including delivery of the curriculum for EYFS and the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1. You'll be taught and supported by highly experienced tutors, nursery practitioners, class teachers and school mentors who have a national reputation for the quality of their training.
Robust Course
Training and assessment are designed around the teaching standards for early years. There are three elements to the course which are designed to equip you with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills you will need to pursue a successful teaching career:
- Professional Studies - develops a good understanding of the key factors in successful learning and teaching. It deals with central issues of planning, teaching, assessing and behaviour management as well as addressing such issues as safeguarding of children
- Subject Studies – covers both core (English, Maths and Science) and non-core (Foundation) subjects. Foundation subjects are covered through 'taster' courses of six hours each: Art and Design, Computing, Design and Technology, Geography and History, Music, Physical Education (P.E.), Religious Education (R.E.) and PSHE
- Professional Practice - consists of four school placements (three extended placements organised by the University) in different primary schools and additional ‘mini’ placements to further broaden your experience.
Key aims
- Build your confidence and gain practical teaching experience in contrasting settings
- Learn to teach phonics and early reading, writing and early mathematics as well as foundation subjects
- Assess pupils effectively to assist in promoting pupil progress across the curriculum
- Learn to manage pupils' behaviour and maintain a purposeful learning environment
- Become a critical thinker, able to reflect on and evaluate your professional practice
- Learn about the latest curriculum developments, issues and innovations
- Deepen your understanding of teaching, and learn about the opportunities for continued professional development and the relationship between educators and society
- Make use of the latest technologies and developments in teaching and gain experience in developing multimedia resources
- Leave with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to begin your teaching career.
You can read more about the skills needed to teach early years here.
Stimulating University Sessions
Your teaching staff (Teaching Fellows) are vastly experienced teachers and educational leaders who have been selected to provide you with the highest quality training. Staff from partnership schools also contribute to the delivery of the programme.
The university sessions are interactive and challenging and delivered through lectures, seminars and workshops. Monitoring and development of your subject knowledge and developing expertise in the classroom is assessed through audits, presentations, directed tasks and assignments.
Inspiring Placements
In partnership with our schools, we ensure you have access to the best and most inspiring, practising teachers and mentors. You will have opportunities to participate in taught sessions at university, opportunities to observe the best classroom practice and your individual needs will be met through mentoring on each of your placements. Placements are structured as follows:
- Four extended Professional Practice Placements - in contrasting settings (5 days, 30 days, 36 days and 40 days respectively)
- Experiential days - five days of mini-placements (focusing on EAL, SEN, Phonics, Outside Learning Contexts)
- Serial Days - five further days of observation organised by the University.
Strong Support Structure
We ensure that you have access to the best possible support, advice and guidance, during your course. You will be supported by a range of University tutors, with responsibility for developing your subject knowledge and teaching development. Additionally you will also have a school mentor, who will offer professional and personal support.
Read more about excellent support you will receive at Warwick.
