Course Overview
The course offers a balance of University based and Professional Teaching Experiences that give student teachers a broad insight of the profession as a whole in preparation for a career in primary education. Individuals' knowledge and understanding of curricula and ethical and professional matters are developed, in addition to enhancing students' knowledge of pedagogy and effective teaching and learning strategies. Individuals' own personal skills of literacy, numeracy and communication are enhanced in a variety of ways, including workshops, lectures, tutorials, visits, guest speakers, discussions, problem solving activities and forums. Professional Teaching Experiences take place primarily in pre-schools and school settings and are designed to enable students to apply the knowledge, skills and understanding acquired within the University-based Studies to real teaching contexts. Students are introduced to teaching and learning matters early in the course, before revisiting them at a deeper level of understanding as the course progresses, leading ultimately to the achievement of Qualified Teacher Status by the end of the third year. Students also have the opportunity to discover the educational opportunities of museums, galleries and other contexts.
There are 24 weeks of Professional Teaching Experiences in the three-year degree programme where students are placed in schools across south, west and/or mid Wales. A range of teaching experiences will be provided that enable students to demonstrate their ability in the national teaching standards and to work towards achieving independence as a trainee teacher. Professional Teaching Experiences are provided through:
- A series of visits to a range of educational settings
- Teaching placements in each of the three years, choosing a preferred phase - Foundation Phase (3-7) or Key Stage 2 (7-11) for the final placement.
Key Features
The University has a familial atmosphere and global links. It is recognised as a provider of high calibre trainee teachers. The school of ITET has forged strong links with partner schools and outside agencies that contribute to the course significantly. Welshness and the Welsh language are promoted and are given significant status within the course. Welsh learners are encouraged and supported in order to develop the necessary skills to teach Welsh and first language Welsh students' skills are further enhanced. The South West Wales Centre of Teacher Education (www.swwcte.com) promotes staff that are able to share their expertise and knowledge with students and broaden their understanding of teaching and learning.
Staff also undertake research and other educational projects in order to advance their own and students' skills. The school has invested significantly in ICT resources in order to reflect programmes and equipment used in primary schools and students own skills are developed within this area.
Modules
The university-based provision includes modules designed to provide a broad understanding of the challenges and joys of teaching in the 21st century.
- Year 1: 8 modules: x1 Professional Teaching Experience, x4 Curriculum and Pedagogy, x2 Literacy Development, x1 Professional Development.
- Year 2: 8 modules: (following a similar pattern to year 1)
- Year 3: 7 modules: x1 Professional Teaching Experience, x2 Phase specific modules (Foundation Phase or Key Stage 2), x2 Professional development, x1 Extended Essay, x1 Literacy Development.
The programme includes modules on Language and Mathematics, which are the foundations of learning. The programme also includes modules on learning through the expressive arts, the humanities and science. An understanding of a broad range of work across all subject areas will be gained. There is a strong emphasis on ICT within the programme and how this should support learning in other areas of the curriculum.
Course Tutor(s)
- Catharine Bleasdale
- Diane Thomas
- Timothy Burton
- Mr Tom Cox
- Dr Geraint Davies
- Heddwen Davies
- Dr Sioned Vaughan Hughes
- Sharon L James
- Anne John
- Mathew Rees Jones
- Dr Ceri Lewis
- Mrs Helen Lewis
- Catherine Morgan
- Gail Parker
- Ms Sandra Phillips
- Carys W Richards
- Nanna Ryder
- Alun Thomas
- Elaine Sharpling
- Mr. Iwan Shopland
- Rachel Wallis
- Mr Iwan Ellis-Williams
Assessment
The course is modular and consists of different types of assessments submitted at the end of each module. These may include
- Problem-based learning assignments
- Seminars
- Portfolio
- Research projects
- Pack of resources
- Reflective blog
- Extended essay - professional interests
- Examinations
At the start of each module, tutors will provide full details of the means by which the students will be assessed in that module. This will include clear guidelines on the criteria that will be used for marking the work. Students who have registered on the Welsh-medium modules will normally be required to complete the assessment through the medium of Welsh. A transcript of the assessment marks will be received at the end of each semester.
Career Opportunities
According to figures published annually 80% of our students become employed within the first year of graduating. Many work within the primary sector in Wales and England, some holding permanent positions whilst others go into supply teaching in the first instance. Other students work abroad in a variety of schools e.g. Nigeria, Hong Kong, Australia & Kualalumpur to gain valuable experiences in the field of education before deciding on where they will reside.
Employability of graduates is enhanced by a number of additional awards, e.g. Church School Certificate, Certificate in the Teaching of Welsh as a Second Language, First Aid and a variety of Sports Coaching Awards.
Related Courses
- BA Education Studies
- BA Education Studies: Primary
- PGCE Primary with QTS
