What Makes This Course So Special?
The School of Education has developed links with the British School of Chicago and Nazareth College, Rochester (New York State) and the Institut Universitaire de Formation des Maîtres in Epinal, France. As part of the course student teachers are given the opportunity to undertake some of their school experience in the United States or in France.
Course Intro
Teaching in a primary school is a varied, exciting and demanding profession. It requires individuals who have good subject knowledge, an awareness of how children develop and an ability to enthuse young learners.
This three-year degree is designed to prepare you for the challenges of teaching in a primary school. School-based and University-based elements combine to develop a range of teaching skills together with underpinning subject knowledge, understanding and skills.
Course experiences and opportunities build to produce confident and competent primary school teachers.
We have an established reputation for the quality of our primary teacher training which has been recognised in the last inspection by Estyn where the top rating was awarded for support and guidance.
What you study
The course is organised into two distinct areas:
• School-based study
• University-based study
School-based study
You have school experiences in each year of the course and in total you will spend 24 weeks on school placements in a range of educational settings.
School-based experiences are in carefully selected primary schools which operate in partnership with the University. The degree is taught in English, but if you are fluent in Welsh, you may undertake some elements of University-based work in Welsh and school experience in a Welsh-medium school. Alternatively you may wish to consider the BA (Hons) Astudiaethau Cynradd Gyda Statws Athro Cymwysedig (page ?).
Your ability to plan, manage and teach a class and monitor learners’ progress while operating effectively as part of the school team will develop incrementally over the three years of the course.
University-based study
You will become aware of the curriculum in the Foundation Phase (for learners of 3-7 years) and Key Stage 2 (for learners of 7-11 years). Other key features of University-based study will be consideration of a teacher’s role and responsibilities and effective classroom practices to promote learning.
The course takes into account the distinctive nature of education in Wales; however, on qualification, you will be eligible to apply for posts both within and outside of Wales.
A programme specification for this course is available.
Where Next?
The University has an enviable record in helping student teachers to find their first teaching post and an excellent service is provided by staff and full-time careers officers.
The Welsh Government has re-organised teacher education and training in Wales, on a regional basis. The University now provides all undergraduate primary teacher training in South East Wales.
Interview Required
Yes. At interview, tutors will be looking for a commitment to teaching and the personal and academic qualities needed for primary teaching.
Assessment
Assessment includes course assignments, written examinations and practical teaching.
Student Soundbite
“The past three years have prepared me well for my future career in teaching and now I feel ready to take charge of my first class of children.”