Primary Education (Early Years 3-7) with QTS with Foundation Year

Program Overview

This three-year program prepares students to become qualified teachers in primary education, specializing in the Early Years (ages 3-7). Through a blend of theoretical and practical training, students develop a deep understanding of child development, curriculum design, and teaching methodologies. Upon completion, graduates earn Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and are equipped for a wide range of careers in education.

Program Outline

Outline:

Year 1:

• General Studies and Project: Develop core academic skills and explore topics to expand your view of society and enhance your life skills.
• Introduction to Children and Families: Gain foundational understanding of the disciplines, issues, and academic theories of working with children, young people, and families.
• Introduction to Education: Learning and Teaching: Analyze UK education systems, explore early years and primary education phases, study concepts of learning, pedagogy, and assessment.
• Introduction to the Early Years Curriculum (3-7) 1: Study foundational curriculum areas like Communication and Language, Literacy, and Mathematics in the EYFS Framework and National Curriculum.
• Introduction to the Teaching Profession: Reflect on professional attributes of a teacher, develop academic and assessment expectations, examine principles of planning, learning, and assessment.
• Introduction to a Broad and Balanced Curriculum: Explore Foundation Subjects to build pedagogical skills and curriculum knowledge for teaching across Key Stage 1 and 2.
• Introduction to the Early Years Curriculum (3-7) 2: Deepen knowledge of EYFS & KS1 curriculum areas in English, Mathematics, Science, and other subjects.
• Understanding Learners and Learning: Understand childhood development, socialisation, learning needs, and teacher's role in creating a learning environment.
• School-Based Training 1 (Optional): Gain practical experience in school settings, prepare for professional responsibilities.
• Educational Project (Optional): Research a topic using theoretical frameworks and primary/secondary sources.

Year 2:

• Developing the Early Years Curriculum (3-7) 1: Analyze impact of experiential learning, child-centered learning environments, and different pedagogies on children's development.
• Becoming a Teaching Professional: Reflect on personal practice, link theoretical concepts to teachers' professional standards, complete placement in a non-mainstream classroom.
• Developing the Early Years Curriculum (3-7) 2: Develop knowledge of pedagogies and methods to teach broader EYFS & KS1 curriculum.
• Understanding Inclusion: Gain awareness of barriers to learning, understand needs of children with specific needs, learn relevant assessment and intervention strategies.
• Introducing Practitioner Enquiry: Conduct small-scale research, apply principles of evidence-based practice, evaluate impact on personal development and improved outcomes for children.
• School-Based Training 2 (Optional): Continue practical experience in school settings, increase teaching responsibilities.
• Educational Project (Optional): Same as above.

Year 3:

• Enhancing the Early Years Curriculum (3-7): Explore different curricular models and designs, analyze impact of a rich and balanced curriculum across EYFS & KS1.
• Enhanced Enquiry Project: Independently conduct research, record findings, critically evaluate the role of research in developing practice.
• Educational Debates: Explore current and critical issues affecting primary education, analyze international evidence on school systems and reforms, interrogate pedagogical models and evidence of high-quality teaching.
• School-Based Training 3 (Optional): Final practical experience in school settings, showcase advanced pedagogical skills and understanding.
• Educational Project (Optional): Same as above.

Assessment:

• Variety of assessments: Written assignments, essays, presentations, practical observations, reflective writing, exams, student-led projects.
• Assessments aligned with learning outcomes: Ensure demonstration of knowledge, skills, and understanding developed throughout the program.
• Feedback provided on assessments: Support student learning and development.

Teaching:

• Blended approach: Combining in-person teaching with online resources and activities.
• Active learning strategies: Promoting student engagement through discussions, group work, problem-solving, and practical tasks.
• Expert lectures: Delivered by experienced academics and practitioners in the field.
• Strong industry connections: Partnerships with schools and organizations provide real-world applications and guest speaker opportunities.

Careers:

• **Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) achieved upon completion.

• Wide range of career opportunities: Primary school teacher, Early Years educator, SEN specialist, educational leadership, academic researcher, policy advisor, educational consultant.

Other:

• Opportunity to study abroad: Gain international experience and perspectives.
• Individualized support: Personal tutor system, academic advisors, learning support services.
• Strong focus on employability skills: Develop communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional attributes.
• Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) available: Enhances your religious literacy and professional profile.