Please note: this course is now closed to late applicants. The next intake will be September 2014. Applications are still being considered from International (non EU) Applicants.
The most recent details available from the National Students’ Survey (NSS) indicate, 96% of Early Primary Education students said “staff are enthusiastic about what they are teaching”. Also, the Good University Guide (2012) has ranked Education at Northumbria as fifth overall in the UK.
Rated as outstanding by Ofsted, this programme is based on the principle that the development of children in their earliest stages is of great significance and therefore the study of the young child is at its heart. Through the integrated study of children, the school and its curriculum, this principle is brought to life.
The programme will develop the understanding and skills required to become a creative early years Teacher of the future. The training will also include a subject specialism within the programme of study. It is designed to meet government regulations for initial teacher training and successful students will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status as accredited by the National College for Teaching and Leadership of the Department for Education. This structure also addresses the Government’s directive that all those intending to work in an early years’ setting must have an early years’ specialism.
The programme offers a broad consideration of the primary phase of education, including the core subjects of the Primary National Curriculum, with a focus specifically in the early years’ (3–7) context. However, students will also be given the opportunity to work with the whole primary age range of 3–11 and it qualifies them to teach across the primary age phase. The programme has developed an innovative approach to using Information Communication Technology (ICT) to support teaching and learning, this is in line with the Government National Curriculum for Initial Teacher Training and initiatives in school.
We enjoy a strong partnership with our local schools. One of the many strengths of the programme is the progressive nature of the school placements. In each year, students will work alongside teachers in local schools, both in the mainstream and those who educate children and young people with special needs and disability. This will enable them to appreciate in a practical setting the links between theory and practice. Through a wide range of placements, students develop an enviable school placement profile covering several different schools and all of the primary age phases.
Throughout the programme, emphasis will be on developing skills and abilities as professionals. Our approach therefore positively encourages independence and use of initiative and personal creativity.
Entrants for Initial Teacher Education programmes for September 2013 entry need to be aware of new Government regulations regarding mandatory skills tests in numeracy and literacy. These will be taken immediately after application and prior to any offer being made.
Applicants are advised that they will receive one free test and two resit opportunities which will be self-funded. If applicants fail three tests, resits will not be allowed within a 24 month period, therefore it is strongly advised that applicants visit the Department for Education website to obtain further information and sample practice papers. Applicants may find the following links helpful:
Interviews are normally conducted with a member of staff and a representative from a partnership school and involve both group work and an individual interview. It is essential to recognise that as well as possessing the relevant entry requirements, applicants must have recent and relevant primary school experience, of at least 10-15 days (including work in an early years setting).
All offers of places are subject to a satisfactory medical report, receipt of a suitable Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced certificate.
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The programme is delivered through a range of lectures, seminars, debates, practical workshops and focussed and assessed placements as well as guided independent study.
As you are studying for both a degree and professional qualified teacher status, the partnership between schools and the University will support you to be an independent learner within the profession. You will work in small professional groups to reflect upon your own development as early primary teachers and plan, manage and review your own and your peers’ learning.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
You will be assessed in a variety of ways to support you in developing your writing skills for a variety of audiences. You will write reports, bids and assignments and will prepare and deliver presentations and collate portfolios which critically evaluate your learning.
Practical teaching is formally assessed through the observation of your teaching and the assessment of your practice files.
ACCREDITATION
This programme is accredited by the National College for Teaching and Leadership to train early primary teachers. All the modules on this programme are critical as the Teachers’ Standards are embedded within the modules. You will need to demonstrate that you can meet the Teachers’ Standards for Qualified Teacher Status and gain an honours degree.
You will have to teach for a sustained period of time (minimum of five weeks) in two consecutive Key Stages for the age phase for which you are training.
The National College for Teaching and Leadership specifies students must have at least a grade C at GCSE in maths, English and science. To be recommended for QTS you must pass National College for Teaching and Leadership skills tests in literacy and numeracy.
CAREERS
Students are training to be teachers for the three- to seven-year-old age range and are given opportunities to develop their employability through a variety of focussed and assessed placements in different types of schools and educational settings that include museums, art galleries, outdoor learning contexts and early years settings.
You will explore an area in depth for your dissertation and will carry out your research in schools which will support you in demonstrating to employers your specific specialist expertise.
Throughout the programme there are individualised enhancement opportunities which will enable you to develop particular areas of interest or expertise. The end of year conferences will give you the opportunity to share these experiences.
Northumbria University has taken reasonable care to ensure that the information published is accurate at the time of publication. However, the University gives no warranty or representation as to the quality, accuracy or completeness of the information.
COURSE INFORMATION (2013 ENTRY)
