Primary Education - BA (Hons)
Level:
BA (Honours) in Primary Education with recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status
UCAS Code:
Lower Primary QTS (3-7 years) X121
Upper Primary QTS (5-11 years) X122
Primary Languages (lpr) X3R9
Primary Languages (upr) X3RX
Duration:
Three years full-time
Introduction
The BA (Hons) in Primary Education is a three year programme, leading to an honours degree and a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Qualified Teacher Status is subject to the student achieving the Government Standards for the award of QTS and passing the National Skills test in English, Mathematics and ICT, and meeting any other Government requirements which may be in force. The age ranges covered are 3-7 years (Foundation Stage and Key Stage One) and 5-11 years (Key Stage One and Key Stage Two).
A revised programme commenced in September 2007 which reflects current educational initiatives. It looks to preparing effective classroom practitioners to meet the needs of the primary schools of the future. The new programme is based around a set of key principles that underpin the work of the primary team at Canterbury Christ Church University. These include a belief that primary teachers must have a broad awareness of the learning needs of all children and of all aspects of the primary curriculum as well as strengths in one or two subjects. A central core of the programme is the professional studies course which covers the principles of child development; effective planning, teaching and assessment and the professional role and responsibilities of the teacher in a changing society. All aspects of the course are underpinned by principles of equal opportunities and meeting diverse needs.
The programme as a whole seeks to give students a wide perspective on educational issues to prepare them to be creative, flexible professionals with a deep understanding of learning and teaching across a wide range of subjects. In all years Professional Studies and school placement make up a significant part of the programme. Core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science are studied and a range of further subjects which varies from year to year. For further details see Content and Structure.
Students interested in applying for Primary Languages are asked to declare their interest in either, French, German or Spanish and apply for the Primary Languages code. A good GCSE or 'A' level in a language is required plus an interest and enthusiasm for the subject. Language speakers will also be considered. On this route, which lies within the main programme, you will be expected to do a placement abroad and keep primary languages as your specialist option through levels two and three.
On completion of the degree programme there will be other opportunities to continue studies at Master's Degree level within the Faculty of Education on either a part-time or a full-time basis.
Content and Structure
LEVEL 1
All students follow the same modules in Professional Studies Core and Foundation subjects (plus RE and Primary Languages). All students undertake Professional Practice experience in schools. Current Government guidelines specify that all teacher education courses must train teachers in at least two Key Stages. Your level one practice will be in one of the Key Stages you have selected.
LEVEL 2
All students follow the same modules in Professional Studies, Language Development and Maths and Science. You will work in your chosen age phase for the core subjects. You will have an opportunity to choose two subjects from a range of options (Currently; any Foundation subjects, Advanced Early Years, Primary Languages, Inclusion and RE). All these subjects are studied in the context of teaching in the Primary School. A new module called School and Community will consider the Every Child Matters agenda and offer the opportunity to work in an alternative educational setting. Students on the Primary Language route will be expected to spend four weeks on a supported school experience placement in Europe. Travel and accommodation are provided. All students will undertake a further placement in one of your chosen Key Stages.
LEVEL 3
All students follow the same module in Professional Studies and undertake a Professional Practice placement in a class within one of their chosen Key Stages. All students follow modules in The Core Curriculum, in Placement, Cross-curricular Approaches and Learning in the Global Community. They also select one of the subject options from level two to study and research at a further, advanced level.
By the end of the programme, students should be able to teach the whole Primary curriculum, and also be able to offer one subject in more depth. This degree programme offers students flexible and exciting opportunities to pursue their subject interests in more depth while also covering the range of curriculum subjects which will support effective teaching in Primary schools. Opportunities to enhance the course by studying abroad exist at levels two and three.
Further information about options within degree programmes can be found here.
Information about a part-time form of this programme can be found here.
TEACHING METHODS
This is a partnership programme, with the students developing their knowledge, skills and understanding through University-based seminars, lectures and workshops and through school experience.
Work in school is overseen by a Mentor (an experienced teacher in the school) who liaises with a Link Tutor who visits from the University.
Teaching methods in the University are varied, with a particular stress on student participation and active learning. The University is a leading exponent of the use of ICT in primary teaching and students are expected to use the Virtual Learning Environment to support their studies. Year Co-ordinators are responsible for the work of each year of the programme. Subject Co-ordinators oversee the work in each curriculum subject or topic area through the programme. Professional Studies tutors provide academic and pastoral support.ASSOCIATED COSTS
All students following the programme will be asked to finance travel to placements, although the University will make a nominal contribution towards these costs.
Important Information
ADVICE FOR APPLICANTS
A number of applicants apply for more than one Primary Education programme offered by the University. We do not recommend that you select more than two options. Irrespective of the number of times you indicate a Primary Education programme at the University, only one interview is offered per applicant. You do need to select the Primary Languages code if you wish to pursue the Primary Language option.
Some applicants indicate a mixture of Primary Education programmes and BA/BSc Honours degrees either at Canterbury Christ Church or elsewhere. The Departments do not discriminate against applicants who do this.
The personal statement is a very important part of the form. You must say why you want to become a primary school teacher. You must also outline recent classroom experience, or other relevant work experience. The Department takes referees' comments into account when selecting people for interview. Applicants who are not predicted to achieve our minimum entry qualifications may not be selected for interview. THE
INTERVIEW PROCESS
The Department runs interview afternoons (Wednesdays) from mid-November until May each academic year. The number of applicants called to interview on any day is around 100. All candidates are interviewed in groups normally of 8-10.
The afternoon consists of an introductory talk, a test of written English and the group interview. The interview panel is normally made up of a member of the Primary Education Department and a mentor from a partner school. The interview panel has a set of criteria by which all applicants are judged. The criteria are sent to applicants before the interview and can be found on the Primary Education website.
In general the Department is looking for applicants who can:
- Show that they have a broad educational background and that they can develop to an appropriate level a subject specialism relevant to the primary curriculum
- Explain why they want to be a primary school teacher and give evidence that they understand the role of a teacher
- Show experience of working in a state primary school or equivalent prior to interview
- Demonstrate experience of taking responsibility
- Convey enthusiasm, in voice, facial expression and body language. It is important that the interviewee can react and contribute to the group interview situation. Good communication skills are essential
- Communicate clearly and grammatically in spoken and written standard English
After the interview applicants are given a tour of the campus and those who have not visited Canterbury before are encouraged to tour the city. Please note: This advice has been produced in November 2008 and is for guidance only. The Department reserves the right to change its procedures as it deems necessary.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Application is via UCAS, see the UCAS codes page, and the general entry requirements are three A2 Levels at grade CCC or above, or an equivalent (e.g. merit in an Advanced GNVQ or a pass in an Access course). Entry requirements to primary teacher training courses now includes science as well as mathematics and English language GCSE (grade C or above) or acceptable equivalents. Advice on acceptable equivalent qualifications can be obtained from Student Recruitment.
Candidates are offered a place subject to a satisfactory health clearance and a Criminal Records Bureau check. For information about the (CRB) process please see the "Offer of a place" page.
Employment Opportunities
Students graduating from the Department have been very successful in gaining employment in a wide variety of primary schools, both in Kent and in the rest of the United Kingdom. Graduates also go on to study for higher degrees (MA, MPhil or PhD) in Canterbury or elsewhere.