Well done for choosing to become a primary school teacher. It is our privilege to support you on this journey and we look forward to welcoming you in September.

Hazel King (Year 1 Lead)

Planning your transition into the course

We know that you are excited about getting started on the course. To support your smooth transition, we have collated a set of information which you will find useful. This includes the course timetable, sources of support and a range of pre-arrival tasks. Please ensure that you engage with these prior to the course start date and be ready to discuss these with your tutors when you arrive.

Please follow this link to a padlet containing important course information and the pre-arrival tasks: https://cccu.padlet.org/hazel_king1/key_information_for_Year1_2024_25

School Experience

We know that placements in school are the highlight of the course for our students as they begin to put their teaching skills into practice. We have a team who organise all the placements for our students and they will be in touch with you to gather the information they need to complete this task. You will need to consider the following information.

We ask students to state a preference for the age-phase of their placements for the duration of the course. It is very important to note that this is a preference only and cannot be guaranteed. Whilst we do our best to place students within their preferred age-range, we have to work within a range of parameters including:

• The offers received from local schools;
• Government requirements;
• Students' living and transport arrangements;
• Students' medical needs and caring responsibilities.

The age-phases that you are asked to choose between are as follows:

• 3-7: Placements will be in the Foundation Stage (including Nursery and Reception) and Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)
• 5-11: Placements will be in Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6)

Because the course prepares students to teach across the Primary age range, employability and the overall qualification awarded are not affected by the choice made.

Students should note that while we provide a contribution towards travel costs, students are expected to fund a portion of the travel to placement themselves. Students are advised not to purchase season tickets or travel cards until they know the school in which they are placed and the suggested mode of transport. You should be prepared to travel up to 1½ hrs each way to placement.

Voluntary observations in schools (EYFS/KS1/KS2)

Whilst it is not a requirement, you are advised to seek as much voluntary experience in schools as is possible. When in school, focus on the roles and responsibilities of the teachers, the curriculum and the impact on children’s learning. You will find this greater understanding and awareness invaluable as you begin the course.

Your welcome and induction will be the week commencing the 9th September 2024. We look forward to meeting you then.