Primary Education (5-11) BA (Hons)

The course combines academic study and practical teaching experience at every level. These two sides of the degree feed into each other as you learn, with the knowledge and theory you gain on campus informing your teaching practice on school placements. Your university-based study will cover both the primary curriculum, building your subject knowledge and pedagogy in preparation for placement, and professional studies modules which give you the skills and understanding to ensure all children ...Read More

The course combines academic study and practical teaching experience at every level. These two sides of the degree feed into each other as you learn, with the knowledge and theory you gain on campus informing your teaching practice on school placements. Your university-based study will cover both the primary curriculum, building your subject knowledge and pedagogy in preparation for placement, and professional studies modules which give you the skills and understanding to ensure all children make progress in their learning. You will have opportunities to personalise your course choosing either the 3-7 or 5-11 route. These two programmes study some modules together but others separately, giving you specialist knowledge for the age group you will work with. In your final year you choose a further specialism selecting a module from a range of options. You will also design, plan and carry out a research project with a focus of your choosing.The key aim of the Primary Education programme is to deliver a high quality current and relevant programme of training and education that equips you with the professional knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes that you need to become highly effective teachers (and leaders) with both a strong subject and wider professional identity. To support this, you will follow an ambitious curriculum that is underpinned by the Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework and York St John Partnership five key themes, that has been designed to integrate theory and practice. The combination of experienced university, school based and other external colleagues working in partnership, makes a powerful and inspiring teaching team. Our most recent Ofsted report (2022) highlighted that York St John trainees, ‘are well prepared for a career in teaching’.• You will be supported throughout the programme to develop your subject knowledge and understanding of current educational policy and initiatives• You will be encouraged to critically reflect on educational theory into practice to support development of pedagogy• Academic assignments are designed to support your developing practice• Throughout the programme there is strong support for you by both university and school-based staff and you also will benefit from the full range of university services (e.g. academic support, wellbeing services).School placementsAssessed school placements, one per year, provide structured opportunities to observe experienced teachers and other professionals, and support you in progressively building your confidence towards independent teaching. You will gradually take on more responsibility as you progress through the course until you are ready to lead a class of your own.We have very good relationships with our school partnerships across the region and you will get involved in all aspects of school life while you are on placement.About York St John UniversityIn partnership, we work together with a wide range of schools to provide education and training that is current and relevant and underpinned by high quality research and evidence.Initial Teacher Education has been a key part of York St John University since its inception in 1841. York St John University is an accredited Initial Teacher Training provider and on successful completion of this course you will be recommended for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by the Teaching Regulation Agency.We have a strong employment record and contribute to the local and national teaching community. Ofsted (2022) commented, ‘‘There is something special about York St John trainees. They are diligent, kind, caring and self-reflective.’Once qualified and as you become an Early Career Teacher you will have access to university support resources in order to further suppo