BA (Hons) Education and Training (Primary) with Qualified Teacher Status

The programme is designed to meet the needs of those in early years and primary education who already have higher level credits and who are wishing to broaden their knowledge and understanding of theoretical and policy issues, including research methods, in education and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This programme would ideally suit those already working as Teaching Assistants who are graduates or have some credit from higher level study and are looking to continue their education to reach Qualified Teaching Status. It also is a way forward for those students who have completed an FdA in a related subject, such our FdA in ‘Working with Children’.

This is a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree (BA(Hons)) which consists of six Higher level units:

• Management
• Policy Analysis
• Learning Theory
• Philosophy
• Social Context
• QTS Studies

combined together with a Research Project. Each unit carries 20 credits at level 3. The Research Project carries 40 credits.

This programme brings together current ideas and literature in a critical exploration of the interrelationship between educational theory and practice. It encourages an analysis of current policies and practices at local, national and international level. It engages with fundamental questions concerning the aims and values of education and its relationship to society. It also provides tools and resources to evaluate and develop views of learning, knowledge and pedagogy and the application of theory to practice. The programme explores the main psychological and philosophical perspectives necessary to develop educational practice that is both creative and critical.

Joanne Wright

Jeremy Stone
Deirdre Renwick
Caroline Walker

You will undertake five individually assessed units and a double unit for the research project. Each unit requires submission of a 4000 word assignment. The Research Project is 8000 words.

THE CORE UNITS INCLUDE:

LEARNING THEORY

The teacher is always responsible for the learning of his/her pupils and therefore an understanding of relevant Learning theories is extremely important. This unit introduces you to a range of psychological models and approaches to learning available as a practitioner as well as examining the influence of internal and external policy requirements on the learning process. You will be encouraged to identify the most appropriate theoretical perspectives for application in your own teaching and learning situations.

MANAGEMENT

Primary schools are complex organisations with many conflicting goals and pressures. In this unit you will examine a variety of strategic management skills and techniques which can be applied to Early Years and primary settings. It emphasises the need to understand the ways in which educational organisations operate and considers the importance of organisational theory, processes and culture. This unit will provide you with the conceptual framework for managing within an educational organisation and also encourage those who aspire to greater management responsibilities.

PHILOSOPHY

The philosophical framework which underpins the provision of Early years/ primary education is rarely discussed by practitioners. This unit seeks to redress the balance by enabling students to apply philosophical concepts and analysis to the problems and issues facing the practitioner. In particular it will examine the range and context of ideas that provide the philosophical basis of educational practice and enable trainees to develop critical thinking and critical practice.

SOCIAL CONTEXT

This unit is concerned with understanding the complex nature of education and explores the meaning of ‘education’ and the purposes of an education system in the UK. During this unit you will learn about the historical development of British education, issues relating to inequality and social justice and the role of education and training in modern industrial societies. This unit will provide you with the skills to be able to critically evaluate theoretical concepts underpinning education and training. The unit will also enable you to critically analyse the education system, its purposes and functions.

POLICY ANALYSIS

This unit is designed to provide you with an opportunity to investigate policy development from an institutional to national level. It will provide an opportunity for you to develop analytical, evaluative and conceptual skills and apply them effectively. You will examine the rationale and impact of recent policy initiatives on practice at individual, institution, regional and national level.

RESEARCH PROJECT

This unit is designed to provide you with an opportunity to undertake a small scale educational research enquiry into an aspect of early years /primary education. Your project will enable you to examine and understand an issue of direct individual concern and interest. The unit will focus on the development of appropriate research skills and will include a consideration of the nature of inquiry, ethical issues, research design and data collection methods and analysis.

QTS Studies

The QTS unit comprises sessions on Teaching and Learning (T&L) Core and Foundation subjects. These sessions are taught in the university and are supported by the partnership schools.

The teaching and learning sessions address the important aspects of educational theory. They provide you with grounding in generic pedagogical skills such as behaviour management, planning and assessment and will support your understanding of other key issues such as special educational needs and equal opportunities, motivation, and the role of support staff.

Training will be provided in how to teach the Core subjects in conjunction with partnership schools. English, mathematics and science are the three core subjects of the National Curriculum. ICT is a core skill area that needs to be integrated across all curriculum areas, hence it is a vital part of English, mathematics and science. These subjects will be taught across the two years.
During the two year programme you will be introduced to the full National Curriculum which will include the foundation subjects such as history, Art and Design and Geography.

As a statutory part of the primary curriculum you will also have sessions in Religious Education and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship which is a very important cross curricular theme.

If you are preparing to teach across the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 you will also receive training in the six areas of learning which form the basis of the Foundation Stage. Each area of learning has a set of related learning goals. Much of this training will be undertaken within the partnership schools as well as through taught university sessions and directed activities.

You are required to have experience in two placement schools during the course. You will spend 18 months in the first school and the final 6 months in a second school. You will also be prepared to teach across two or more consecutive age ranges.

Two year programme

Start date: 15th September 2008

Classes will be held on Mondays from 9-4.30 for QTS studies with an additional evening from 5-8 pm per week. Tuesday evenings in Semester 1 and Wednesday evenings in Semester 2.

Students will be required to undertake placements in school. There will be some serial days and block placements beginning with a one week block in October, a two week block in January culminating in a 5 week block in May at the end of the first year.

Overview of the Primary Pathway.

This programme seeks to recruit students with at least 220 CATS credits. Direct entry to the BA in Education and Training with QTS is available via an FdA in a related subject. Within the University of Southampton this includes the FdA in 'Working with Children'. Direct entry is also available to applicants with at least 220 CATS credits in a related field. Existing graduates with experience of working in a primary school or early years setting (maybe in a voluntary capacity) can also apply for this level 3 course.

For those applicants with fewer than 220 CATS credits, it may be possible to apply for Special Admission. Applicants also need a GCSE grade C (or equivalent) in Maths, English and Science. Please contact us directly for more information.

Further information about the entry requirements

Students are required to have an IELTS level of 6.5 / TOEFL level of 600, or equivalent standard of English.
Click for more information on the Admissions Policy or the language requirements.

If you pay your fees in full anytime before 6th October 2008 you will receive a 2% discount of £62.90. If you wish to pay your fees by equal instalments you should ensure the following amounts are paid to the University as follows: £1572.50by 6th October 2008 and £1572.50 by 2nd February 2009.

Downloadable application files :

Ethnic Survey

Reference Form

BA with QTS Application Guidance Notes

BA with QTS Direct Application Form

Order a BA with QTS application pack by post

Details on how to apply for the BA in Education and Training (Primary) with Qualified Teacher Status are available here...

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