COURSE CURRICULUM

This PGCE Primary (3–7) programme is designed to prepare graduates for a career as a primary school teacher with a specialist focus on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1. The course combines university-based learning with extensive school placements to help students develop the knowledge, practical teaching skills, and professional confidence required for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Throughout the taught element of the programme, students study the primary curriculum while placing particular emphasis on how young children learn and develop during their earliest years of education. The compulsory module The Learning Child explores child development, learning theories, inclusion, and strategies for supporting children's academic, social, and emotional growth. The Developing Teacher focuses on professional responsibilities, lesson planning, classroom management, assessment, curriculum design, and effective teaching strategies. The Reflective Practitioner module encourages students to critically evaluate their teaching practice, use educational research to improve learning outcomes, and engage in continuous professional development. The Primary Years Teaching Practice (with Specialism) module provides substantial practical experience through two major school placements in contrasting schools, allowing trainees to teach across two age bands within their chosen primary phase. These placements help students gain experience in diverse educational settings, adapt their teaching to different learners, and build confidence in delivering high-quality lessons. Working closely with experienced mentors and university tutors, trainees receive regular feedback that supports their professional growth throughout the programme. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, practical teaching sessions, collaborative activities, independent study, and supervised school-based practice. Assessment is based on coursework, reflective assignments, professional portfolios, teaching observations, lesson planning, and successful completion of school placements rather than traditional examinations. Upon successful completion, graduates are well prepared to begin careers as qualified primary school teachers specialising in children aged 3–7, with opportunities to work in nursery schools, infant schools, primary schools, early years settings, educational support services, or continue professional development through further postgraduate study and leadership training in education.