Modules

The programme is full-time over 36 weeks.

Broadly, the programme comprises 12-weeks of university-based provision and 24 weeks based in school.

Level 6 Modules

Cycle 3 Core Studies: The Learner: who am I teaching? (30 credits; compulsory)

This module places the child/pupil at the centre of the programme. Understanding how a pupil learns, based on theories of learning, practice-related evidence and the place of health and wellbeing, is fundamental to effective teaching and learning. This module challenges assumptions and beliefs related to cultural diversity and the expectations of a normative model of child development.

This module also positions the teacher as a professional by considering safeguarding, child protection, contractual, pastoral and legal responsibilities.

The assessment component for this module is a written assignment (100%; equivalent to 5000 words).

Cycle 3 Professional and Pedagogic Studies: Leading the Learning: what, how and why am I teaching? (30 credits; compulsory)

Housed in this module is the explicit development of phase appropriate subject-knowledge and pedagogic content knowledge needed to effectively teach the curricular content of each area of learning and experience.

The module also explores the complex nature of the learning environment and the skills needed to manage learners, resources and other adults. The principles of planning, teaching and assessment for learning will be secured, and practical application evaluated. It is in this module that the two aspects of intellectual and experiential learning come together in the classroom and students are supported in their professional teaching experience by practicing teachers, peers and university-based tutors.

The assessment component for this module is a portfolio (100%; equivalent to 5000 words).

Level 7 Modules

Core Studies: Learners, Schools and Communities: where am I teaching? (30 credits; compulsory)

In this module, graduates study the importance of place and context; local and national. The transformative teacher looks beyond the classroom to the community where learners lead their lives and seeks to influence development in both. This means understanding the diverse nature of a community; the effect of poverty and social deprivation and how to use data to understand these issues further.

The assessment components for this module are an individual video (50%; 10 minutes) and a written report (50%; 2,500 words).

Professional and Pedagogic Studies: Researching the Learning: what, how and why am I teaching? (30 credits; compulsory)

In this module, the four dispositions of the research-ready teacher are explicitly explored: being sceptical; being ethical; being a skilled researcher, and being part of an enquiring profession. Student teachers join with practicing teachings to form communities of inquiry where real life problems are identified in the classroom and researched through a close-to-practice approach. Different methodologies will be explored including lesson study, case study and small-scale action research.

The assessment component for this module is a research project (100%; 5000 words, with 1000 word equivalent allocated to the Ethics Form).

Assessment methods

The programme design provides the opportunity for assessments to be closely related to classroom practice and draw upon evidence gained from personal experience. This approach further establishes the links between intellectual and experiential learning.

For example, students will be required to design, conduct, evaluate and share a close-to-practice research project which will directly impact on learners. Whenever possible, assignments will be submitted and marked electronically to facilitate timely and effective feedback.

Assessment components include written assignments, a portfolio, an individual video and a research project.