BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS

What you will study

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)

MODULES

• School Experience 1 (CORE): An initial three days a week for four weeks, early in the academic year so you can make links to what you are learning at university, followed by four weeks full-time placement. You will have the opportunity to observe good classroom practice and are supported by class teachers in the preparation of teaching activities to meet the needs of all children. Later in the year, an enhancement placement allows you to spend time in Key Stage 1 and explore early literacy and mathematics in more depth. 
• Professional Studies 1: Teaching and Learning CORE: This module unites university work with time spent in school ensuring you understand the links between theory and practice. It focuses on the ways children develop and learn effectively. It considers the roles and responsibilities of a teacher, key learning theories and some of the major educational thinkers. You explore the cycle of planning, teaching and evaluating and the importance of creating a stimulating and safe learning environment for the children in your care.
• Core English 1 CORE: This module explores children's literature, how children learn to read, phonics and reading routines in schools. You examine how children learn to write. You are taught how to plan effective English lessons and to understand strategies to develop reading for pleasure and a positive literacy environment in schools.
• Core Mathematics 1 CORE: This module encourages you to develop positive attitudes to mathematics so you can teach it with confidence and enthusiasm. You explore the use of resources in the teaching and learning of key mathematical concepts number, shape and space. You learn how to plan interactive lessons and how to secure children's progress.
• English, Mathematics and Science Subject Knowledge Audits 1 CORE: You develop your subject knowledge through directed tasks and self-directed study following a diagnostic audit. You collect evidence to demonstrate your developing knowledge. This continues throughout each year of study.
• Core Science 1 CORE: You are encouraged to develop an enthusiasm and confidence to teach science. This module brings together subject knowledge and a developing pedagogical understanding to support children in their progression of conceptual knowledge and their ability to work scientifically. It looks at how scientific process skills and subject knowledge may be developed through effective questioning and enquiry-based learning.
• Core Physical Education 1 CORE: You study how to structure, plan and teach a physical education games lesson and about effective organisation and safety. Pupil management strategies and how to meet individual needs through differentiation are taught. You consider the unique and holistic contribution PE makes to children's social, creative and cognitive development and physical literacy
• Core Foreign Languages 1 CORE: This module encourages you to develop a positive attitude to the teaching of languages and aims to demonstrate the potential benefits to the children of this subject. You participate in a range of activities in French and Spanish and explore practical ideas and appropriate resources for effective teaching and learning.
• The Broader Curriculum: Expression CORE: This module aims to develop confidence in teaching and learning of the expressive subjects of art, drama and music. It aims to demonstrate the potential of the expressive arts as a tool for creative learning and teaching across the curriculum. You experiment with a range of media, processes and techniques, with an opportunity to explore each subject discretely with a specialist tutor.
• The Broader Curriculum: Communication CORE: This module aims to develop confidence in teaching and learning in the History, RE and ICT. It demonstrates the potential of these subjects as vehicles for learning and teaching across the curriculum. You discover how cross curricular learning between these subjects can provide a rich source for developing concepts, attitudes and skills, bringing relevance and authenticity to learning in these contexts.
• The Broader Curriculum: Innovation CORE: This module provides an introduction to the discrete skills, knowledge and understanding in geography, ICT and design and technology. A creative, problem-solving approach is a focus of the module and you explore a range of engaging contexts for learning.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)

MODULES

• School Experience 2 CORE: This placement is for seven weeks full-time in the spring term. The placement develops your competencies and skills in teaching the primary curriculum using a variety of resources and teaching strategies. With support from your class teachers, you prepare lessons to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring they are successful learners who make progress and achieve.
• Professional Studies 2: Valuing Learners as Individuals CORE This module focuses on inclusion. You gain knowledge of equality and inclusion policies, whilst improving your knowledge and skills for curriculum planning, delivery and evaluation using differentiated strategies.
• Core English 2 CORE: There is a focus on grammar features examining how children are taught grammar and how they learn it and use it. The use of Standard English and the importance and value of non-standard dialects are explored. Spoken language, phonics, shared writing and strategies for the teaching of spelling, writing and reading are also studied.
• Core Mathematics 2 CORE: This module focuses on problem solving and the role it plays in the development of mathematical thinking. You explore a variety of mathematical challenges and research theories that supports how children learn through practical engagement and collaboration.
• English, Mathematics and Science Subject Knowledge Audits 2 CORE: You develop your subject knowledge through directed tasks and self-directed study following a diagnostic audit. You collect evidence to demonstrate your developing knowledge.
• Core Science 2 CORE You learn how to teach science effectively and how to ascertain progress of scientific skills and knowledge. This module consolidates your understanding of planning whole science lessons and the needs of different groups of learners including SEND in the context of science.
• Core Physical Education 2 CORE: This module develops your confidence, competence and commitment to teaching high quality PE lessons with enthusiasm. Specific focus is given to recognising and meeting individual needs and you are introduced to teaching gymnastics and dance activities.
• Core Foreign Languages 2 CORE: This module develops your understanding of best practice in modern foreign languages teaching (MFL) through practical examples. It aims to demonstrate the cross-curricular potential of MFL as a tool for teaching and learning across the curriculum.
• Cross Curricular Learning CORE: This module introduces you to the value of using a cross curricular approach to provide meaningful contexts for learning. You work in small teams to develop a cross-curricular plan based on a current theme. You present your work at an exhibition that encourages debate and shared learning.
• Elective Module 1: This Classroom and Beyond CORE: This module aims to develop your understanding of teaching and learning within a contemporary classroom. Through a range of focus subjects, a breadth of understanding of planning and delivery of learning in discrete and cross-curricular planning is developed. Experiences are planned to develop your skills as an effective classroom practitioner within a range of learning environments.
• Elective Module 2: Working Without Worksheets CORE: This module focuses on developing creative and original approaches to teaching and learning, with the opportunity to critically evaluate pedagogy and theory related to a chosen subject area, as well as their contribution to the wider primary curriculum.
• Additional Module: Welsh and Curriculum for Wales 2022 for Educational Practitioners: The module recognises the importance of Welsh language to Wales and reflects the Welsh Government target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050. It also recognises language as a tool for teaching and learning across the curriculum and the contribution a language can make to children’s development. The importance of cultural input and the opportunities offered by a cross-curricular approach are introduced to make the learning of Welsh more accessible and appealing to students who do not have skills in the language themselves.
  

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)

MODULES

• School Experience 3 CORE: This placement is for eight weeks full-time in the final term. The placement consolidates your competencies and skills in teaching the primary curriculum and supports you in moving towards taking the responsibilities of a newly qualified teacher.
• Professional Studies 3: Promoting Progression CORE: This module introduces you to a range of assessment strategies, including the statutory requirements of the English National Curriculum. You will understand the purposes of the different types of assessment and how formative assessment impacts on learning. The module equips you with a range of practical assessment strategies, including giving effective oral and written feedback and setting appropriate targets for learning.
• Core English 3 CORE: You develop creative approaches to teaching fiction, non-fiction and poetry, and will develop your understanding of literacy difficulties, personalising learning, SEND and extending more able children. You learn how to assess children and progress their learning in English, examining tests, statistics and national trends.
• Core Mathematics 3 CORE: This module focuses on the importance of using real, meaningful contexts and cross curricular links to make planning more purposeful and effective. You will collaborate to research and plan for progression in teaching and learning in a particular area of fractions or measurement. You use your research and experiences to develop a personal philosophy for teaching mathematics.
• English, Mathematics and Science Subject Knowledge Audits 3 CORE: You consolidate your subject knowledge through directed tasks and self-directed study following a diagnostic audit. You collect evidence to demonstrate your subject knowledge.
• Core Science 3 CORE: This module consolidates your ability to teach science effectively in the classroom. The module focuses on progression within medium term plans through assessment for learning. You plan for progression and continuity of a science concept within a medium term plan, integrating effective opportunities for assessment.
• Core Physical Education 3 CORE: This module consolidates and develops the knowledge, skills and understanding acquired at Levels 4 and 5. Specific consideration is given to the processes of assessment for learning to realise the maximum potential of pupils and you are introduced to teaching athletics and outdoor and adventurous activities.
• Core Foreign Languages 3 CORE: This module develops further your understanding and knowledge of good practice in foreign language teaching. It focuses on the importance of cultural input and demonstrates how the teaching of languages can raise cultural awareness and help children appreciate diversity.
• Personal Research Project in Primary Education CORE: The module establishes the importance of undertaking research, the purpose of research methodology and the benefits of writing a literature review. It gives an insight into the philosophy of education. You conduct a small-scale research through your chosen theme and in so doing you are able to bring together theory and practice in a way that enhances your understanding of teaching and learning. The module establishes the importance of teachers taking responsibility for deepening their understanding of teaching and learning thus improving what they do. The module provides a taster of and springboard for master's level work.
• Elective Module 3: Developing Subject Knowledge and Understanding in a Focus Subject CORE: Students explore in greater depth the skills and methods required to teach a focus subject area effectively. They acquire a coherent and detailed knowledge and understanding of a focus subject and enhance their awareness of its potential to support the broader primary curriculum. The module provides opportunities for students to analyse and critically reflect on different approaches to teaching, learning and assessing within a focus subject through theoretical research and practical experiences.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

Grade 4/C or equivalent in GCSE English, mathematics and science are required. GSCSE equivalents are offered by St Mary’s University. 

UCAS points: 96 - 104 A Levels BCC-CCC BTEC
BTEC Extended Diploma DMM-MMM

A satisfactory DBS and a successful completion of physical and mental fitness to teach.

Please apply to St Mary's University via UCAS for this course, Institution code: S64, Course code: X123, Campus code: G.

Teaching & Assessment

Teaching takes place in groups with a practical approach to learning.  Tutors model good practice in the use of ICT and use lectures, seminars, and group activities to stimulate and encourage you to become reflective practitioners.

Independent study is a key feature of your degree and is crucial to furthering your knowledge.

You will be assessed through essays, rationales, portfolios, lesson plans, presentations, resource innovation and one formal examination. School experience is assessed against the government’s standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status.

Teaching and Assessment

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our Student Support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion team can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Our Careers and employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Graduates are very successful in securing teaching appointments at the end of their studies. Many take up employment in one of our partner schools.
Students can continue with their studies on one of our Master’s degrees in Education.
 

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Programme specification

 You can see the full programme specification here.

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our Accommodation section to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.