BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course preparation
To help you feel prepared for your BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS studies, we’ve gathered together a range of course related activities including suggested reading, useful websites and some great things to do right now.
You’ll be given lots of information about which textbooks to read and introduced to the University Library, as well as the many ebooks we have for you to access, when you begin your studies in September.
In the meantime, you might like to begin your reading before starting your degree. We don’t recommend rushing out to buy texts before you arrive. But if you can, do look to pick some up second hand, borrow from a library or access online. Read on for more information.
English activities
Children’s literature task
The English Team would like you to start to become familiar with some good quality award-winning children’s authors, particularly those authors writing stories, poetry and non-fiction for children in key stage 2. We hope that once you start reading you will find it difficult to stop!
Begin to explore quality children’s literature – stories or poetry collections written for children in upper key stage 2. Try to read texts that are new to you and were published in the last 5 years.
Keep a record of all the texts you have read and think how you might really explore these with children. You could perhaps buy a notebook and start a reading journal and record your reactions to what you are reading. How do you feel about the main characters? What would you like to ask the author?
You will have the opportunity to share your ‘finds’ with your tutors and peers in your English sessions.
We would strongly recommendUK Literacy Associationas a thorough introduction to your Primary English studies. It was the winner of the UKLA winner of the UKLA Academic Book Award in 2019 and is a comprehensive guide to all aspects of English.
Highlight 3 target areas to work on and bring evidence of working on these to your first session.
At the very beginning of your studies you will be asked to take a maths challenge online to confirm that you have the fundamental maths skills required to pass this course. More details of how to register and take this challenge will be provided when you are fully enrolled.
Key text
Mathematics Explained for Primary Teachers, by D. Haylock. 2018 6th ed. London, Sage Publications
Science activities
Your activities
The science qualifications that you have achieved in order to be accepted onto this programme include biology, physics and chemistry. It would be helpful if you could review your understanding in these areas. This will enable you to get the very best out of your science sessions when you start your degree. You may findthis link useful.
PEACOCK, G., SHARP, J., JOHNSEY, R. & WRIGHT, D., 2017. Achieving QTS Primary Science Knowledge and Understanding. 8th Edition. London: Learning Matters.
SHARP, J., PEACOCK, G. A., JOHNSEY, R. SIMON, S., CROSS, A. & WRIGHT, D., 2017. Achieving QTS: Primary Science Teaching Theory and Practice. 8th Edition. London: Learning Matters.
*Please note: you can save money by buying earlier versions.
Foundation subject activities
Your activities
As part of your programme you will work with expert tutors for each of the foundation subjects which include computing, music, art, geography, history, RE, PE and languages. These sessions will aim to develop your subject knowledge, with reference to the appropriate National Curriculum programme of study, and your confidence to teach each subject. The sessions will be practical and will allow you the opportunity to learn about the value and practices of the subjects in the real world, about good teaching, and ideas that you can use on professional practice.
In preparation, think back to your own learning experiences of these subjects in school. Reflect on what impact these school experiences had on your view of these subjects? Consider what broad curriculum learning opportunities you would like to provide for your pupils, in the future?
Research the roles of the teacher. Consider the wider responsibilities within schools. These will be explored in depth during this module.
Keep up to date with educational contexts within the news.
Placement information
You can expect your Year One placement to take place between December and February. You will receive more information about your placement when you start the programme.
These dates are subject to change. Definitive dates will be confirmed once you start your programme.