The BA (Hons) Primary with QTS degree is modular in structure, with modules ranging from 20 to 40 credits. Where modules are more than 20 credits, they are designed as such in order to capture and give due attention to the interrelationship and range of curricular areas within the revised Curriculum for Wales. We aim to make these modules deliverable through the medium of Welsh as well as English, subject to availability.
A total of 120 days will be undertaken in school with at least one school placement being in a Lead Partner School/Alliance (LPS/A). Clinical Practice is also available through the medium of Welsh.
Year One:
Areas of Learning and Experience (I) (30 credits)
This module will explore the differing definitions and theoretical perspectives of literacy, numeracy and digital competence while considering the effectiveness of different approaches in developing these skills within the new Curriculum for Wales.
Successful Futures (I) (40 credits)
This module will explore relevant subject content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge in relation to the teaching of languages, literacy and communication; mathematics and numeracy; science and technology; health and wellbeing; and the expressive arts, specifically art, music and dance. Theoretical understanding of how children develop and learn and how to stimulate and challenge all learners will be integral to this module.
Exploring Play and Early Learning (20 credits)
This module will explore critical issues relating to play, and the value and importance of play in children’s learning and holistic development. Student teachers will have the opportunity to complete a Level 2 Assisting at Forest School qualification as an optional, additional qualification (subject to an Agored Cymru student teachers’ registration and assessment fee) as part of this module.
Introduction to Child Development and Clinical Practice (30 credits)
This module will examine child development including cognitive, social, emotional, physical and language development. It includes 15 days clinical practice in schools where opportunities to support and extend holistic child development are considered based on observational findings.
Year Two:
Areas of Learning and Experience (II) (30 credits)
This module will critically analyse the effectiveness of a variety of methods used in the learning and teaching of the ‘Areas of Learning and Experience’ within the Curriculum for Wales. Student teachers will have the opportunity to make relevant, meaningful connections within and across curricular areas.
Successful Futures (II) (40 credits)
This module will consolidate and extend subject content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge in relation to the teaching of languages, literacy and communication; mathematics and numeracy; science and technology. It will also explore the relevant subject content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge in relation to the teaching of humanities. Theoretic understanding of assessment, differentiation and meeting pupils’ needs will be an integral aspect of this module.
Researching Early Years and Primary Education (20 credits)
This module will prepare student teachers for completion of an independent study in year three. It will develop criticality in reading and research with a focus on using research to impact on provision for pupils with additional learning needs.
Clinical Practice 1 (30 credits)
This module is mainly based in schools where student teachers will have the opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice and to safely apply their teaching skills in the workplace. Student teachers will demonstrate emerging skills and confidence in observing, teaching and assessing within at least one age phase and make substantial progress towards meeting the professional standards for QTS.
Year Three:
Local, Global, and Pioneering Approaches in Education (20 credits)
This module offers an insight into education systems, theories and concepts locally and across the world. It will explore different philosophies and cultures within local and international education systems, settings and teaching environments.
Professional Practice and Well-Being (30 credits)
With a focus on developing wellbeing for a future career in teaching, this module explores the contemporary professional demands facing today’s primary school practitioners and considers how teachers can effect change and be responsive to the situations and environments in which they operate.
Independent Project (40 credits)
This module will enable student teachers to complete an independent research or enquiry-based project to enhance their clinical practice. Research will take place alongside and within student teachers’ clinical practice so that it impacts on learning and teaching. The focus of research will be based on meeting the needs of a learner/group of learners with additional learning needs or English as an additional language.
Clinical Practice 2 (30 credits)
This module is mainly based in schools where student teachers will have the opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice and to safely apply their teaching skills in the workplace. Student teachers will be placed in a classroom that will be a different age phase to the one they were placed in during Clinical Practice 1. By the end, it is expected that student teachers should meet or surpass the level pertaining to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
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