Early Years & Primary Professional Studies
The Professional Studies course underpins the PGCE programme and engages with the aims and values of early years and primary education. It is designed to enable trainees to develop as reflective practitioners and to explore ways in which research can inform practice. Government policy and new initiatives at national and local level are incorporated within sessions. A series of lectures, seminars, and school-based input provide the basis on which trainees develop and reflect upon their understanding of the principles and practice of teaching and learning. The content and timing of the course are designed to support trainees in their progressively more demanding roles on teaching placements.
Course content covers areas such as:
- child development and the ways in which children learn,
- inclusive practice and cross-curricular themes,
- practical issues inherent in classroom teaching including
- planning,
- assessment,
- behaviour management.
The wider role of the teacher is also considered at different points during the course.