Professional Practice in Education 1 introduces students to key pedagogical approaches, policy expectations and curriculum guidelines relevant to teaching and learning in the primary classroom.

Semesters 1 & 2: 1 x 1 hr Lecture and 1 x 1hr seminar

6 week block placement in May-June..

None

None

Successful completion of the placement requires:

1) School and University Tutor / Associate Tutor / Teaching Fellow reports both graded "satisfactory"; and

2) e-portfolio including all documents highlighted in the placement remit.

The overall aim of this course is to introduce students to key pedagogical approaches, curriculum guidance and policy issues relevant to teaching in the primary school context.

The specific aims are to:

1. Examine curriculum guidance, teaching approaches and assessment strategies that support effective planning and implementation of learning experiences in literacy and numeracy.

2. Explore national, local, and school policy that shapes professional values and learning and teaching in the primary context.

3. Consider different approaches to evaluating small-group and individual whole-class learning experiences and ways to improve classroom practice.

4. Investigate approaches to professional reflection and benchmarking against the GTCS Standards for Provisional Registration.

5. Develop graduate attributes, aligned to the GTCS Standards for Provisional Registration, by focusing on supporting students to become resourceful, responsible and reflective learners who are ethically and socially aware and can communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

ILO 1: Apply an understanding of curriculum guidance, teaching approaches and assessment strategies to plan and implement small-group and individual whole-class learning experiences in the primary classroom, focusing on literacy and numeracy.

ILO 2: Demonstrate professional commitment and values through identifying and following key policies, procedures and processes that shape and support learning and teaching in the primary school context.

ILO 3: Evaluate small-group and individual whole-class learning experiences and identify aspects of their teaching that support children's learning effectively and areas for improvement.

ILO 4: Reflect on their own professional development using the GTCS Standards for Provisional Registration, identifying areas for improvement across their professional practice and stating actionable next steps.

ILO 5: Demonstrate professionalism through clear and timely communication, effective organisation and use of resources, professional conduct, and engagement with all members of the university and school community, and by upholding all aspects of the GTCS Student Code.

1. In order to be eligible for the award of credit for this course, students must achieve a minimum of 80% attendance (see programme handbook for further details).

2. Attendance of at least 90% for the School Experience field placement (GTCS Requirement).

3. Satisfactory completion of all school-based tasks including professional practice portfolio.

4. Overall grade of Satisfactory from school partners.

5. Overall grade of Satisfactory from visiting university tutor/Teaching Fellow.