BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS

Hayley:

When telling people about my course they immediately think that it is a walk in the park. “Primary Education, what do you just play games all day?” is their usual response. Although sometimes we do learn some games that we could use when teaching on our course this is not what the course is initially about. BA Hons Primary Education with QTS is all about using teaching theory and looking at how we can put this into practice. Over the two years that I have studied at the University of Greenwich I have learnt various games, teaching techniques, curriculum information and behaviour management skills that have all gone into practice when teaching on my placement.

Primary Education at Greenwich is very good at making sure that you are prepared for everything. Between the mock scenarios given in seminars and lectures to the practical examples of teaching methods, the lecturers ensure that you are fully covered for everything before starting your school placement. Over all Primary Education is a really fun and hands on course that prepares you for the working classroom. It is all assignment based and there are no examinations. You go on a placement every year going into three different schools to give you a wide experience and a realistic expectation to what a teacher’s life is like. I looked at many universities when thinking to study Primary Education and I also got accepted into all four of my choices, however the University of Greenwich seemed the most passionate about this course. Every lecturer has had previous experience teaching and bring their prior knowledge and experiences to the table to provide you with a well-rounded knowledge of the primary curriculum. You do not only grow as a learner when taking this degree but also mature as a teacher, you begin collecting a portfolio of lesson plans, exercises and classroom management ideas that will be put into place once graduated and presented with your own class.

BA (Hons) Primary Education (with QTS)

Charlie

Hi! I’m Charlie and I’m due to begin my third year of my Primary Education degree in September.

Upon beginning the degree at the University of Greenwich I was unsure of what to expect. My first week consisted of several ice-breakers and interactive tasks in order to get to know the tutors and other students on the course. Throughout the first year, it was interesting to see how learning to be a teacher was literally learning how to teach the knowledge we had already learnt. I always knew that maths wasn’t my strongest subject so the fact that the course covers all aspects of all subjects was extremely helpful in increasing my subject knowledge which, furthermore, boosted my confidence to teach these subjects.

It almost feels like being back at school by physically taking part in the subjects, for example, in physical education we are to wear our sports gear and take part in the warm up, main part of the session and the cool down which helps us to remember how we would be able to teach physical education lessons. Even on placement, taking part in lessons is encouraged – different from when I was at school when P.E teachers tended to command instructions whilst wearing their warm coats as we suffered in the cold! This makes lessons much more exciting, as when the teacher is showing interest in the subject, the pupils are too! All lecturers obviously know this due to all having taught in schools themselves, making tutorials and lectures much more stimulating!

Part of the course requires having a block placement each year, which has been helpful to put our knowledge into practice and to gain experience. This experience has been extremely beneficial to the teaching degree, as it is important to build up contacts and practice before graduating and applying for jobs! Throughout our placement, we have a lot of support from the university, including one-to-one meetings from a link tutor. Link tutors are extremely encouraging and ensure to meet regularly to discuss your progress and talk through any problems or worries that may have arisen.

I am now about to enter my third and final year at the University of Greenwich and, although I am excited to begin applying for jobs and working with children, I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting a variety of people and throwing myself into university life – whilst ensuring to stick to deadlines obviously!