This Primary (3-7) Early Years course is designed to prepare our trainees to start their journey to become outstanding teachers, delivering high-quality, purposeful and inclusive learning experiences, inspiring a love of learning and successful outcomes.

On the course you will learn key pedagogic principles e.g. behaviour management, assessment for learning and how to meet the needs of all through creating an inclusive classroom. You will cover the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1. You will also have the opportunity to observe practice in Key Stage 2.

Our curriculum is sequenced to ensure trainee progression and the gradual securing of key skills, allowing trainees to meet the Teachers’ Standards by the end of the programme.

For the PGCE programme you will study two modules which complement the training we deliver, leading to 60 Master’s level credits.

During the training year you will spend the majority of your time based in a school alongside experienced teachers and leaders. One day a week you will attend training which is underpinned by current evidence-informed practice and research. These days will focus on professional studies, core curriculum and foundation subject pedagogy. Sessions will be delivered by expert practitioners and specialists, and will include:

• Behaviour management
• Learning environment
• Planning
• Phonics and early reading
• Quality play experiences
• Assessment
• Safeguarding
• Teaching pupils with special needs (SEN)
• Teaching pupils with English as an additional language (EAL)
• Subject and curriculum knowledge

Placements will be in Early Years and Key Stage 1 throughout the training year, including opportunities to observe practice in Key Stage 2.

You will be in your school from day one.  At the beginning of the year you will observe expert practitioners, moving towards leading small parts of a lesson and gradually building up to teach whole lessons. You will receive the support of school-based mentors/class teachers, as well as members of the BCTSA Central Team and subject specialists. The well-being of our trainees is very important to us and we take pride in the personalised provision we offer.