School Experience as an Element in the BEd Degree

The BEd Degree is a professional qualification, completion of which will equip students with a range of competences necessary for effective teaching. These competences are developed through College-based courses and by working with children in the school environment. The term 'school experience' refers to the wide range of activities that students undertake in the school environment. These activities provide a focus for much of the work done in Professional Studies and Subject Application Courses.

School experience is an important element of the degree and a student is not permitted to progress in the degree without passing this aspect.

In each year students complete an extended period in a school. Currently students spend one week in semester 1 followed by seven weeks in semester 2. The one week placement provides the opportunity for the student to learn about significant aspects of the life of the school, including the pupils in their class or classes, the curriculum, the rules and routines of the class and school policies. During the extended placement in semester 2 students are required to prepare, teach and review a series of lessons in designated curricular areas. This work is formally assessed by a team of College supervisors.

The current pattern of school experience is as follows:

Students following the BEd (Primary) Pathway

Year 1 - compulsory placement in Key Stage 1

Year 2 - compulsory placement in Key Stage 2

Years 3 and 4 Students opt for a specific age range

Students following the BEd (Secondary) Pathway

Year 1 - Placement in Key Stage 2 as an introduction to teaching

Year 2 - mainly Key Stage 3 with some Key Stage 4 according to subject

Year 3 - mainly Key Stage 4

Year 4 - as Year 3

All placements are made at the discretion of College authorities, though students are normally invited to nominate schools.