Book for Beds 2024 - Education QTS

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Welcoming students who are studying:

BA (Hons) Primary Education (3-7) with QTS

BA (Hons) Primary Education (5-11) with QTS

BA (Hons) Physical Education (Secondary) with QTS

WELCOME TO EDUCATION

The School of Education is part of the University of Bedfordshire’s Faculty of Education, English and Sports. We are a close community that delivers a range of courses within Education, English and Teacher Education. We place great emphasis on supporting your academic development, excellent student experience and preparing you for the world of work.

The University has a long and successful history of teacher education, dating back to 1882. We are proud of our rich heritage and of who we are today; a modern, vibrant university with bespoke education, English and teacher training facilities.

My colleagues and I are very pleased you’ll be joining us in September. We want to help you take your first steps on your undergraduate journey and get you off to the best possible start.

That is why we have created this booklet which will help prepare you for your course and for your first year at university.

If you want to know more, just ask. Our team is here to help you get the most from your time with us.

Dr Perry Knight Head of School

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR COURSE COORDINATORS

We are delighted that you will be studying with us in September.

The focus of Welcome Week will be on introducing you to your course, the University community, your fellow students and your tutors.

You will meet your personal academic tutor who will be your ‘go-to’ person and will support you throughout your course. Your tutors are also here to support you – they hold weekly office hours where you can drop in for an informal chat, or a scheduled appointment. We will be with you every step of your academic journey.

If you have queries or concerns about your course, just drop us a line; we will do our best to help you even before your course begins.

HELLO FROM THE STUDENTS’ UNION (SU)

A big welcome to the University of Bedfordshire!

When you join the University you automatically become a member of our SU community for FREE! We are here to help every student get the most out of their university experience. We offer advice, support and the opportunity for you to have your voice heard. We want to ensure that you have fun, try new things, deepen your passions for hobbies and interests and meet wonderful new friends.

Beds SU has offices in Luton and Bedford where you will also find venues and a whole host of weekly events for students.

There will be plenty of events for you to enjoy during Welcome Week – keep an eye on our website for more or follow us on social media. We can’t wait to meet you.

Chidera,

Amina, Ryan and Chidinma

Your current Beds SU Executive Team

Beds SU (Luton and Bedford) bedssu.co.uk

help@bedssu.co.uk

ESSENTIAL CONTACTS – COURSE COORDINATORS

Primary Education (3-7) with QTS

Julie Darmody

julie.darmody@beds.ac.uk

Primary Education (5-11) with QTS

James Robertson

james.robertson@beds.ac.uk

Physical Education (Secondary) with QTS

Sophy Bassett-Dubsky

sophy.bassett-dubsky@beds.ac.uk

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING

WELCOME WEEK

We believe your university experience helps to create a strong sense of community. That is why taking part in your Welcome Week programme is so important.

Not only will you have the opportunity to talk to your academics about the different aspects of studying and what to expect over the coming weeks, but it is also the ideal time to get to know your academic team and fellow students. During Welcome Week, you will be invited to different sessions which cover a variety of topics and activities.

Welcome Week schedule:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Welcome from your head of school, course coordinator and staff team. Ice breakers, social integration and tour of campus and facilities. Meet your personal academic tutor.

Get to know your course and lecturers. Practical workshops and seminars. First meeting with your personal academic tutor. Discussion about transitioning to university.

Freshers’ Fair for clubs and societies. Get to grips with our virtual learning environment ‘BREO’. Occupational health and ID and document check appointments.

Becoming a teacher and starting your initial teacher training. Continuing professional development. Practical workshops.

Practical workshops. Meet our Year 2 students. Second personal academic tutor meeting. Prepare for your first week of formal teaching. End of week Q&A.

Details about the different activities will be shared with you closer to the time so keep an eye on your email.

Our colleagues in the student support and learning resources teams will also host sessions for all new students. These are designed to help you become familiar with all the essential services you will use throughout your time with us.

Of course, Welcome Week wouldn’t be Welcome Week without the Freshers’ Fair, which is run by the University of Bedfordshire Students’ Union. They will host plenty of events and activities, so keep an eye on their website and follow them on social media to find out more (see page 5).

CHECKLIST YOUR

Registering for your course

Once you have met the conditions of your offer, you will receive an email to complete your online registration. Keep an eye on your emails and junk box to ensure you don’t miss it!

Everything you need for moving to university

If you’re moving home, here’s a handy checklist from UCAS to make sure you pack everything you need.

PROFESSIONAL COURSES AND PLACEMENT EXPERIENCE

During your studies, you will spend over 120 days working in our partnership schools. This means, on successful completion of your degree, you will be awarded Qualified Teacher Status.

You will have three placements covering the age range you wish to teach. You will spend at least eight weeks in a school in Year 1, at least 10 weeks in Year 2 and a full term in Year 3. Throughout your studies, you will benefit from the support and guidance of a trained mentor and our QTS staff team.

Over 95% of students will gain employment as a teacher in a school within six months of graduation and some will progress to study Master’s qualifications.

WHAT YOU WILL STUDY IN

YOUR FIRST YEAR

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDYING YOUR SUBJECT

You are expected to attend classes and actively engage in lectures, seminars, workshops and other activities. We also expect you to be involved in our community of learning by taking part in extracurricular activities that are organised by the School.

Once you have met the conditions of your offer, you will receive an email to complete your online registration. Keep an eye on your emails and junk box to ensure you don’t miss it! We will support you throughout your learning experience to develop your academic skills and professional competencies to future-proof your academic ambitions and professional careers.

Our teaching model includes significant time for sharing and discussing ideas in a supportive group. This is why we expect students to undertake preparatory reading when set, attend all workshops, be actively engaged in their seminars and tutorials and take part in extracurricular activities and events.

Here is an example of the units you might study in your first year: ACCESSING YOUR TIMETABLE

Your personal timetable will be available on the website once you have fully registered with the University as a student. You can also access your timetable via the MyBedsLife app (see p.17 for more on how to download our award-winning app).

Remember, it is important that you attend all timetabled classes and course inductions.

ESSENTIAL LINKS

Academic Calendar

Academic information

Guide to referencing

Student Information Desk (SiD)

Student Support

Primary

Education

Physical

Education

Professional Studies

Early literacy and Reading

Mathematics and Science

Child Development and Theories of Learning.

Teaching, Learning and Inclusion in PE

Developing Pedagogical Approaches for Competition, Health and Adventure

Pedagogical Approaches for Aesthetic, Aquatic and Cooperative Activities

Teaching Accredited Courses in PE.

HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED

The course assessment strategy is closely aligned to the University’s teaching and learning strategy which is designed to:

• have an immediate relevance to practice

• draw on expertise by experience

• foster active learning and be learner-centred in approach.

A distinct feature of the course is the range of assessment tasks including workplace assessments that can have an immediate impact in practice. This helps put into practice what you are learning in university and can help increase your confidence.

RANGE OF ASSESSMENTS

These can vary depending on the course you are studying, but here’s an example of what your assessments might include:

Essays

Posters

Reflective case studies

Audits

Presentations

In class tests

School placements (including plans, resources and evaluations of teaching).

Assessments are purposefully diverse and created to relate to industry practices.

PREPARING FOR YOUR

HOW YOU CAN KEEP

FIRST WEEK UP TO DATE

We want you to have the best possible start during your first week. To help you prepare, here are some useful links:

SOMETHING TO WATCH

• Primary Education students Georgia, Harrison and Anna take you through what it is like to study at Bedfordshire, what the course involves and how it is preparing them to graduate as a professional.

• Physical Education student Rachael talks about her experience of studying BA (Hons) Physical Education (Secondary) (with QTS).

SOMETHING TO READ

Become familiar with the Teachers’ Standards, which are the minimum level of practice expected of student teachers at the point of gaining qualified teacher status (QTS). These standards will become a central part of your practice as you train with us and will be important long into your career.

ABOUT THE CAMPUS

Take time to familiarise yourself with the layout of our campus and the names of buildings. This will help you get around with ease when you arrive.

• Bedford campus

SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT

Once you enrol as a student, you will have access to a range of discounts nationally, locally and on campus.

• Get the latest student discounts with TOTUM, the National Union of Students discount card and app.

• Check out the latest offers from the University of Bedfordshire SU

• Find out if you are eligible for scholarships, bursaries and other discounts

SOMETHING TO DO

• In Bedfordshire

• Love Bedford

• Let Luton surprise you.

We use a virtual learning environment called BREO (Bedfordshire Resources for Education Online) which helps our students keep up to date with everything that’s happening. Here you will find a range of online tools to support you during your studies, from information about your teaching team and links to live online sessions, to lecture slides and assessment information.

We advise all students to log in to BREO every day once you arrive on campus as it is regularly updated. You can only access BREO once you have registered with us as a student but you can read more about it on our website

ESSENTIAL LINKS

Get support with your learning and assignments Study Hub

Visit the Library

Begin@Beds

Start your student journey

Thrive@Beds

My Beds Life

Succeed@Beds

Careers and Employability Service

Student Support

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

Who do I contact if I struggle to attend classes or submit work?

We understand that everyone will face some difficulties now and again and we aim to be flexible. You are encouraged to discuss ongoing issues with your personal academic tutor or unit lead. For independent advice or for ongoing attendance issues you can contact studentengagement@beds.ac.uk. You can apply for an extension on your assignment by emailing mitigation@beds.ac.uk. You can find out more on our website

Who can help me with my assessments?

If you need support with your assignments you can contact our Study Hub which offers free professional support to help you develop a wide range of relevant and valuable academic skills. You can find out more on our website

What support is available for students with a learning difference or disability?

Our Disabilities team supports students with a range of disabilities including sensory and physical impairments, mental health difficulties, specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, and medical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, sickle cell anaemia and arthritis. You may be eligible for a Learning and Teaching Agreement, where you can discuss any reasonable adjustments needed for classroom learning and examinations. You can email disability@beds.ac.uk for further information and advice.

Are there clubs and activities I can get involved with?

Yes, the Students’ Union can tell you everything you need to know about sports clubs, activities and events for all our students. You can even set up your own society! Contact Beds SU by emailing beds.su@beds.ac.uk

All our students and staff can sign up for a free gym membership. This membership will also give you free Get Active sessions.

What if I’m struggling with my mental health at university?

The University has a range of services offering specialist help. You can email mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk for new or ongoing mental health support needs. To access our counselling services, email counselling@beds.ac.uk

Is there any support to help me manage my finances?

Our dedicated Student Money Advice team offers confidential financial advice, information and support. They can advise you on a range of funding options such as grants, loans, bursaries and scholarships, as well as guiding you on the best way to manage your finances. You can contact them by emailing studentmoney@beds.ac.uk

MyBedsLife

Our award-winning app MyBedsLife gives you access to everything the University has to offer. You can have a look around the app before you enrol on your course to get an idea of how it works. Once you’re a student, it will give you access to your emails, timetable, MyPrint balance, support services and much more. Plus you’ll get notifications to ensure you are always up to date.

SUPPORT STUDENT

Throughout your degree, you will have access to our Student Support teams, offering you practical and confidential advice and support.

Careers and Employability

Our Careers and Employability Service offers advice and support with everything from drafting the perfect CV and preparing for interviews to volunteering and graduate placements. You can access a range of online tools to help you in your career development and job search.

Community and faith

All students are welcome to join our exciting programme of activities or access our confidential, personal support – as well as a range of social activities and events. Visit us at the Tree House Centre at our Luton and Bedford campuses or find out more on the website

Student Voice

Help us to enhance your student experience by using your student voice to celebrate the positives, make suggestions for change and let us know when and where we can do things better. Find out how you can get involved

Cost of Living Hub

Our Cost of Living Hub brings together the latest information, support and guidance for students affected by the rising cost of living. You can access the Hub via the MyBedsLife app (see p.17) or our website

Support+

ESSENTIAL LINKS

Student Engagement

Mitigation

Mental Wellbeing

Disability Support

Student Money Advice

Student Support

We offer a wide range of support for students with varying needs and experiences including those with caring responsibilities; those facing homelessness; students who are estranged from their families; and much more. Find out how we can support you during your studies.

Support and Report

Respect, tolerance and inclusion are core values of our academic community. Support and Report is a confidential, centralised point of contact for all our students and staff to share concerns about offensive, threatening or anti-social behaviour, on or off campus. Find out more

FINAL

THOUGHTS

Always remember, our team is here for you!

We know there’s a lot to take in when you start university. We will support you throughout, especially at the beginning. We are confident that you’ll love our friendly campus and everything the University of Bedfordshire has to offer.

We have strong partnerships with more than 500 schools and other associated education organisations across the eastern region, a network that puts us ahead when it comes to national priorities, issues and developments in educational practice.

Our Education courses achieved a minimum of 90% satisfaction in 21 out of 27 questions in the National Student Survey 2023 with a 92% overall satisfaction rating.

We are a Department for Education accredited provider of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) while our Early Years courses are recognised by the Department for Education.

HERE’S WHY YOU WILL LOVE STUDYING EDUCATION WITH QTS AT BEDFORDSHIRE

English ranks 1st in its subject field for continuation (students carrying on with their studies after the first year) (Complete University Guide, 2024).

Our unique BA (Hons) Physical Education (Secondary) with QTS course allows you to go on to study for England’s first Integrated Master’s degree in Physical Education with QTS.

You will have up to four ‘Broadening Experience’ placements (one per year) in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS); at Key Stage 3 (KS3); a placement related to your chosen elective; and a final personalised placement.

Your employment prospects are strong – over 95% of our full-time UK graduates in education and teaching are in employment and/or further study, 15 months after graduating (Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes for 2020/21, pub 2023).