This March, our BA Primary Teaching Studies (PTS) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) students joined together online, in school and on campus for an Intensive Training and Practice Week (ITaP).
Why study BA Primary Teaching Studies with QTS (Level 6 Top-up degree)?
Our BA Primary Teaching Studies with QTS course is suited to individuals who have a relevant Level 5 Foundation Degree and are already working as a Teaching Assistant or volunteering in a school setting for at least two days per week.
On this 16 month blended course, students are able to continue working whilst studying for their QTS and BA Hons degree.
With a blended curriculum that combines the best of both worlds; students attend around one in-person on-campus lecture each school half term, weekly live online evening sessions and interactive asynchronous sessions which can be completed at a time to suit the student.
What is an ITaP Week?
An ITaP week provides opportunities to support developing understanding of links between theory and practice. They focus on key elements of teaching which will support the development of strong classroom practice, whilst incorporating practical sessions for learning.
The subject focus of this ITaP Week was Physical Education (PE). For some teachers, PE is not a subject that they encounter regularly. With this in mind, the on campus element of the week enabled the practical part of the subject to be put into valuable practice.
This ITaP asked our students to consider the links between modelling, questioning and pupil progress. Our students spent Monday undertaking online work with live sessions supported by lecturers, followed by time in school from Tuesday to Thursday, with online directed learning sessions in the evening. The week was drawn together with an on-campus day on Friday filled with practical sessions and opportunities to reflect.
What did the on-campus day involve?
After arriving on campus, students took part in practical sessions in the Sports Hall, as well as reflective sessions in the classroom.
In the second reflective session, students were asked to think about inclusivity and how different stations within a PE session could be adapted for the different needs of their children. Examples of these needs included ADHD, Dyspraxia and English as an Additional Language.
The session also related the teaching styles of Mosston and Ashworth discussed during theory lessons to the practical elements of PE explored throughout the day.
What did our students think of the ITaP Week?
“We don’t teach PE every day, so today’s session has been a great opportunity to explore this side of teaching!”
“I feel that I can take what I’ve learnt on campus today and apply it straight into my teaching at my school.”
“This is the best ITaP we’ve had throughout the course so far – it’s been really different to our day to day and the practical side has been really good!”
“I just wanted to thank you for this previous weeks ITAP resources, lectures and support. As someone with difficulty to focus, sit still and concentrate, this was the first week/lecture that I have really engaged with and thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve taken so much from this week, that I have noted to apply to my own practice.”
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