Primary Education

Structure and Content

The programme leads to a qualification to teach children in the 3 - 12 age range with registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland. It is modularised over the four years, combining academic study with practical inquiry in school settings and their communities. Following graduation, the new teacher network provides continued opportunity for academic and professional development.

This programme has been developed as part of the national research and development project, Scottish Teachers for a New Era. The project is at the forefront of Initial Teacher Education in Scotland, seeking to prepare teachers for the challenges and changes facing the profession in the 21st Century.

Students will have the opportunity in a range of school and community settings to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and values required in primary teaching. The pattern of school experience develops over the four years, from short term investigative visits through to increasing periods of responsibility in the role of class teacher.

First Year
Two compulsory courses focus on the investigation of learning in relation to students and then children as learners. The second learning course involves field experience exploring children's learning in the family, community and school. Two compulsory Interdisciplinary courses focus on childhood and a further two elective courses from a choice across the Arts and Sciences will be studied.

Second Year
Two compulsory courses focus on the investigation of teaching and curriculum in relation to children's learning. Both courses involve field experience in schools and their community. Two further courses will allow for students choice for continued advanced study in either the Interdisciplinary study or their first year Arts or Science elective.

Third Year
Two compulsory and interdependent courses bring the academic study of curriculum, pedagogy and research together with practical application in schools.

Fourth Year
Two compulsory and interdependent courses deepen the academic study of curriculum, pedagogy and research with further professional development through practical application in schools.

Teaching and Assessment

The BEd (Hons) Primary Education degree takes the form of credit rated courses. Our learner-centred approach is characterised by workshops, tutorials, seminars, self study and lectures, supported by an on-line learning environment.

Courses are assessed through a variety of approaches, including presentation, written assignment, portfolio and examinations.

School experience is assessed in partnership with Primary School teachers, Head Teachers and University tutors. As the programme develops, students will be expected to take increasing responsibility for determining and organising their own learning as part of their continuing professional development.