Primary Education with QTS (Wrexham University)

St Mary's University has partnered with Wrexham University so that our renowned teacher training programmes can now be studied at Wrexham's campus in Wrexham

You will gain an in-depth knowledge of primary education with three years to acquire the relevant knowledge and skills needed to be an outstanding teacher. In line with our mission statement, we teach you how to educate and inspire future generations. We seek to prepare teachers for both religious and secular schools with special provision for those intending to teach in Roman Catholic and other Christian schools.

Our degree programme trains you to teach children aged 5 to 11 years old. School experience is an integral part of the course and will be in Key Stages 1 and 2. You spend a minimum of seven weeks in school each year where you progress from teaching small groups to whole classes.

You will be supported by a passionate and caring team of experienced tutors who strive for excellence in the theory and practice of teaching. Fantastic resources and support systems will be available for you throughout your degree. Teaching takes place in purpose-built classrooms that mirror those found in primary schools. Tutors model good practice in the use of technology and use lectures, seminars, and group activities to stimulate and encourage you to become reflective practitioners. You will be assessed through essays, rationales, portfolios, lesson plans, presentations, resource innovation and one formal examination. School experience is assessed against the Teacher’s Standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status.

Key facts
• Our Primary Education with QTS course has a 98% employment rate (2015/16)
• Our Primary Education courses are judged by Ofsted as ‘outstanding’ - the highest grade attainable in an Ofsted inspection.
• Strong links are made between theory and practice and the degree and school elements are interlinked.
• There is a focus on student-led learning and you are encouraged to take ownership of your professional development.
• You choose four elective subjects in the second year, allowing you to showcase your talents and follow your particular interests.
• Enhancement placements enable you to focus on your strengths and areas for development.

The first year of the course is an introduction to the skills, knowledge and understanding required to teach effectively in a primary school. Professional Studies and the core subjects of English, mathematics, science, physical education (PE) and modern foreign languages (MFL) are at the centre of the programme. Students also have the opportunity to study all the foundation subjects of the National Curriculum to gain an understanding of the broad base of subjects currently taught in schools. Year Two continues to build the skills, knowledge and understanding required to teach effectively in a primary school. Alongside the core subjects, students choose four elective modules. The third year completes the students' training as well-rounded classroom teachers. The students study the core subjects, one elective subject and complete a research project with a practical, class-based focus.