| Course length: | 3 or 4 years full-time |
| Course type: | Initial Teacher Education (QTS) |
| Entry requirements: | 280 UCAS points at A2 level (i.e. BBC or CCDD) (AS and A2 General Studies or Critical Thinking are not considered), BTEC at Distinction Merit Merit, Access Diploma with minimum 39 units with Merit or Distinction or equivalent qualifications.
5 GCSEs at grade C or above, to include GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science, or a recognised equivalent; recent and relevant school experience in a British state school with the required age group. For alternative qualifications please see our entry requirements page.
We do not require a specific amount of time in school, however, the quality and variety of your personal statement is an important factor in the decision whether to call you to interview. |
| Qualification: | BA (Hons) with QTS |
| Subject Area: | Teacher Training |
| Apply via: | |
| Course code: | XV16 BA/PEdRE |
| Contact: | Contact for admissions enquiries AdmissionsTel: 0121 476 1181 (Ext. 2386) Email: admissions@newman.ac.uk Contact for course enquiries: Eamonn Elliott (Senior Lecturer/CCRS co-ordinator) Tel: 0121 476 1181 (Ext. 2232) Email: info.theology@newman.ac.uk |
Why study Primary Education RE?
The Religious Education curriculum specialism makes use of innovative learning and teaching methods and is aimed at enabling you to become an effective classroom practitioner across the whole National Curriculum, with a particular interest in Religious Education.
Religious Education modules are related to learning and teaching in Religious Education in multicultural and diverse primary schools. You will be given the opportunity to reflect upon key questions of human experience such as the nature of faith and life and death.
Modules will introduce aspects of religion in a contemporary cultural context and you will explore world religions and ethical issues. By developing an understanding of all the major faiths and cultures in contemporary Britain, you will be better prepared to teach effective Religious Education lessons and be able to understand and empathise with the belief systems of the children you teach.
Read moreStudents who choose the four year route will have an increased opportunity to follow their particular interests and extend their studies beyond mainstream primary schools, including opportunities to study overseas and gain further experience in specialist settings. Applications are welcome from people of all faith traditions (or none), backgrounds and ages.
In addition to the subject expertise and experience in schools described above, you will also study both core and broad curriculum subjects and education and professional studies. These modules are designed to give you the knowledge, skills and expertise to be an effective teacher. For more information on these modules see the programme content section.
Teaching Methods and Assessment
There is a wide variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, small group tasks and visits to places of worship and museums. Assessment is varied. Coursework assessment includes essays, portfolios, case studies and presentations. You can also take the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) alongside this course, and you will gain exemptions from some parts of it. This will allow you to teach in Catholic schools.
"The work of the students who achieve high marks was of a very good quality and compared very well with that of high achieving students elsewhere."
External Examiner
During the first three years of your Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course you will undertake a range of modules that will equip you to become an effective and creative teacher, and enable you to achieve the Professional Standards required for qualified teacher status (QTS).
Core modules - to ensure that you have a firm foundation on which to teach pupils across your chosen age phases:
Development of knowledge, understanding and skills in the pedagogy (how to teach) mathematics, English and science in the classroom.
Broad Curriculum modules - to enhance your knowledge, understanding and skills across all the primary National Curriculum non-core subjects:
Art and Design
Design and Technology
History
Geography
Information Communication Technology
Music
Physical Education
Modern Foreign Languages
Religious Education
Religious Education specific modules:
Year 1
Using the Bible in the Primary School
Teaching Christianity in the Primary School
Year 2
Issues in Religious Education and Teaching World Faiths
Year 3
Students take modules with a RE focus and either Jewish Studies:
Ancient and Modern in the autumn term or,
Literary and Cultural Perspectives on the Bible in autumn and summer terms
Year 4
You are also required to take between two and four Theology modules (depending on your other choices within education) from:
Mysticism East and West
Studies in English Spirituality
Contemporary Ethics in the spring term.
(You must take modules different from those followed in Year 3).
Please note modules may change to ensure you are familiar with the latest developments in your field.
"I have always had a passion to teach. My route to Newman was through an access course. I am now in my final year, and throughout the course I have gained an understanding of the full range of subjects within the National Curriculum. I have enjoyed the practical side as it has enabled me to gain real hands on experience as the class teacher in schools around Birmingham. The Theology element has helped me to gain a deeper understanding of several faiths. Studying Theology is important to me because we live in a multi-cultural society and I want to be able to empathise with people from diverse backgrounds. The lecturers are great because they are supportive, approachable and friendly. I have made a fabulous circle of friends and everyone around the university is friendly."
Jaspal Kaur
Primary Education with RE student
