Choosing to become a Primary Teacher is your first step to inspiring children in learning about their world and here at Birmingham Newman University, we would love to support you on this journey. We understand that the Primary 3-11 age range is a crucial time for children’s development and learning. It is at this formative and particularly receptive stage of development that attitudes towards learning are formed, attitudes that will impact future life course development.

During your Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course with us you will undertake a range of modules, which will equip you to become an effective and creative teacher across the full age range in order to achieve the professional standards required for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The first year of the programme provides a secure basis for practice across the full primary curriculum and age range. In the second and third year of the programme you will have the opportunity to develop expertise in either the 3-7, 5-11 or 7-11 age phase.

For those unable to meet the traditional Level 3 entry requirements for a three-year degree and for those looking to build their confidence and academic skills, we also offer an innovative alternative route, the Primary Education (3-11) BA (Hons) with QTS (with Foundation Year). On successful completion of the foundation year modules, you join the first year of the 3-year degree in Primary Education (3-11) with a recommendation for QTS. For those wishing to work within Catholic schools, or who wish to develop their understanding of Religious education, there is also the opportunity to undertake the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) – see Additional Information for details.

Through the course you will learn about the National Curriculum, Early Years and SEND frameworks, alongside ways of teaching, managing behaviour, assessing and planning for learning. You will develop high standards of professional behaviour and an understanding of adaptive practice that will help you prepare, deliver and evaluate lessons that engage, motivate and inspire children.

You will be encouraged to develop team-working skills, essential for an integrated approach to learning and for work in a multi-agency environment. In order to support your professional development, work-related study is organised into 5 themes at Birmingham Newman, which are:

1. Role of the teacher.
2. Teaching, learning and assessment.
3. Adaptive practice.
4. Understanding and managing behaviours.
5. Subject knowledge.

Each theme supports your transition from trainee to Early Career Teacher through clear guidance and shared expectations.

Birmingham Newman Initial Teacher Education graduates have a high employment rate and are well respected in the region and beyond. Most students take up a position in teaching, although some pursue other careers using the range of transferable skills gained during study. Our graduates have secured employment in a variety of settings and many roles such as subject lead, senior leadership, international posts and consultancy.

On successful completion of the course including demonstrating the required teaching standards, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status with the Department for Education, who confirm QTS, ready to start your first teaching job. After your successful completion of the BA (Hons) you will also be invited to enrol on the Master’s programme here at Birmingham Newman University to support your continued professional development.

Birmingham Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.

Studying at Birmingham Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.

Dining out

Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).

Entertainment

Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!

Location

Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!

Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?

Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.

After talking to academics, leadership, students, mentors and school partners, we were delighted to be judged as a GOOD provider by Ofsted for our Primary and Secondary Initial Teacher Education (ITE), a fantastic outcome reflecting the experience and skillset of our ITE teams. We were also really pleased with the positive recognition of the support our students receive:

“Trainees are proud to be members of Birmingham Newman University’s close-knit community. Here they gain the knowledge and skills they need to make a strong start to their careers. University staff and partner schools know trainees very well. They seek to understand the circumstances of individuals and work hard to meet their needs. This ensures trainees receive the right support to help them manage their workload and succeed.”

Read the full report here.