Primary Education with recommendation for QTS (3-11)
Welcome
Welcome to Undergraduate Primary Education with recommendation for QTS (3-11) at Birmingham Newman University.
The Primary ITTE team are looking forward to welcoming you to Birmingham Newman University. We are a team of primary practitioners with expertise across the full primary curriculum. You will meet all tutors during the induction in September.
We have a passion for education and teaching at Birmingham Newman that you will experience when you arrive. The course is challenging but will take you on a rewarding personal journey so enjoy a restful summer vacation and we will see you in September!
When you are on placement you will be expected to attend all day Monday to Friday.
For on campus activities students are split into groups at enrolment. Each group will have its own timetable where some aspects can change on a weekly basis. Normally classes will be distributed across 3 to 4 days per week between 9am and 6pm.
Full details of your individual academic timetable, including Semester 2 timetable which may differ, will be available via your university email calendar after you have completed online enrolment and set up your student login.
You will no doubt be excited about embarking on this journey to becoming an inspiring and effective classroom teacher and will be eager to get started in preparation for a challenging but rewarding three years.
The Birmingham Newman BA Hons Primary Education with recommendation for QTS (3-11) course is structured to provide a strong preparation for your first teaching post but if you would like to begin thinking and preparing for the year ahead we have a few suggestions for you:
- Have a look at the National Curriculum and/or the Early Years Framework. Both are available online and it is a great idea to read through and become more familiar with the primary curriculum:
- Have a think about your subject knowledge. There are some great websites which can help you to think about any gaps in your knowledge or which may just help you to feel more confident. Here are just a few:
- Maths: National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) – have a look at the teaching videos in the ‘Resources’ section
- Science: Association for Science Education
Primary science resource collections – have a look at the interactive resources - English: Centre for Literacy in Primary Education – check out the free resources and lesson plans
- Foreign language: Duolingo – 10 minutes per day could really help you to brush up your language skills!
- RE: National Association of Teachers of Religious Education – keep up-to-date with current developments in RE and find links to a variety of resources
- PE: Association for Physical Education/ – discover the importance of PE in primary education
- Early Years: ‘The Secret Lives of 4 and 5 Year Olds’ is a great way to discover the key issues in EYFS.
- Art: Access Art
Oak National Academy – Art - Design technology: Design and Technology Association
Oak National Academy – Design Technology - Geography: Geographical Association
- Geographical Association History: Historical Association – The voice for history
- Music: BBC Bitesize – Bring the Noise
- Computing: BBC Bitesize – Computing
- Learn about different resources and activities which can really enhance your teaching. Explore these two websites:
Primary Resources – Teaching Ideas
- By the end of your programme you will be expected to meet the Teachers’ Standards at the minimum requirement. Become familiar with these standards prior to the course:
Teachers’ standards - Write down your questions! Every time you think of a question about your course, note it down somewhere, then bring your questions to the induction sessions in September where you will have the opportunity to speak to tutors and staff from other university departments.
If you’ve got any worries, queries or questions about your course, or would to chat to our Academic team, you can attend one of the following online drop-in sessions:
- Tuesday 2 September
- 4pm – 5pm
- Tuesday 9 September
- 4pm – 5pm
- Wednesday 17 September 2025
- 9:00am to 12pm
- 1pm to 4pm
- Room ST111
Please bring your photo ID with you to complete the ID verification check for Student Finance confirmation.
- Friday 19 September 2025
- 10am to 4pm
- Steve Patrick, UG Primary ITTE programme lead
- Gareth Pritchard, UG Year 1 lead
- Chris Ludlow, Head of Primary ITTE
- TEI430 – Introduction to professional enquiry (semester 1)
- TEI431 – Adaptive Practice: learning theory, models and approaches (semester 2)
- TEI432 – Planning for learning in Early Years (semester 1)
- TEI433 – Planning for learning in the core subjects (semester 2)
- TEI434 – Planning for learning in the foundation subjects (semester 2)
- SEI430 – Understanding Professional Practice (semester 1 and 2)
HeadStart – Monday 1 to Friday 5 September 2025
Headstart is a programme aimed at introducing our new students to University life. We understand that our students come from all walks of life and have personal and individual aspirations for taking this important step in their journey.
This programme is an opportunity to:
- Talk to staff before starting university
- Meet other students
- Understand and navigate the campus
- Find out about the support available
- Start getting comfortable with university life
Welcome Week Services Fair – Your Chance to Meet the Teams!
As part of your induction to Birmingham Newman University, our Services Fair is your opportunity to meet the teams who will support you throughout your studies and explore the services available to help you succeed.
Dates & Times
- 1 September – 11am – 2pm
- 4 & 5 September – 11:30am to 1pm
- 15, 17, 18 & 19 September – 11am to 2pm
Note: The Students’ Union Welcome Fair will take place on 16 September – see their website for more details.
You’re welcome to drop in and take part on any of the fair dates — it doesn’t have to be the day of your induction.
- Chat with Careers about your future plans, grab some sweets and an employability bag, and register on My Career for a chance to win a £25 Amazon voucher.
- Make a badge with our Environmental Officer, download the OurNewman app to spin the wheel and win a prize, and join the Library for Q&A activities and their Prize Every Time Lucky Dip.
- Advice & Wellbeing will be offering stress tests, sound therapy, and an Affirmation Station, while E-Learning invites you to take their “Who You Gonna Call?” quiz for a prize draw entry.
- Try the Sport team’s exercise bike challenge and visit the Chaplaincy to choose the “word of the day” and share some positivity.
And that’s just the start — there’ll be many more services, activities, and opportunities to explore each day of the fair. Come along, get involved, and make the most of what’s on offer!
The Disability & Inclusion team and the Advice & Wellbeing team will be holding drop-in sessions on campus from 15–19 September.
- 15 September – 11am to 2pm: DW102 (Dimple – Disability & Inclusion)
- 16 September – 11am to 2pm: DW101 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
- 17 September – 11am to 2pm: DW102 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
- 18 September – 11am to 2pm: CH116 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
- 19 September – 11am to 2pm: CH004 (Dimple – Disability & Inclusion)
No appointment needed – just drop in for advice, support, and guidance.
Key information
Induction
- Wednesday 17 September 2025
- Friday 19 September 2025
Teaching starts
- Monday 22 September 2025
Programme Leader
- Steve Patrick
Contact details
- s.patrick@staff.newman.ac.uk
Stay connected with OurNewman app
OurNewman is your go-to place for everything you need as a Birmingham Newman student. With the app, you can:
- Receive personalised notifications about your course, timetable, and deadlines
- Access to your files, emails, and course resources
- Find support services and keep up to date with campus events
Student Handbook
Birmingham Newman University Student Handbook – 2025-2026 (PDF – 4MB)
