Degrees for Education

In the School of Education all lectures are active who are involved in the following subjects:
Philosophy of Education Science and Religion studies, Learner Support, Educational Psychology, Instruction-learning, Education Management, Education Law, Comparative Education, Movement Science, Foundation phase and Information Science. These subjects are presented in programmes for Teacher Training and post-graduate training as well as training in general.

How children learn is a fascinating area of study. It is a time of particular interest in Wales with the introduction of the Foundation Phase 3 – 7 years and the Flying Start initiative for the very youngest children.

The BA EYE degree programme is underpinned by a commitment to the principle that care and education services for young children should be of the highest quality. A rigorously trained, well-informed, knowledgeable, skilled and confident early years workforce is crucial to high quality in all services for young children. This programme is Trinity’s response to this need for a graduate level workforce in all areas of early years’ services.

The programme content clearly demonstrates the importance of viewing the child as an individual and as a member of society an equal citizen with rights, a powerful learner, with feelings and a wealth of potential. Diversity is celebrated and children’s active involvement in their own learning is a fundamental principle of the programme. Ethical issues relating to working with young children are prominent throughout the programme.

As students, you will take an in-depth look at the whole child and at child development, both theory and practice, both historic and up-to-date. You will, for example, consider exciting advances in neuro-scientific research and its implications for public policy and quality provision. You will study aspects of the history of childhood, families through time, the concept of play, and child health. You will also take part in outdoor activities using the natural environment as your lecture room and classroom.

You will also study the cultural concept of childhood, early literacy, literature for children, and gender and childhood, and will have the opportunities to visit a range of settings. In the third year you will undertake a specialist project and have related placement experience. The BA Early Years Education graduate, with the knowledge, values and understanding essential for informed good practice, will make a significant contribution to professional excellence in early years education both in Wales and beyond.
Typical modules

Human Development: The Early Years
The Healthy Child
Principles and Practice of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in the Early Years
The Young Child: Creative Thinker
Language Acquisition and Child Language Study
Stepping Out: Learning in the Outdoor Environment
Promoting Young Children’s Early Learning
Reggio Emilia: Principles and Practices
SEN: Early Identification and Early Inclusion
The Young Reader: Emergent Literacy
Management and Team Working in Early Years Settings
Features
Specialist academic study (e.g. childcare, child development, children’s play and learning, psychology, history of childhood, child language development, the outdoor environment)
Practical placements in different settings (e.g. toy libraries, reception classes, nursery schools, family centres, nurseries, voluntary sector)
Practical workshops (e.g. Young Children’s Creativity, Music in Early Years, Babies and Books, Trysordy, Stepping Out)
Visits to specialist provision (for example Steiner school, Montessori centre, a class using the Reggio Emilia approach, minority language early years setting)
Why study at Trinity?
The College has 150 years of experience in the field of Education
Course staff with early years expertise: early literacy, bilingualism, Forest Schools, special needs, child protection, various international approaches
College’s long established experience and expertise in Welsh language and bilingual provision together with The Cwricwlwm Cymreig
Close links with a range of provision in West Wales
Dedicated Education Resource Centre
Purpose built Nursery on campus – ‘Gamfa Wen’

How children learn is a fascinating area of study. It is a time of particular interest in Wales with the introduction of the Foundation Phase 3 – 7 years and the Flying Start initiative for the very youngest children.

The BA EYE degree programme is underpinned by a commitment to the principle that care and education services for young children should be of the highest quality. A rigorously trained, well-informed, knowledgeable, skilled and confident early years workforce is crucial to high quality in all services for young children. This programme is Trinity’s response to this need for a graduate level workforce in all areas of early years’ services.

The programme content clearly demonstrates the importance of viewing the child as an individual and as a member of society an equal citizen with rights, a powerful learner, with feelings and a wealth of potential. Diversity is celebrated and children’s active involvement in their own learning is a fundamental principle of the programme. Ethical issues relating to working with young children are prominent throughout the programme.

As students, you will take an in-depth look at the whole child and at child development, both theory and practice, both historic and up-to-date. You will, for example, consider exciting advances in neuro-scientific research and its implications for public policy and quality provision. You will study aspects of the history of childhood, families through time, the concept of play, and child health. You will also take part in outdoor activities using the natural environment as your lecture room and classroom.

You will also study the cultural concept of childhood, early literacy, literature for children, and gender and childhood, and will have the opportunities to visit a range of settings. In the third year you will undertake a specialist project and have related placement experience. The BA Early Years Education graduate, with the knowledge, values and understanding essential for informed good practice, will make a significant contribution to professional excellence in early years education both in Wales and beyond.
Typical modules

Human Development: The Early Years
The Healthy Child
Principles and Practice of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in the Early Years
The Young Child: Creative Thinker
Language Acquisition and Child Language Study
Stepping Out: Learning in the Outdoor Environment
Promoting Young Children’s Early Learning
Reggio Emilia: Principles and Practices
SEN: Early Identification and Early Inclusion
The Young Reader: Emergent Literacy
Management and Team Working in Early Years Settings
Features
Specialist academic study (e.g. childcare, child development, children’s play and learning, psychology, history of childhood, child language development, the outdoor environment)
Practical placements in different settings (e.g. toy libraries, reception classes, nursery schools, family centres, nurseries, voluntary sector)
Practical workshops (e.g. Young Children’s Creativity, Music in Early Years, Babies and Books, Trysordy, Stepping Out)
Visits to specialist provision (for example Steiner school, Montessori centre, a class using the Reggio Emilia approach, minority language early years setting)
Why study at Trinity?
The College has 150 years of experience in the field of Education
Course staff with early years expertise: early literacy, bilingualism, Forest Schools, special needs, child protection, various international approaches
College’s long established experience and expertise in Welsh language and bilingual provision together with The Cwricwlwm Cymreig
Close links with a range of provision in West Wales
Dedicated Education Resource Centre
Purpose built Nursery on campus – ‘Gamfa Wen’

About the course

The BA Primary Education Honours degree with QTS focuses on the professional study of the full range of primary education, giving particular attention to the linguistic contexts and needs of teaching in Wales. The over-riding principles are to provide you with a thorough understanding of the statutory curricula for primary schools, within a caring, supportive and encouraging environment.

School-based studies are designed to enable you to apply the knowledge, skills and understanding that you have acquired within your college-based studies to real teaching contexts. The two interrelated strands of the teacher teaching, and the child learning, underpin the school-based studies. You are introduced to teaching and learning matters at a basic level early into the course, before revisiting them at a more in-depth level of understanding as the course progresses, leading ultimately to the achievement of Qualified Teacher Status by the end of the course.

There are 24 weeks of school-based studies in the three year degree programme where you will be placed in schools across South, West and Mid Wales. You will encounter a range of teaching experiences that will enable you to demonstrate your ability in the national teaching standards as you work towards achieving independence as a trainee teacher.

School-based Studies are provided through:
A week’s school experience at the beginning of the course in Year 1 to enable you to become familiar with school life
Teaching practices in the first two years leading to a final practice in your preferred phase (Foundation Phase (3-7) or Key Stage Two (7-11)

(If you are studying the degree through the medium of Welsh, you will be placed in a range of Welsh medium schools.)
College-based Studies

The college-based studies are based on the following areas:

Professional teaching studies
This aspect introduces you to the principles and practices of teaching and learning which are consolidated and developed in other aspects of the course. Issues discussed include the professional development of teachers, educational law, the professional care of children and aspects of special educational needs. An additional aim is to make you aware of policy matters relating to your school-based studies. Professional Teaching Studies provide you with the stimulus to widen your understanding of the contemporary issues which drive and influence the educational environment within which you will be working.

Foundation Phase studies
This area of study focuses on the education of children between the ages of 3 and 7 and includes child development, the importance of play and curriculum management. You will study the seven areas of learning that form the Foundation Phase Curriculum:
Personal and Social Development, Well Being and Cultural Diversity
Language, Literacy and Communication Skills
Mathematical Development
Welsh Language Development
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
Physical Development
Creative Development

You will also learn to make good use of guidance produced by the Welsh Assembly Government and other organisations, including ESTYN.

Key Stage 2
Key Stage 2 Studies will give you knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum for Mathematics, Science, English and of Welsh as a First and /or Second Language as appropriate. You will also gain understanding of a range of work across the following subjects: history, geography, ICT, art and design, design and technology, performing arts, physical education, PSHE and RE.

The College-based studies also include:

Gloywi Iaith – allows Welsh medium trainees to strengthen their skills in Welsh

Dysgu Cymraeg
Learning Welsh enables all trainees to acquire a suitable knowledge of Welsh as a Second Language, desirable for those wishing to teach in the schools of Wales, while at the same time providing the skills necessary to teach in any multilingual classroom. This course enables trainees to achieve the Welsh Learners/ Developers Certificate recognised by the University of Wales Colleges.

Information Technology
In addition to teaching IT as a core subject, there is considerable emphasis throughout the various subject areas on the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of ICT applications and their use in the teaching and learning process.
Features

The best * and most experienced teacher training centre in Wales
Dedicated Resource Centre for Teachers
Trinity has over 250 partner primary schools
An opportunity to experience all phases of Primary Education before specialising
A choice of specialist subjects across the primary curriculum
Trinity has long established experience and expertise in Welsh language and bilingual provision together with The Cwricwlwm Cymreig
An opportunity to visit countries such as Botswana, New Zealand and Lesotho and to undertake work placement as part of the Professional Teaching Studies

About the course

The Professional Education Studies is designed to enable students to gain the skills that will bring learning to life and is intended for those with an interest in education, social inclusion and the learning process.

The programme develops an understanding of provision in schools, early years settings and other contexts and environments, helping graduates understand the theories, values, policies and practices which underpin learning.

Placement opportunities enhance the programme and bring links between theory and practice alive. Personal research modules allow opportunity to choose and carry out a research project in an area of personal interest.

This degree offers unique and exciting opportunity to study and understand methods of learning within the perspectives of education in Wales and the wider world.
Career opportunities

This degree aims to provide transferable skills which will be applicable in a number of career areas, particularly those working with children and young people eg education officers involved community education, such as at heritage sites, outdoor centres, for charitable organisations and at visitor attractions, theatres and museums where the ability to communicate and interpret subjects to enhance the experience and understanding of others is essential. Graduates would also qualified to seek employment in a variety of education-related careers such as education management, human resources, corporate training, the media and publishing. This degree is not a teaching qualification, but graduates meeting the entry criteria would be eligible to apply for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). It would also prepare you for a career in education welfare if followed by a teaching or social work qualification.
Typical modules
The Foundation Phase in Wales
Key Stage 2 Studies
Social Inclusion
Special Educational Needs
Psychology and learning
Social, Moral and Cultural Studies
Bilingualism.

Students also have the opportunity to develop personal interests through placement, action research and a dissertation.
Features

Experienced, enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff
Opportunity for experience in a variety of placement settings
Opportunity for study abroad
Opportunity to learn and develop personal skills in Welsh and ICT
Opportunity to specialise in areas of personal interest, such as the Foundation Phase or Special Educational Needs.

The aim of this programme is to provide a broad-based academic and professional foundation for a variety of careers working with young children. This is a very dynamic area currently, with new approaches and initiatives being launched nationwide, such as the Foundation Phase in Wales and Every Child Matters in England.

The Education pathway aims to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of relevant theory, contemporary research and current policy developments. The course explores how children learn, what factors affect their education and what developments are taking place within education. The Early Years pathway has been developed to meet the need for well-qualified early years specialists who wish to work with young children and their families. The focus is on children from birth to seven and the knowledge and skills which underpin all professional work with young children.

The Inclusion pathway examines in depth issues related to those with additional needs in education and the wider community, particularly relating to the legislative framework, understanding the nature of learning difficulties, and the practice of inclusion. Education Studies examines the relationships between society, education provision and children and young people in national and global contexts.

Introduction
The programme provides prospective teachers with knowledge of the eight learning areas they will teach in the Foundation Phase – Reception Year and Grades 1 to 3 (previously Junior Primary), as well as practical and professional training in the relevant learning programmes or methodologies.

The programme emphasises hands-on classroom competencies and the production of teaching and learning media.

In the first year, various academic subjects provide the background knowledge for teaching. In the following years, students are exposed to relevant teaching methodologies, related theory and teaching practice.

The programme includes compulsory teaching practice in schools for several weeks per year.

Admission requirements

(Please note that these are the specific programme admission requirements – the university has its own minimum admission requirements.)

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR CURRENT GRADE 12 LEARNERS:

Minimum NSC requirements for entry to education degrees must be met. English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa (home language or first additional language) on at least a level 3 (40 – 49%). NSC achievement rating of at least 4 (50 – 59%) for Mathematical Literacy or 2 (30 – 39%) for Mathematics. All applicants will be referred for access assessment. All prospective student teachers will be selected.
Learners must score at least 30 points on the university’s APS rating scale.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS WHO MATRICULATED PRIOR TO 2008:

Matriculation exemption/endorsement
or Senior Certificate with three HG subjects (languages count for one HG subject).
All applicants will be referred for access assessment.
All prospective student teachers will be selected.
Learners must score at least 27 points on the university’s SPS rating scale.