SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

TEACHER EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

INSPIRING LEARNING @UOBTEACH WWW.BIRMINGHAM.AC.UK/ITE TRANSFORMING LIVES 2 EnglishSchool ofLanguage Education and Applied Linguistics

Welcome to the School of Education

Our Primary and Secondary initial teacher education pathways in Birmingham prepare top graduates for a career inspiring learning and transforming lives. Our highly acclaimed programmes have been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and offer the supportive professional and academic education needed to enable both recent graduates and career changers to succeed.

Ranked 5th in the Times Good University Guide 2020, the School of Education has a long-standing reputation as an international centre of excellence for teaching and research. You will be taught in a school which is doing pioneering research in diverse specialisms from character education and race inequities, to innovative technology for children on the autism spectrum.

The School of Education is continually expanding and developing, with new provision for teacher education at the University of Birmingham Dubai. The School also benefits from multiple links with the University of Birmingham School. English Language and Applied Linguistics 3 CONTENTS

Becoming a teacher 4 School Direct 6 Life as a student teacher 8 Entry requirements and fees 11 Careers and support 12 Be part of something special 15 Studying in Birmingham 17 What to do next 19 4 School of Education

Becoming a teacher

Consecutive inspections by Ofsted have graded our teacher education courses as ‘Outstanding’, making the University of Birmingham the destination of choice for initial teacher education.

Post Graduate Diploma in Education n Evidence of strong Mathematics knowledge with many past students completing (PGDipEd) QTS is required – a grade A or B in Mathematics the MA Teaching Studies, becoming A level, or equivalent Geography mentors, or going on to Our highly acclaimed PGDipEd is delivered subject department leadership in the in partnership with an extensive partnership Secondary PGDipEd first five years of their careers of schools in the region. We are one of the few universities that awards the Postgraduate English History Diploma in Education (PGDipEd) which UCAS code: Q3X1 UCAS code: V1X1 leads to QTS and offers the equivalent of www.birmingham.ac.uk/teach-english www.birmingham.ac.uk/teach-history 120 credits, at Masters level. For those who n This rigorous and challenging course works The course is committed to developing successfully complete their induction year there with a very diverse range of school partners History which is: is an opportunity to transfer credits to the MA and provides an excellent preparation for a n Inclusive; you will explore how factors Teaching Studies course, which is awarded career as an English teacher such as social class, gender, ethnicity on completion of a 60-credit dissertation. n Become a well-informed and critical teacher and sexuality can impact on individuals, with the opportunity to further develop your communities and societies both past Primary PGDipEd (QTS) understanding of a specialist area of the and present. English curriculum through the MA in n Challenging; the course encourages Primary (3–11 years) Teaching Studies both teachers and pupils to explore UCAS code: X100 n University sessions will explore different misconceptions about the past and present. www.birmingham.ac.uk/teach-primary aspects of English teaching and will include n Empowering; you will explore concepts of n Develop your understanding of the elements of both theory and practice identity; personal, local, national and global classroom and whole-school issues n To be considered for this course, at least through the analysis of past and present- n You will be fully supported by school half of your degree should be in an English day events, trends and individuals. You will mentors and University tutors course which reflects content of the current explore how progressive change can take n The Primary programme covers the National Curriculum place in a society and the role of the citizen curriculum for pupils aged 3 to 11 and in enabling such change to take place. includes the option to specialise in Early Geography Years, including placements in this phase UCAS code: F8X1 Mathematics www.birmingham.ac.uk/teach-geography UCAS code: G1X1 Primary Mathematics Specialist n A strong focus on high-quality www.birmingham.ac.uk/teach-mathematics UCAS code: X00G Geography education throughout all n There is not one way to teach Mathematics www.birmingham.ac.uk/teach-primary-maths aspects of the course – you will develop as a reflective Mathematics n You will learn to teach all the primary n You will work with a truly diverse range teacher able to make informed choices curriculum subjects and will develop specialist of partnership schools, fully embracing n Transform pupils’ experiences of learning expertise in Mathematics, which lays the the personal geographies of both Mathematics in a wide range of partner foundation for you becoming a future leader learners and teachers schools across the region n You will be prepared for employment in a n Strong links with subject associations n Many excellent teachers without a generalist role at the start of your career, such as the Geographical Association Mathematics degree come via our where you will ‘champion’ mathematics and RGS-IBG, including recipients of highly regarded Subject Knowledge n You will be fully supported by school RGS scholarships Enhancement route mentors and specialist tutors, and you n A very strong regional network of n A full-time mathematics subject knowledge will teach in Key Stage One and Two Geography teachers and mentors, enhancement programme, based at our Edgbaston campus, is available

‘Such is the confidence of schools that trainees from the University of Birmingham are of high quality, employment rates for both primary and secondary phases exceed national averages by some margin.’ THE 2013 OFSTED REPORT School of Education 5

Modern Languages: French, German n Strong links with subject associations Science: Physics and Spanish including NATRE, RE Council, HET, and RS UCAS code: F3X1 UCAS code: French (alone or with Spanish Exam Boards. In addition, student teachers www.birmingham.ac.uk/teach-physics or German): R1X1; German (alone or with are part of a very strong regional network n An emphasis on deepening Physics subject French or Spanish): R2X1; Spanish with of RE teachers and mentors with many knowledge and increasing awareness French: RX41 completing the MA Teaching Studies or of particular learning issues relating to www.birmingham.ac.uk/teach-languages gaining department leadership in the first Physics, including challenging students n Develop your skills to become a well- five years of their careers. prior conceptions of Physics and exploring informed, critical and adaptable Modern n A strong emphasis on subject knowledge issues relating to gender balance in the Languages teacher. development and creative and experiential study of Physics. n Key themes include grammar teaching, pedagogy. This supports student teachers n Develop skills, knowledge and pedagogy integrating literature and cultural awareness. from a variety of degree backgrounds to for Physics teaching and practise these n Graduates with at least 50% of their degree become outstanding, religiously literate attributes for teaching across the wider in their chosen language will be considered. practitioners. science curriculum. Native speakers with alternative degree n Become a reflective teacher practitioner subjects will also be considered. Science: Biology through a variety of school-based and n The course has an outstanding employment UCAS code: C1X1 University activities, learning to adapt and record, with the course laying the www.birmingham.ac.uk/teach-biology refine practice as necessary. foundations for students to develop their n Develop skills, knowledge and pedagogy n Strong links with subject associations expertise not only as a teacher, but also for Biology teaching throughout the course including the Institute of Physics and the as a Modern Languages specialist, and n Practise these attributes for teaching across Association for Science Education. Also as a postgraduate student. the wider science curriculum strong regional links to local networks of n Become a reflective teacher practitioner Physics teachers. Physical Education through a variety of school-based and UCAS code: X9C6 University activities where you can adapt Mathematics Subject Knowledge www.birmingham.ac.uk/ and refine your practice as necessary Enhancement (SKE) teach-physical-education n Graduates with at least 50% of the their n You will cultivate a deep understanding of first degree content relevant to the National www.birmingham.ac.uk/ issues and complexities which surround the Curriculum for science will be considered secondary-mathematics-ske teaching and learning of Physical Education for the course. This leads to students with n The SKE course is a full-time, campus- n University sessions will explore different a variety of backgrounds and prior learning based conversion course for those who wish aspects of teaching and will involve a experiences learning collaboratively. to teach Mathematics but have a degree balance of theoretical and practical activities with relatively little Mathematics content. n You spend some time on residential Science: Chemistry n The course helps develop a deep activities and, where possible, take part UCAS code: F1X1 understanding of Mathematics at A level in nationally recognised teaching and www.birmingham.ac.uk/teach-chemistry and beyond and includes some school leading courses through our course n Develop skills, knowledge and pedagogy for experience. Following successful enhancement programme Chemistry teaching throughout the course completion of the SKE course, students are and practise these attributes for teaching automatically eligible to take up their place Religious Education across the wider science curriculum on the Mathematics PGDipEd programme UCAS code: V6X1 n Become a reflective teacher practitioner at the University of Birmingham. www.birmingham.ac.uk/ through a variety of school-based and teach-religious-education University activities so that you can adapt n Strong focus on high-quality Religious their practice as necessary Education, Religious Studies and Philosophy n Graduates with at least half of their degree education; student teachers develop a deep content relevant to Chemistry in the national FIND OUT MORE understanding of the opportunities and curriculum for science will be considered Primary University programmes: complexities surrounding the teaching and for the course [email protected] learning of ‘religion’ in an education setting. Secondary University programmes: [email protected] 6 School of Education

School Direct

School Direct programmes give you the chance to select the partnership of schools with whom you would like to train. Interviews are held in one of our lead schools and they will organise your placements. University learning and school-based learning complement each other and you will have strong links both to your school and your University cohorts.

We offer PGCE School Direct programmes University and work towards the 120-credit both for general primary and primary SEND option. Many former School Direct students students in partnership with most of our have taken up employment in their host schools. primary lead schools. On these programmes, about half your training days will be in school For details of our School Direct partners, and half in University. visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/school-direct

We also offer PGDipEd School Direct programmes with all our secondary lead schools and one primary. On this route, FIND OUT MORE you will be interviewed in the school and they will organise your placements, but you [email protected] will undertake all your training days at the

8 School of Education

Life as a student teacher

As a student teacher, you will be learning both through teaching at the University and in school placements. A variety of teaching styles and approaches to learning are used, including University-based lectures, small group seminars and workshops, school-based work with pupils and teachers, and work undertaken individually or with other groups of students. The programme is designed to integrate practical experiences with opportunities for structured reflection using ideas from research.

To give you an idea of what life might be like as a PGDipEd student, here is an example of how your programme might be structured*:

Autumn Term Observation in school 1 week University days 4 weeks Placement in school A 1 week University days 1 week Placement in school A 7 weeks

Spring Term University days 4 weeks Placement in school B 2 weeks University days 1 week Placement in school B 6 weeks

Summer Term Placement in school B 5 weeks University days 1 week Placement in school B 2 weeks University days 1 week

*This example programme outline is a guide only. It is intended to provide prospective students with a general picture of the course outline and may differ depending on the subject pathway. ‘I initially applied to do the Postgraduate Diploma in Education: Mathematics but I was advised to do the Subject Knowledge Enhancement course, which I’m really grateful that I did. We had four weeks in schools so when I joined the PGDipEd I felt experienced even in that short amount of time. I feel like my A level knowledge was a lot more secure from the SKE. After about one year of teaching, I was asked to be the mentor for students in my school for the University of Birmingham. It’s a wonderful thing as I trained here myself and I’ve been mentoring student teachers for over ten years. I would highly recommend anybody coming here as you get a lot of support from the University.’

SAM BULLIVANT Mathematics Subject Enhancement Route then PGCE Mathematics, 2001 ITT Lead Practioner/Mathematics teacher, Woodrush School Alliance

‘Teaching is a great profession. The privilege of working with other people’s children should never be underestimated. The ability to be able to help nurture shape and improve life chances for young people is amazing. The opportunity to be in a job that has such impact is very rare; you can be with any group of adults in any place and if you ask them to name their favourite teacher, they will reply in a nanosecond. No experience I ever had in the private sector ever came close to my experiences in the classroom.’

DAMIEN KEARNS PGCE, 1988 Principal, Nishkam High School ‘The reason I chose to study both my degree and PGCE at the University of Birmingham was not only because it was local and meant I didn’t need to leave my city, but because it was a redbrick university [offering an] exceptional education and a diverse international community. I’ve always taken an interest in people, ideas and beliefs so when I learnt that the University of Birmingham provided a BA in Theology and a PGCE in Religious Studies it only made sense to choose the University.

‘If I was to give any advice I’d say don’t panic about the small things, there is always support available. Be passionate about what you do and set your goals high. Find happiness in the little things and if you’re ever in doubt about doing something, do it anyway.’

FARIDA CHAND PGCE Education, 2008 Faculty Coordinator for Religious Education and Citizenship, Saltley Academy

‘I chose Birmingham as my first degree is in Maths and I wanted to use that in my teaching career. Not many universities offer the chance to be a specialist Maths teacher, so the Birmingham course caught my eye.

‘My best memories of Birmingham are coming back to university after my teaching placements. There’s a real community amongst you and the tutors, and the input you get when you come back is really motivating and moves you on.’

CAITLIN ROBINSON PGDipEd Primary Education Mathematics, 2018 Year 5 Class Teacher, City Road Primary School of Education 11

Entry requirements and fees

Programmes Entry requirements UK/EU International Duration fees* fees* Postgraduate Diploma Primary 2:2 Honours degree or above in any subject; plus English £9,250 £18,450 38 weeks Education: Qualified Teacher Status Language, Mathematics and Science at GCSE grade C or above, FT only FT only FT (QTS) in one of the following subjects: or the equivalent. You must also provide a satisfactory medical Primary; Primary Mathematics form; complete an enhanced DBS/police check; complete a Specialist Declaration of Suitability to Teach; and adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise. For the Primary Mathematics specialism, candidates are also required to have a grade A or B in A level Mathematics (or equivalent). Postgraduate Diploma Secondary 2:2 Honours degree or above relevant to the area you wish £9,250 £18,450 36 weeks Education: Qualified Teacher to teach; plus English Language and Mathematics at GCSE FT only FT only FT Status (QTS) in one of the following grade C or above, or the equivalent. You must also provide subjects: English; Geography; History; a satisfactory medical form; complete an enhanced DBS/ Mathematics; Modern Languages: police check; complete a Declaration of Suitability to Teach; French/German/Spanish; Physical and adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness Education; Physics with Mathematics; to Practise. Religious Education; Science: Biology; Science: Chemistry; Science: Physics Postgraduate Certificate Primary 2:1 Honours degree or above in any subject; plus English Language, £9,250 £18,450 38 weeks Education: Qualified Teacher Status Mathematics and Science at GCSE grade C or above, or the FT only FT only FT (QTS) (School Direct) in Primary or equivalent. You must also pass provide a satisfactory medical form; Primary with Special Educational Needs complete an enhanced DBS/police check; complete a Declaration of and Disabilities (SEND) Suitability to Teach; and adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise.

*Tuition fees correct at time of going to print (November 2019). For the most up-to-date fees information, visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgfees

For EU students applying for the 2020–21 academic year The UK government has confirmed that EU students will continue to be eligible for ‘home fee status’ for entry in September 2020 and will continue to have access to financial support available via student loans for the duration of their course. For more information, take a look at the gov.uk website.

Your eligibility for financial support, and the amount you can expect to receive, will depend on the subject in which you train and your degree classification, or highest relevant academic qualification.

For the most up-to-date information about the financial support available to you whilst you train to teach, please visit the Department for Education’s website: www.getintoteaching. education.gov.uk/funding-and-salary 12 School of Education

Careers and support

As a student teacher, you will want to learn Tutoring about and practise the teaching of your own You will be allocated a University tutor who subject and/or age group. Our programmes will guide and support you throughout your FIND OUT MORE offer you plenty of opportunity for this. programme, along with a dedicated school To find out more, please visit Throughout your programme, we will help you mentor when on placement. www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/ explore important issues such as classroom careers management, equal opportunities, special Careers Network educational needs and pastoral care. The University of Birmingham was named University of the Year for graduate employment We will help you acquire the knowledge in The Times and The Sunday Times Good and skills needed to meet the other varied University Guide 2016. demands that are part of life in school. You will also receive guidance on how to gain a Our award-winning Careers Network team teaching post and benefit from our links with offers bespoke education and events to schools across the region. support you in pursuing exciting career opportunities. The team provide one-to-one Our student teacher employment rates are careers guidance, CV and job application consistently excellent and well above the national advice and careers workshops to help you average, with many of our alumni progressing develop your skills and stand out to employers. to leadership roles within a few years.

‘I chose Birmingham because I wanted to understand the theory of teaching and that is what the University of Birmingham’s PGDipEd course offers. The School of Education has a brilliant worldwide reputation and course lecturers are the best in the business.

‘If you have a teaching qualification from Birmingham, then schools can see that you know your stuff. This is an excellent opportunity to mention that the course is extremely tough. You need to be going into it with the right intentions. If it is “just to get a job”, you won’t last – don’t apply. If you want to inspire people and change the world for the better, the hard work will be second nature, and you will enjoy it tremendously. After all, every day is a day off when you love what you do.’

JACK SYMES PGDipED, Secondary Education (QTS) Religious Studies, 2014 Philosophy teacher, King Edward VI High School for Girls

‘The PGCE Special Educational Needs (School Direct) course at the University of Birmingham has been perfect for me. After working in a school for one year after my undergraduate degree, the course appealed to me because of the “on the job” education element to it. Additionally, it was one of the only courses in the country which allowed me to complete the majority of my education in an SEN school. I cannot fault the course and would highly recommend it to anyone wishing to develop a teaching career within SEN.’

GEORGIA TREGLOWN KS2 Class Teacher Chadsgrove School School of Education 15

Be part of something special

Partnership University of Birmingham School A very well-established partnership between As the first secondary University Education the School of Education and local schools School in the UK, the University of Birmingham underpins the quality of our Initial Teacher School offers unique enhancement to all Education programmes and supports the activity in the School of Education. As a development of collaborative projects. During location for both the sharing and generation 2019–20, around 100 teachers will undertake of research, the University of Birmingham hosts small-scale research projects in their schools a series of Rush Hour Research talks, designed as part of their MA Teaching Studies; both part- to engage teachers in current research and time and full-time MEd Education Leadership enable networking with those working in students, including our first group of Senior education across the region. Leader apprentices, will engage in reflection and study based in their schools; schools The University of Birmingham School also will contribute to shaping teacher education provides opportunities for student teachers programmes through our Teacher Education on the PGDipEd Secondary programme Advisory Group and Steering Committees to develop their skills through school visits, and we will engage with schools in numerous contact with specialist teachers or micro- projects linking researchers and practitioners. teaching experiences.

Global impact For example, student teachers in History may The School of Education offers teacher find themselves preparing and running tutorials education programmes at the University of for A level History students on the Russian Birmingham’s Dubai campus. In launching the revolution, whilst Geography student teachers campus, the University has become the first might accompany a group on a field trip. global top 100 and Russell Group university to establish a campus in this rapidly developing School of Education events international education hub. As an undergraduate student, you will be part of a lively school, which is actively engaged in For more information, visit the education sector. We hold regular events www.birmingham.ac.uk/dubai to which you will be invited. Previous speakers have included Michael Gove MP, Professor Dame Alison Peacock, Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE, Baron David Blunkett and Professor Sir Tim Brighouse. ‘The best thing about my time at the University of Birmingham was meeting friends I would have for life. The supportive and welcoming ethos of the University was felt throughout. The academic staff worked hard to ensure we were fully prepared for the life of a teacher and provided me with the right skills and experience to flourish in my career. I am now Vice Principal at a primary school in Sutton Coldfield. I know my career progression is due to the fact I was so well prepared on my teacher education course at the University of Birmingham.’

KATRINA CROWLEY Head of School St John Paul II Academy

‘I chose primary teaching because I think there’s something wonderful about the primary stage. The children will ask you “why?” all the time. They are enthusiastic and passionate, they have a sense of humour and they want to find out about the world. That’s an awesome thing to be a part of. In primary, you also have the opportunity to work with children in reception doing something for the very first time, right through to Year 6 children working at a really high level.’

OLIVER WILSON PGCE Primary, 2005 Head teacher, Woodhouse Primary Academy, Quinton School of Education 17

Studying in Birmingham

One of Europe’s most exciting destinations, Birmingham is brimming with life and culture, making it a wonderful place to live, study and work.

Our campus Student life Birmingham offers retail therapy, from the The University campus offers a peaceful There are plenty of opportunities for fun and Bullring and Grand Central to Digbeth’s vintage and tranquil haven right on the doorstep of socialising on campus. The University and shops; and sports teams such as Aston Villa a bustling city. Striking architecture and 250 the Guild of Students host fantastic events FC, Birmingham City FC and Moseley Rugby acres of parkland make for a stunning setting and there are over 150 groups and clubs Club. We are also home to the world-famous for our campus, which boasts a huge range of that students can join. We are one of the Edgbaston Cricket Ground. facilities. You’ll find bars, shops, travel agents, UK’s leading sporting universities and offer banks as well as an art gallery, museum and great opportunities for all to get involved, Music fans can enjoy the latest bands at the concert hall all on site. whether you are an absolute beginner or O2 Institute and first-class performances at a world-class athlete. Symphony Hall. Foodies will find street food We are continually expanding and improving all at Digbeth Dining Club, fine dining at one of the time with a brand new 50-metre swimming Our city our six Michelin-starred restaurants, as well pool and a state-of-the-art library. Famous for its historic, industrial past, as curry in the legendary Balti Triangle, a Birmingham is now a centre of arts and culture, massive array of independent cafes and Over £2 million has been invested in the commerce and entertainment, with a vibrant restaurants, and karaoke bars in Chinatown. School of Education to develop its facilities, and diverse community. When you come here All of this is just a seven-minute train journey with a brand-new cafe and study area for you’ll find it’s not just a place to study, it’s also from our very own University station! our students. the perfect place to begin your career and set down the foundations for a successful future.

School of Education 19

What to do next

To train to teach with us, you will need to submit an application via the UCAS Teacher Education portal. Here are the different stages of the application process and what you can do to prepare:

Pre-application Submit your application Create your application through UCAS Visit us Teacher Education. For your application, Consider visiting us to meet our tutors and you will need to write a personal statement ask any questions about our programmes. to make your application stand out and To register for our next event, visit explain what skills you will bring to teaching. www.birmingham.ac.uk/education-events You will also need to provide two references.

Arrange some work experience For tips on what to include in your application, Applicants often find it useful to undertake visit www.getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/ some work experience in one or more how-to-apply/apply schools to find out more about the profession. Other work with young people may also give The interview you useful insight into the demands of the teacher’s role. Prepare for your interview If your application is successful, you will be Applying to us invited to an interview. In your invitation you will be told what you should prepare and Register with UCAS what to expect on the day. Sign up to UCAS Teacher Education to receive updates on any important information. You can apply as soon as the UCAS portal opens (usually in October). Places for teacher education at the University of Birmingham go fast, so we recommend that you apply as early as possible. www.birmingham.ac.uk/ite E: [email protected] T: +44(0)1214144866 B15 2TT,UnitedKingdom Edgbaston, Birmingham College ofSocialSciences School ofEducation @UOBTEACH publication butmaybesubjecttochange(January2020). Please notetheinformationinthisbrochureiscorrectattime of be discontinuedandnewonesofferedintheirplace. is constantlyexploringnewareasanddirectionsofstudy some coursesmay programmes orallcoursesareofferedeveryyear.Also,because ourresearch the programmesandcoursesofferedbySchool.Please notethatnotall year. Itisintendedtoprovideprospectivestudentswithageneralpictureof This leafletwaswrittenseveralmonthsinadvanceofthestartacademic Designed andprinted by

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