At Durham University, our vision is to be a leader in the development of high-quality teachers who aspire, through their scholarly, reflective and inspirational practice, to make a difference to the lives of their students, both now and in the future.
To achieve this vision, Durham’s Initial Teacher Training (ITT) curriculum is co-designed and delivered in collaboration between university-based and school-based expert colleagues. The Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) explains the areas of expertise that trainees need to learn during the ITT year, as a minimum entitlement. The careful integration of all elements of the ITTECF forms the core of Durham’s BA Primary Education curriculum. Durham’s ITT curriculum places great emphasis on enhancing trainees’ subject knowledge and teaching for understanding – trainees ‘learn that’ and ‘learn how to’. The ITT curriculum also integrates additional analysis and critique of theory, research and expert practice that tutors and school expert partners consider appropriate.
The BA Primary Education ensures that what we teach is informed by a range of high-quality research evidence.
The Primary Education degree is ideal if you are committed to a teaching career in a primary school. You will complete a minimum of 120 days school experience, including training about whole-school issues that affect children’s learning environment. You will also engage in Intensive Training and Practice opportunities which strengthen links between evidence and classroom practice. The degree programme offers the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and this is awarded through an accredited provider, Newcastle University.
The degree develops the professional knowledge and understanding to provide a foundation for effective teaching in a primary school. This includes:
- An understanding of responsibilities and roles of the primary teacher
- An understanding of schools and the National Curriculum as the framework for children’s formal learning
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of core National Curriculum subjects
- Knowledge and understanding of foundation primary curriculum subjects
- Classroom effectiveness, drawing upon expertise of expert teachers
- Personal educational philosophy
- Development of a professional identity.