BA (Hons) Primary Education (5-11): Inclusion with SEND (with QTS)

Welcome to your course

On behalf of the course team I would like to offer you a very warm welcome to the BS (Hons) Primary Education: Inclusion with SEND (with QTS Programme). Our aim is for you to feel well supported both academically and personally and so there will be opportunities for you to meet some of the course tutors and for you to start to get to know each other. As you settle into life at University the focus for support will be your personal tutor, they will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the course or student services and should be the first person that you contact when you need help and support. During the four year course you will be given opportunities to feel involved and participate, accept challenge and have high expectations of yourself and others. In return we will offer you the opportunity to grow academically, professionally, emotionally and spiritually; and to become more self- aware and reflective.

You are joining us at a time when the government is looking to make significant changes in education. Your programme is designed to adapt to any changes which may be introduced as part of educational reforms.

The team of tutors have all had plenty of experience in school and are keen to see you do your very best. Like all courses the more you put in, the more you will get out it.

I hope you have a great time here and look forward to meeting you soon.

Important things to remember

As a trainee teacher you are not a university student in the traditional sense of the word. You are a person training to be part of an important and respected profession. As with any profession you are required to follow the expectations and norms of that profession.

Holidays

As you are probably aware, teachers do not take time off during the term. The same also applies to you. The most common issue that arises is over times such as the positioning of half-term dates and the start/end of the Christmas and Easter holidays. If you have children, then it is possible that your half-term dates could be different from theirs. Even in the same education authority, these dates can vary. It is your responsibility to find out the exact term dates as soon as you arrive in a placement school and book holidays, tickets etc accordingly. Furthermore, you must also consider your university commitments in the same way since the school half-term may be used by some subjects as teaching time because the university does not have half-terms.

Leave

Should you require leave of absence for an unmovable medical appointment or to attend the funeral of a close relative or friend, then firstly you need to talk to your Personal Tutor at university (as well as your school mentor if you are on placement). Your Personal Tutor will advise you about what to do next. Leave of Absence requires you to complete a 'leave of absence form', which has to be discussed with your Personal Tutor and approved by the Programme Leader.

Social Media

You need to consider taking steps to manage any risks to your professional standing from your use of social media. The university has a policy and guidance for students.