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Teacher Education at Stranmillis University College
Teacher Education at Stranmillis has a long and distinguished history of working closely with pre-service teachers, schools and the research community to develop new ideas for learning and teaching and to prepare outstanding teachers. The employment destinations of our graduates confirm that the portfolio of Stranmillis University College Teacher Education programmes lead to a qualification that is not only in high demand locally, but of significant currency in schools and other education related organizations both nationally and internationally. All courses include periods of professional placement in education settings demonstrating benchmarked practice. Teacher Education in Northern Ireland is divided into three phases which are integrated. Phase 1 is Initial Teacher Education through the completion of a BEd degree or a PGCE course; Phase 2 is Induction which will take place in the first year of teaching; and Phase 3 is Early Professional Development which will take place in the second and third years of teaching. These arrangements are designed to enhance the career-long professionalism of teachers and to be responsive to their needs created by the transition from student teacher to newly qualified teacher and to the requirements of the circumstances in which such teachers are working. Routes into Teaching in Stranmillis University College The four-year Bachelor of Education (BEd Hons) Programmes lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in:
These qualifications are a solid foundation for postgraduate study through the Part-time MEd, the Part-Time MTeach or on a range of Continuing Professional Development courses.
Selection Criteria for QTS programmes: BEd (Hons) and PGCE Early Years The teacher education requirements are in compliance with General Teaching Council (NI) accreditation and Department of Education (NI) guidelines as part of the University College's approved programmes leading to Qualified Teacher Status. Entry is competitive and the University College Selection Committee will take account of the following:
Entrance Requirements and Application Process All entrants to courses of initial teacher education, are required to have achieved a good GCSE profile including minimum standards in English and Mathematics. These standards are normally expressed as Grade C at GCSE level. Applicants who wish to prepare for teaching in the Nursery/Primary sector will also be required to have achieved GCSE Grade C in a single or combined science subject. Application for the BEd (Hons) should be made through UCAS.
Post Primary Education (KS3-KS4/5) focusing on one of the following curriculum areas:
The following qualifications (at approved standards) may be used as substitutes for GCE A Level examinations:
Late applications will not normally be accepted. Entry requirements for the PGCE Early Years A minimum requirement for admission to this course is the possession of an upper second class honours degree in the area of Early Years. Account may also be taken of the range and quality of the candidate's GCSE and GCE A Level results. Substantial and recent experience of working with children in the 3-8 age range will also be required. Relevant experience may include, for example, work as a classroom assistant. This experience must have been gained at the time of application. The interview, providing an opportunity for dialogue between candidates and University College staff and serving teachers, is one means whereby the University College Selection Committee attempts to find out whether the candidate has qualities which, after development, will help to make him or her an effective classroom teacher and a person whose professional views will command respect. Interviews are held in the University College and a candidate will normally be interviewed by a panel of two, at least one of whom will be a member of the University College's academic staff whilst the other may be a serving teacher or another member of academic staff within the University College. Timing of Interviews
Other Entrance Requirements
Medical Fitness
The University College has a legal obligation to ensure the medical fitness for teaching of all entrants to BEd and PGCE courses. All candidates who have accepted a firm offer of a place on a course must complete and return a Declaration of Health. In the light of the replies given, the University College Medical Officer will classify the candidate as fit, or seek specialist advice before classifying a candidate as either fit or unfit.
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