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BEd Primary Education - Frequently Asked Questions

The BEd (Honours) Primary degree is designed for students who want to qualify to teach in nursery or primary schools, teaching children in the 3-12 years age range.

What does the programme involve?

Primary teachers teach all the areas of the curriculum so you will learn to teach:

  • Expressive Arts
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Languages
  • Mathematics
  • Religious and Moral Education
  • Sciences
  • Social Studies
  • Technologies

You will also have Professional Practice and Theory as part of your programme. This will cover the theoretical underpinning of the approaches to teaching and learning, as well as practical help and support in, for example, planning for school experience.

In years 2, 3 and 4 you can choose from a range of elective topics. A significant part of your work in first year is undertaken jointly with students from the Community Education and Social Work programmes. We believe it is important that these 'caring' professions work closely together, and this approach should help that collaboration to take place in your future practice.

School experience is an important part of the programme. You will spend a significant amount of time (up to 9 weeks per year) in schools obtaining practical experience in the classroom.

When will I do school experience?

We provide placements in different types and sizes of schools including city and rural locations. This is important as you need to be able to work flexibly in a variety of situations. Students are required to have an enhanced Disclosure Check before commencing the programme. Failure to provide information will prevent students from undertaking any placement activities associated with the programme of study.

How will I be assessed?

You will have tasks and other assignments. Your teaching in the classroom is assessed on each placement by academic and school staff.

I want to teach children with special needs. Does this programme qualify me?

No, you have to qualify as a Primary teacher first, then after some teaching experience you can study for an additional specialist qualification. Additional Support Needs is, however, an integral part of the programme.

How many places are there?

We normally accept around 65 students per year, however, this varies from year to year.

How many applications are received?

For entry in 2011 we received 1024 applications for the BEd (Hons) Primary course.

How are students selected?

Since most of our applicants meet the academic requirements for entry, selection procedures also focus non-academic aspects of the application. Each application is scrutinised and graded, by School Admissions selector.

The selectors are particularly interested in the UCAS personal statements including evidence of non-academic personal achievement and voluntary work.

The selectors also look for evidence of:

  • The capacity to communicate.
  • The ability to function as a member of a group or team.
  • An understanding of the implications of embarking upon a teaching career.
  • A knowledge of current issues in education.
  • A commitment to a career in education.

The professional assessment offered by the referee on the UCAS / GTTR form is also influential. If the selectors confirm that you meet all the initial criteria from your UCAS form, you will then be invited into the University to take part in a selection process.

What happens during the campus based selection process?

After the initial assessment by the selectors, applicants meeting the required entry criteria will be invited to attend a selection process where you will be required to do a short presentation and take part in a group activity.

The panel of selectors will look for:

  • confidence, enthusiasm, commitment and maturity
  • ability to communicate effectively
  • realistic understanding of the job
  • up-to-date knowledge of primary and nursery schools and experience with children or young people (if possible in a primary school)
  • general knowledge of some current issues affecting primary/nursery education
  • the potential to work collaboratively

This allows us to assess whether you have the knowledge and suitability for primary teaching. It also gives you the opportunity to find out more about the course and its content. These selection days (usually either a morning or an afternoon) are held from January until March. For entry in September 2010 over 350 BEd (Hons) applicants were invited to attend a selection half day.

Is work experience essential?

Applicants are expected to demonstrate knowledge of, and a commitment to teaching, usually through work experience in a school setting e.g. Primary School or nursery school setting, after-school club or working with children who have special needs. Experience should be gained prior to application.

Are there other requirements to be met?

All students beginning this course are required to be registered on the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme) which has been introduced by the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. This process replaces the "Enhanced Disclosure" check. Further information is available on the Disclosure Scotland website. If you are made an offer and once you accept these forms will be sent to you from the University and you will be expected to pay for this yourself.

What are your views on deferred entry?

Applications for deferred entry will be considered, provided you intend to spend your gap year in a manner which will benefit you educationally or socially. All the necessary academic requirements have to be obtained before the 'year out' and we can only defer applications that have an unconditional offer.

When will I hear the decision of the selectors?

Some offers will be made soon after interview, and others may not be made until March after all the selection days have taken place.

Will there be help to settle in?

As part of Freshers' Week there is also a specially designed BEd Induction Programme. This allows you to get to know the University, the School and each other before classes begin in earnest.

You will receive lots of information about the University, the School and about the programme and you will also meet the Personal Tutor/Advisor of Studies, who has been allocated to you. This tutor plays a part in helping you settle into the programme, the School and student life.

We currently have a 'Buddy System' in which students from other years team up with first year groups to help them settle into the campus and the programme.

Is there any information about finance?

Students on this course are eligible to apply for student loans. The Student Advisory Service can provide further information about funding.

How can I obtain further information?

If you have any questions about the BEd Primary programme, please contact:

Naseem Ahmad (Ms)
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 388 074 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 388 074(from outside the UK)

Email: contactus@dundee.ac.uk