Bridge to BA QTS

Why study with us?

Our bridge is a thorough preparation for your arrival onto a teacher education programme. This process is comprehensive and cuts no corners in order to serve the long-term interests of the student, the programme and the teaching profession. In short, it equips the student for a successful career in a challenging but rewarding profession.

The Bridge is designed to enable graduates of the foundation degree in Teaching and Learning Support to progress to the final year (full-time) of the three-year BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS. At the heart of this process is an eight-day Needs Analysis placement in a school setting new to the student (with school-based tutor and Partnership tutor support).

This course takes place in Lancaster and London. The third year of BA (Hons) Primary is available in Lancaster, London and Fusehill Street, Carlisle.

What can this course lead to?

This course leads to a place on the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course, which would qualify you to become a primary school teacher.

Resources and facilities

We have several excellent resources to help you excel in your studies. All students have access to our Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment which can provide easy online access to course information, course materials, relevant web links and an online discussion board.

We have a well-stocked library and a Learning Gateway, which offers an interactive, flexible space to study. You can also take advantage of the Library and Student Services (LiSS), which provides learning resources, equipment, student advice, skills training and study space.

Have a look at our learning resources for Primary Education.

Entry requirements See course specific entry requirements listed below.

More about levels and credits

Credit and UCAS requirements Credit: Not Applicable Selection criteria

All applicants must have completed an FdA Teaching and Learning Support, either at the University of Cumbria or elsewhere.

Applications must provide evidence of relevant, successful work experience or voluntary work in a primary school equivalent to 16 weeks of school placement. The application form must be accompanied by a reference from the headteacher at your FdA placement school. The applicant will do an audit of their experience in primary school as part of the entry requirement to the bridge.

Applicants must also:

• have GCSE grade C or equivalent in English Language, Mathematics and a Science and provide certificates
• process a new Criminal Records Bureau check
• complete a health questionnaire
• pass the QTS skills test before commencement of QTS third year programme

Admissions staff will give full guidance for completing these processes. Candidates can apply for the Bridge process while awaiting completion of, or outcomes for, GCSE results. However, they cannot enter the final year of the QTS without the GCSEs in place.

To secure an offer, students must demonstrate that they can:

• Produce or adapt appropriate short and medium term plans, providing clear structure to lessons and demonstrate adequate subject knowledge
• Teach a sequence of whole-class lessons in Maths, English and Science demonstrating adequate subject knowledge
• Use ICT appropriately and effectively in planning and teaching
• Demonstrate ability to improve teaching and pupil learning by reflection on practice and by the effective evaluation of your whole-class teaching
• Use strategies to create and maintain an orderly classroom environment

Selection is informed by the applicant’s written application, attached reference and the interview process.

Costs

The 2013 fee for this module is £185.

Additional contact information

For queries regarding course content or suitability:

Linda McGhie
Programme Leader, Children and Youth Workforce
Tel: 01228 616248
Email: Linda.McGhie@cumbria.ac.uk

London enquiries: 0207 3646357

Course summary

The Bridge to the full-time QTS degree is preparation for entry into year three of the three year primary QTS programme.

At the heart of this process is an eight-day Needs Analysis Placement in a school setting with school-based tutor and partnership tutor support. This is supported by four days on campus and one preparation visit day.

Following recommendation of the school at the end of Needs Analysis placement, students are given a progression offer from us. Students whose placement teaching has not reached the required standard are given full feedback, including areas for development and have the option of applying again for the Bridge at a future date.

Indicative dates Session Date Location Preparation day one
Friday 10 May 2013, 9.00-16.00
Lancaster campus
Preparation day two
Friday 17 May 2013, 9.00-16.00
Lancaster campus
Preparation day three
Friday 24 May 2013, 9.00-16.00
Lancaster campus
Placement visit (one day)
3-7 June 2013, 15.00-19.00
Various
Placement days (eight days)
12-21 June 2013
Various Review day
Friday 28 June 2013, 9.00-13.00
Lancaster campus

School experience on the BA (Hons) Primary with QTS programme

The final year of the QTS three year degree includes completion of academic and qualificatory modules and to graduate with QTS, students must pass their final school placement. This comprises a preparation week and eight week block in the third term of the final year of the programme.