Welcome to your Primary Early Years course

Welcome to University of Staffordshire

We know you're already passionate about your subject, which is why we're excited you've chosen University of Staffordshire as the place to turn possibility into reality.

To give you an insight into what life as a Primary Early Years student is like, your course leaders have prepared introductions to the course and further activities.

Hello and welcome! We’re looking forward to supporting you through your PGCE year at Staffordshire University. Let’s cover some information that you’ll find useful before starting your adventure with us.  

Course Delivery

Our sessions are mainly in person and will be quite practical. In addition to this you will be offered weekly tutorials with your Lead (university-based) Mentor and will have a school-based mentor to support you in school while you are on placement.

Semester One Activities

Throughout your PGCE we will cover all aspects of what you will need to know to be a primary teacher specialising in early years. Most of your sessions will be subject based but we will also be looking at things like behaviour management, assessment and pedagogy.

Pre- Learning

The following core texts are recommended reading:

Haylock, D. and Manning, R. (2018) Mathematics Explained for Primary Teachers + Student Workbook for 'Mathematics Explained for Primary Teachers (London, SAGE)

Waugh, D. et al (2017) Primary English for Trainee Teachers (London, SAGE)

Roden, J. and Archer, J. (2014) Primary Science for Trainee Teachers (London, SAGE)

McGregor, D. and Precious, W. (2014) Dramatic Science: Inspired Ideas for Teaching Science using Drama ages 5–11 (London, Routledge)

Sharp, J. et al (2017) Primary Science: Teaching Theory & Practice (London, SAGE)

Webster, M. and Misra, S. (2015) Teaching the Primary Foundation Subjects (London, Open University Press)

Hayes, C. et al (2017) Developing as a Reflective Early Years Professional: A Thematic Approach (St Albans, Critical Publishing)

Join us on Social Media

Join our Social Media accounts for the Institute of Education so you can feel a part of the IOE family before you arrive.

You’ll see what we post, links to relevant news articles, developments within the sector, employability support and things going on in our courses.

Following this account will give you the opportunity to do some pre-reading and research before you join the course

Visit our Instagram Page

Free Downloadable Software

There is a variety of software which can be downloaded from the University’s website and can also be accessed via the button below. This software is free for all of our students, as we understand to reach your full potential and succeed in your degree you need the tools to help you. The software available is;

Microsoft Office 365
Microsoft Teams
SPSS and AMOS
Maple
NVivo
Sophos Antivirus
Asure Dev Tools for Teaching
VMWare
Free Training

Free Software

Join a Society

Getting involved in a student group can enhance your time at University. It’s a great way to make new friends and connections, learn from other students and develop new skills whist having some fun at the same time. Whether you want to join a group as a member, get involved in running a group as part of a committee or help run an event or organise your own – your Students’ Union is here to help make it happen! Please check out our website for more information on all of our groups, volunteering and other opportunities, or get in touch with our Engagement Team if you have more questions.

All Student Groups: https://www.staffsunion.com/getinvolved/clubsandsocieties/ (filter to see all academic groups).

Current Academic Societies:

Accounting & Finance: https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/25507/

Biology: https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/biosoc/

Education: https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/staffsedsoc/

Engineering: https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/theies/

FACS: https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/facs/

Fashion: https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/fashionsociety/

Humanities: https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/humanities/

Law: https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/lawsociety/

Bonus Group - Debating: https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/21294/

How to set up a new group: https://staffordshire.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0CG5LLyaUvS8eVv

Group Committee Resource & Support Area: https://www.staffsunion.com/managementhub/

Developing You (personal development resources): https://www.staffsunion.com/developingyou/

Meet the team

Emma Clayson

Senior Lecturer

I am a senior lecturer within the primary education team. As a qualified teacher, I am passionate about education and in particular, inclusion and support our students to develop their skills in adaptive teaching.

Emma's profile

Sarah Gardiner

Senior Lecturer

Sarah spent the majority of her teaching career in primary schools in central London. Additional to her class teacher responsibilities she also had the role of subject leader for English and has specialised in this area of the curriculum for ove…

Sarah's profile

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.

We look forward to welcoming you to the campus in September.

If you have any questions, please send them to Course Leader Emma Clayson, emma.clayson@staffs.ac.uk.

The Primary PGCE Course Team