Primary Schools Partnership
The School of Education at Kingston University works in partnership with a wide range of primary schools, taking a leading role in the training of a new generation of teachers.
What is a Partner School?
A partner school works with the University in the training of primary school teachers on its PGCE and BA primary training programmes. Partnership takes many forms including school colleagues contributing to course design and delivery, selection and admission procedures, membership of School of Education boards and committees, and receiving trainee teachers on school experience components of their training programme.
With respect to school experience placement, at present three different levels of partnership are in operation:
Level 3 partnership schools
Level 3 schools work with the University in the training of trainee teachers. They take a leading role in the supervision of trainee teachers on placement in school. A University Liaison Tutor is attached to the partner school to provide advice and support to both school and trainee teacher(s), to deal with any problems that arise, and to moderate the assessment of the trainee teacher(s) placed in the school.
Level 2 partnership schools
Level 2 schools work with the University in the training of trainee teachers. A University Liaison Tutor is attached to the partner school to provide advice and support to both school and trainee teacher, and to deal with any problems that arise. The supervision and assessment of the trainee teacher(s) on school placement are shared between a School-based Mentor and the University Liaison Tutor who generally makes more frequent visits to the partner school than is the case for Level 3 partnership schools.
Level 1 partnership schools
Level 1 schools provide a placement and a supportive environment for trainee teachers on school experience. The Head Teacher (or another designated member of staff) is responsible for ensuring that the trainee teacher(s) on placement in their school receive an appropriate training experience, and for liaising with the University Liaison Tutor to achieve this. Whilst the role of the class teacher and school setting is important for the trainee teacher's professional development, it remains the University's responsibility to supervise and formally assess the trainee teacher.
For further information on partnership see the School of Education's Primary Partnership Handbook.
If you are interested in becoming a partner school with the School of Education, please contact Jonathan Edwards (tel: 020 8417 5351) or Wendy Ap Owen (tel: 020 8417 5066).
CPD opportunities
The School of Education also has a portfolio of CPD courses including MA and doctoral programmes. If you would like to discuss the opportunity for study at postgraduate level, including the possibility of developing and accrediting aspects of your personal or school-based professional development, please contact Greg Lancaster-Smith (tel: 020 8417 5130).
