Words of wisdom from your Subject Director

As I write this, the new university year looms. For some, this means the excitement of starting a new course and a whole new chapter; for others, it means a return to studies after the summer break. I must admit that in September I get impatient for students to start/return as whilst there is lots of work to do, the university does not feel quite right when it is so quiet. So, roll on Welcome Week and week one of the proper timetable.

It is logical at this point to offer advice for new and returning students. That is quite difficult to do in a way that covers everyone. My stock advice for all Primary Education students is:

1. Work hard and engage in every aspect of your course.
2. Be professional, never forgetting that you are on a course leading to a valued professional qualification as well as a degree.
3. Have fun and engage in the wider aspects of what university life offers




BUT – and most importantly …


4. STAY SAFE: apply this to all the above

This year I would add to this. Each of your modules was evaluated by students in a new way over 2017-18. A new element was to ask students on each module what advice they would give to students taking the module the following year. As each module starts, I have asked module leaders to share with you, not only what steps we have taken to improve each module as a result of feedback, but also a summary of advice from last year’s students.

So, my new advice for 2018-19, is to listen carefully, as each module starts, to the advice from your peers that went before you, and use their wisdom and insight to get the most that you can from our course.

I look forwards to meeting and working with you all over 2018-19.

Best wishes

Peter Raymond: Director of Undergraduate Initial Teacher Education