All Education

Education in England [Autumn & Spring]

Helping a student with her writing at an ASE School Placement This interactive, discussion-based course aims to give an overview of the English educational system, looking at contemporary issues in education as they affect teaching in the UK, the US - and globally. Each week’s session addresses a main theme. Recently, these have included: testing; inclusion; contrasting the ‘No Child Left Behind’ (US) and ‘Every Child Matters’ (UK) initiatives; creativity in the curriculum; gender in the classroom and the teaching profession; and the representation of teachers and education in literature and the media. Each theme is set in its policy context, taking full account of students’ experiences in their school placements, and is supported by video extracts, articles and readings. Students are expected to undertake extensive research using the ASE library, recommended websites and a weekly educational journal, in order to inform class debate and support their written papers.

For general information on ASE's Education Programme, please visit The Education Programme. Note: Students may not combine the Education Programme with an internship or the Tutorial Programme.

School Placements [Autumn & Spring]

Education Programme students are allotted a weekly whole-day placement in a local primary or secondary school, totalling no less than 10 days over the semester. School placements are carefully selected to match the student’s educational interests and preferences: opportunities are provided for work in different subject areas and with different age groups. Students will gain experience of observing and working with teachers and will have the opportunity to support individuals, teach small groups or whole classes as appropriate.

Typically, however, placements entail a steady transition from an observational role to increasing engagement with the practice and practicalities of teaching and learning. Students are also encouraged to find out about, and make a contribution to, the broader life of the school. Weekly seminars with the ASE placement tutor offer a chance to talk through and reflect upon the placement experience. The tutor also observes the student in the classroom and supervises the writing of a journal and portfolio to help explore links and divergences between theory and practice.

For general information on ASE's Education Programme, please visit The Education Programme. Note: Students may not combine the Education Programme with an internship or the Tutorial Programme.

Special Needs Placements [Autumn & Spring]

ASE student working with an autistic child at a School Placement A wide range of special needs placements is also available, reflecting the spectrum of provision in England for children with special educational needs. Opportunities include placements with special needs units in mainstream secondary schools, and with teachers responsible for special needs in mainstream primary schools, as well as placements in special schools for children with moderate or severe learning difficulties (including autism), and schools for behaviourally disturbed young people.

Applicants for the Education Programme must include a formal letter making a strong case for selection, outlining relevant experience and education-related courses already taken, and specifying the nature of their preferred placement.

For general information on ASE's Education Programme, please visit The Education Programme. Note: Students may not combine the Education Programme with an internship or the Tutorial Programme.