This module is not currently running in 2021 to 2022.
This module is a one-term placement opportunity that allows students to teach aspects of their degree subject in a local school. This module highlights the longstanding excellence of social science research and teaching at the University of Kent, and the important role the institution has in contributing to the local community.
For students within the School of Politics and International Relations this module is designed with two purposes in mind: to give students of politics the opportunity to gain real world teaching experience and to encourage students to reflect upon that experience from a political point of view. From the point of view of teaching experience, students will have the chance to participate in and then lead classes in local secondary schools where politics is taught. This will provide students with a range of important benefits, from a sense of professionalism, presentation and communication skills to class management. The module is also structured to enable students to reflect on these issues with a view to understanding more fully their own learning and also to sharpen their critical analysis of the role of government in shaping the way politics is presented through the contemporary education system in the UK.
In order to prepare you for the Spring term school visits, you will be required to attend one training session during the Autumn term. Each session will include the citizenship and politics parts of the national curriculum, the relationship with the teacher, how to behave with pupils, as well as how to organise an engaging and informative session on an aspect of politics drawn from the national curriculum.
Total contact hours: 12
Placement hours: 18
Private study hours: 120
Total study hours: 150
How to register your interest for this module
You will not be able to register for PO652 through the online module registration process. Instead, you will need to register for an alternative Spring term module, and then complete the registration of interest form stating which module/s you are interested in taking and which Spring term module you would drop if you are successful in gaining entry on to your chosen module. The form is available on the Politics and IR Student Guide on Moodle, under 'choosing your modules' in the Undergraduate Student Section.
You should return the completed form to Sara Witchell, Student Support Manager, either in hard copy, or by e-mail to polirsupport@kent.ac.uk by the end of the module registration period.
Teacher Assessment, 20%
Portfolio, 4000 words, 80%
Information on the National Curriculum: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum
Heywood, A. Politics: A Foundation, fourth edition, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2013
Geoghegan, V. And Wilford, R. (eds) Political Ideologies: An Introduction, fourth edition, London, Routledge, 2014.
Leach, R. The Politics Companion, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2008.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
- Ability to present core political ideologies and concepts as well as key features of both UK and international politics clearly within a classroom setting;
- Students will realize the importance of professional responsibility and will have followed professional guidelines;
- Understanding of the National Curriculum and the role of citizenship and politics within it;
- Knowledge of the organisation within schools and the management of people within them.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
