The assessment strategy is based on the premise that critical evaluation of theoretical perspectives as they apply to your own teaching is an intrinsic element of best teaching practice. Throughout the course therefore you will continually be encouraged to explore what is known about teaching and learning and to demonstrate independence and creativity in evaluating the relevance of that knowledge in your own context.

Sound subject knowledge is a fundamental quality of an effective teacher and you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to on-going development of that knowledge throughout the course. Also key to the course is a focus on the development of research informed teaching culminating in an extended systematic study of your own practice. By embedding the professional requirements for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) within the academic requirements of a Post Graduate Certificate the course supports you in developing the qualities which define the University of Bedfordshire graduate teacher: an independent reflective creative innovative collaborative and resilient professional who is committed to on-going personal and professional development. The assessment for this course seeks to support you in developing your understanding of the interplay between theoretical perspectives and practice based experience. You will be developing your skills of research and evaluation critical thinking creativity and independence. The themes for your reflective writing are developed from local and national priorities and therefore allow you to develop the evidence of your understanding of values and principles underpinning the Teachers Standards (2012) as they apply to your working context. (Superficial statements of performance against the Teachers Standards (2012) oppose the principles which underpin this course and are not accepted.)

By building your reflections around these themes you will generate rich evidence which can contribute to the assessment of your professional performance: the Profile Review Points (PRPs). Hence the assessment items are intrinsically connected and in combination allow you to demonstrate your achievement of all learning outcomes. The Profile Review Point (PRP) is the process by which the mentor (with university training and support) reviews your progress in your teaching practice. The Teachers Standards (2012) provide the framework by which this progress is judged and are supplemented with descriptors which support you in understanding the qualities which define the level at which you meet the standards. The Teachers Standards (2012) descriptors are included in Introducing the Primary School Teacher and The Primary school Teacher units assessment information. Formative use of assessment is embedded throughout the course and is a principle which we would expect you to adopt in your own teaching. You will be supported to become familiar with self- and peer-assessment approaches and to make effective use of feedback on both academic and practice-based aspects of the course to identify targets for your on-going development and plan actions to address them.