Starting your studies with us soon? We鈥檙e looking forward to welcoming you! If you want to get a head start on your studies and get clued up on what鈥檚 to come, here鈥檚 our list of听things you can do to prepare for your course.
Reading and Research
There are numerous things you can look at that are specific to your area of study but we also encourage you to have a look through our听blog, which includes the latest staff and student stories, and more.
Teacher training
- Engage with the 听and think about how will these impact on your teaching and learning
- Download the 听for your area and start to become familiar with it
- Develop your subject knowledge of all areas of the curriculum by engaging with sites such as 听(remember to look at the Key Stage above the one(s) you鈥檒l be teaching)
Education and Childhood (non-teaching)
Try to improve your 'general knowledge' of Early Childhood Studies by looking at 听
Education Courses
Find out more about our courses
Become familiar with some useful websites:
- 听
Get familiar with curriculum guidelines and download the latest versions of The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Guidance, and Development Matters Guidelines via The National Curriculum.听
It鈥檚 also good to have an awareness of and become familiar with relevant legislation relevant to your studies, such as The Equality Act.
Watch
There are plenty of relevant and insightful videos on our听听that will give you information about university life and what it鈥檚 like to study your course.
It鈥檚 also a good idea to keep up with news channels to stay up to date with any developments in your specialist areas. 听online is a great place to stay informed.
Listen
There are several informative podcasts you can listen to help inform your studies. Some of our favourites include:
Education and Teacher Training
- The Early Years Edit
- The Creative Educator
- The TED Talks Education Podcast
Working with Children, Young People and Families:
- The Children鈥檚 Society podcast
Social Media and who to follow
It might be a good idea to set up a professional social media account on LinkedIn and Twitter so that you can network with your peers. Make sure you consider your professional image and identity, as what you say and post influences how you will be portrayed to others.
In terms of accounts to follow, a good place to start is with our own social media channels on听听and 听Here, you can keep up to date with all important news and events from around the University.