We support students through their placements

Kelly Malarz is the Schools and Colleges Experience Officer for all Primary, Secondary and Post-Compulsory Education and Training (PcET) Initial Teacher Education courses at the University of South Wales. 

"I have worked at the University since 2003. During this time, I have built up effective working relationships with schools, FE and Sixth Form colleges, and a range of training providers across South Wales," says Kelly,

"A key aspect of my role is to ensure quality placements that provide a range of teaching experiences, are secured for every full-time student on pre-service teaching courses.

"Throughout their professional practice, I work very closely with academic staff to lend support and respond to any queries that may arise during student placements. Throughout placement, students are supported by a subject specialist mentor, and their individual University tutor who will normally visit you on placement on four occasions during the year. 

As a teacher education team, we are fully committed to providing quality and varied learning experiences for our students. Our aim is to ensure that our students feel supported and valued throughout their learning journey."

While undertaking full-time (pre-service) or part-time (in-service) PcET teacher education courses at Newport, most teaching practice is completed in the south Wales area. However, it is not uncommon for our students to teach in Hereford, Bristol, Weston Super Mare or Gloucester. 

Full-time student placements

You will also be provided with an individual mentor who will help support you to develop your specialist subject area within the placement. As part of the full-time course, you must complete a minimum of 100 hours of teaching practice, and up to 20 hours observation and 20 hours departmental duties. You will be observed six times during your placement, including at least one joint observation by your University tutor and placement mentor.

Part-time student placements

As part of your professional practice, you must complete 20 hours observation of an experienced tutor in year one, and 20 hours of observations/departmental duties in year two and a minimum of 50 hours teaching practice in each of year one and year two. You will be observed in your placement by your University tutor three times in year one and three times in year two.