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In Scotland, the age range of children in Primary education is 3 - 12 years.
Primary teachers teach a range of curricular areas including; literacy, numeracy, religious and moral education.
To gain registration as a primary teacher you will need to study for one of the following qualifications:
- A four year undergraduate programme such as the Bachelor of Education or combined degrees
- A one year Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) which is completed after your initial degree
- A part-time course, usually done in partnership with certain local authorities
In Scotland initial teacher education programmes for primary education comprise of:
- Professional studies
- Subject/curriculum studies relating to teaching all primary subject areas across all stages of the primary age range (3 to 12 years)
- Teaching practice during which all primary subject areas are taught. Important: this practice is spread across all stages of the primary age range.
Margaret Reilly, Head Teacher of Firpark Primary School in Motherwell talks about a day in the life of a Head Teacher of an Additional Support Needs school.