Students on ASE’s Education Programme are allotted a weekly placement in a local primary or secondary school, totalling 80-100 hours over the semester. Placements are carefully selected to match the student’s educational interests and preferences: opportunities are provided for work in different subject areas and with different age groups. Students will gain experience of observing and working with teachers and will have the opportunity to support individuals, teach small groups or whole classes as appropriate.

Typically, placements entail a steady transition from an observational role to direct engagement with the practice and practicalities of teaching and learning. Students are also encouraged to find out about, and make a contribution to, the broader life of the school. Weekly seminars with the ASE placement tutor offer a chance to talk through and reflect upon the placement experience. The tutor also observes the student in the classroom and supervises the writing of a journal and portfolio to help explore links and divergences between theory and practice.

A co-requisite seminar course, Education in England: Pedagogy and Policy, provides important contextual knowledge for the School Placement experience.