Foundation Week 2026
Foundation Week is a critical part of our ITT courses in the Centre for Teacher Education. We love welcoming our new students getting started on the journey to becoming a teacher. We are a small and very friendly community and during foundation week, you can expect a warm introduction with the chance to meet your tutors and begin learning about being a teacher. Below is an overview of what to look forward to during the first week of the programmes.
International Teaching Programme (iQTS & PGCEi) only:
Today is the enrolment deadline for the international programmes. By this deadline you are required to have met all of the conditions of your offer and be enrolled onto the programme. Once enrolled you will have access to course materials which include asynchronous induction material and activities.
9:50 - 10:50 - 1.1 Welcome to Warwick Jonty Leese and Abi Ball open Foundation Week, introduce themselves and set out how the foundation week will run. The room link for the session is: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
10:50 - 11:40 - 1.2 International Education Rachel Keys, Head of School at Prem Tinsulanonda International School, sets the context for international education and helps you understand the kind of setting you are working in. The room link for the session is: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
12:30 - 13:10 - 1.3 Teacher Identity With Jonty Leese and Abi Ball you will explore why you chose teaching, what effective teaching looks like, and begin drafting your teaching philosophy. Bring the one or two slide mini bio you prepared before the course; you will share it in breakout groups. The room link for the session is: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
13:20 - 14:00- 1.4 Platforms walk through Abi Ball walks you through the platforms you will use during your studies, with time at the end for questions with Jonty. The room link for the session is: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
10:00 - 10:50 - 2.1 Assessment Jonty Leese explains how the programme is assessed: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
10:50 - 11:30 - 2.2 Getting to know your Moodle and your peers Jonty Leese hosts a session to get to know your fellow trainees, find your way around Moodle via a treasure hunt, and ask any questions about the programme: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
12:30 - 13:10 - 2.3 Reflective Practitioner Abi Ball introduces what critical reflection means and why it matters in teaching, and works through the reflective models used across the programme and in your PG2 assignment. A short post-session task asks you to apply all three models to the same incident and compare what each one gave you: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
13:20 - 14:00- 2.4 Supporting yourself This session will be delivered by Jonty Leese. You will have the opportunity to reflect on and discuss some of the joys, opportunities and challenges you may encounter in the year ahead. We will also explore practical strategies to support you in managing workload, maintaining wellbeing, and developing a sustainable work-life balance: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
Please engage with the following: Pre-Course Asynchronous Activities
12.00 - 13:00 Queries regarding pre-foundation task Optional drop-in with Jonty for any questions about the pre-foundation tasks, including what each task asks for and what to do if you are unsure about any part of it: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
13:00 - 14:00 Informal meeting with fellow trainees An optional, informal session hosted by Jonty. Nothing to prepare and no course content: introduce yourself, hear where everyone is teaching, and put faces to names before the PGCE Foundation Week: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
10:00 - 10:50 - 3.1 Safeguarding This session with Rachel Cooper will focus on the definition of safeguarding and the categories of abuse and neglect: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
10:50 - 13:10 - 3.2 Character Education In this session, Julie Taylor and Danielle Goodayle will explore with students what character education is and why it is important with reference to the theory that underpins good practice in the field. The session will support the development of virtue knowledge and understanding, and will introduce key concepts such as phronesis and Aristotle's golden mean. We will consider the essential 'ingredients' for moral development with reference to an Aristotelian model. As well as potentially being an area of interest to explore as part of your PG2 assignment, it will be of relevance to PPUs that focus on professional roles, classroom management and adaptive teaching, as well as PPUs that you will focus on later in the year on classroom relationships and working as part of a professional team: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
13:20 - 14:20 - 3.3 Working with your mentor This session, delivered by Penny Ottewill, will introduce trainees to the principles and processes underpinning Warwick CTE’s approach to mentoring. Trainees will explore the purpose of mentoring at the University of Warwick, consider the skills and attributes of effective mentors and mentees, and begin to think about how to establish a positive and productive mentoring relationship: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
Please engage with the following: Pre-Course Asynchronous Activities
10:00 - 11:00 Safeguarding drop in This optional session with Rachel Cooper is to allow you to meet and follow up any questions or clarifications that you might have: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
Please engage with the following: Pre-Course Asynchronous Activities
Please engage with the following: Pre-Course Asynchronous Activities
Face-to-face, Digital, iQTS & PGCEi:
09:50-10:30 - Welcome to Warwick: The Warwick Teacher Values and the year ahead - Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
A welcome from Dr Andy Hind, Head of the Centre for Teacher Education at Warwick, Dr Alison Morgan, Head of Secondary provision and Julie Taylor, Head of Primary provision.
11:00-11:40 - History of Education - Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
From Augustine to Academisation: this lecture will outline the development of the English education system, identifying key developments and reforms, whilst linking these to political and social events and milestones in the country as a whole
11:50-12:30 - Children's Emotional Development - Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
Development is affected by factors such as the environments children are raised in, the relationships they build and the experiences they have. All aspects of children's health and development work together to form their overall wellbeing
12:30-13:30 - Lunch
13:30- 14:30 - Primary/Secondary Specific Lecture: Course Information
Primary only: Introduction to the Primary PGCE – Julie Taylor. In this session, Julie will welcome you to the primary course and share key information with you -Westwood Lecture Theatre (WLT)
Secondary only: Introduction to the Secondary PGCE – Dr Alison Morgan. In this session, Dr Alison Morgan will welcome you to the secondary course and share key information with you about the course- Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
14:30-15:30 - Getting to Know You - in Groups on Westwood Campus
In this workshop, you will be grouped according to subject or faculty and you will begin to get to know each other and consider what it means to be a teacher of your subject.
Self Study - Library Services, SU, Careers, Wellbeing Resources and Moodle treasure hunt
09:50-10:30 - Welcome to Warwick: The Warwick Teacher Values and the year ahead: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
A welcome from Dr Andy Hind, Head of the Centre for Teacher Education at Warwick, Dr Alison Morgan, Head of Secondary provision and Julie Taylor, Head of Primary provision.
11:00-11:40 - History of Education: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
From Augustine to Academisation: this lecture will outline the development of the English education system, identifying key developments and reforms, whilst linking these to political and social events and milestones in the country as a whole
11:50-12:30 - Children's Emotional Development: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
Development is affected by factors such as the environments children are raised in, the relationships they build and the experiences they have. All aspects of children's health and development work together to form their overall wellbeing
12:30-13:30 - Lunch
13:30-14:30 - How Children Learn: Cognitive Science: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
This lecture introduces the principles of memory formation underpinned by cognitive science research in education and the practical implications for classroom teaching (including cognitive load, retrieval practice and spaced learning).
15:45- 16:15 - Getting to Digitally Know You - In subject groups in tutor online rooms (see Moodle for details)
In this workshop, you will be grouped according to subject or faculty and you will begin to get to know each other and consider what it means to be a teacher of your subject.
Self Study - Library Services, SU, Careers, Wellbeing Resources and Moodle treasure hunt
09:50-10:30 - Welcome to Warwick: The Warwick Teacher Values and the year ahead https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
A welcome from Dr Andy Hind, Head of the Centre for Teacher Education at Warwick, Dr Alison Morgan, Head of Secondary provision and Julie Taylor, Head of Primary provision.
11:00-11:40 - History of Education: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
From Augustine to Academisation: this lecture will outline the development of the English education system, identifying key developments and reforms, whilst linking these to political and social events and milestones in the country as a whole
11:50-12:30 - Children's Emotional Development: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
Development is affected by factors such as the environments children are raised in, the relationships they build and the experiences they have. All aspects of children's health and development work together to form their overall wellbeing
12:30-13:30 - Lunch
13:30-14:30 - How Children Learn: Cognitive Science: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
This lecture introduces the principles of memory formation underpinned by cognitive science research in education and the practical implications for classroom teaching (including cognitive load, retrieval practice and spaced learning).
Self Study - Library Services, SU, Careers, Wellbeing Resources and Moodle treasure hunt
09:00-09:40 - How Children Learn: Cognitive Science - Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
This lecture introduces the principles of memory formation underpinned by cognitive science research in education and the practical implications for classroom teaching (including cognitive load, retrieval practice and spaced learning).
09:50-10:30 - Introduction to the Primary/Secondary Curriculum - Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
Primary only: This session, with Jo Dobb, considers the Primary National Curriculum (along with curricula from other countries) recognising its aims and content design using existing models and considering the impact of decisions made by those in power on a curricula's aims and function.
Secondary only: Jake Lever and Rebecca Friesen will give a brief introduction to recent developments in the secondary curriculum.
11:00-11:40 - Character Education- Part 1 Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
In this session, Julie Taylor and Danielle Goodayle will explore with students what character education is and why it is important with reference to the theory that underpins good practice in the field.
11:50-12:30 - Safeguarding Lecture - Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
This session with Rachel Cooper will focus on the definition of safeguarding and the categories of abuse and neglect.
12:30-13:30 - Lunch
13:30-15:30 - Professionalism in phase groups workshop - in Groups on Westwood Campus
This workshop takes place in your subject/faculty groups and you will be introduced to the Professional Practice element of the course. In this session, you will consider the professional behaviours and ethical practice necessary to being a successful teacher.
Self Study - Preparation for Reflective Practice Session
09:00-09:40 - Welcome to the Primary course: (https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/hfoul3gLink opens in a new window) OR Welcome to the Secondary course: (https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/alw29cq)Link opens in a new window
Dr Alison Morgan and Mark Harris will welcome you to your respective course and share key information with you.
09:50-10:30 - Introduction to the Primary curriculum: (https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/hfoul3gLink opens in a new window) OR Introduction to the Secondary curriculum: (https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/alw29cqLink opens in a new window)
Primary curriculum: This session, with Jo Dobb, considers the Primary National Curriculum (along with curricula from other countries) recognising its aims and content design using existing models and considering the impact of decisions made by those in power on a curricula's aims and function.
Secondary curriculum: Jake Lever and Rebecca Friesen will give a brief introduction to recent developments in the secondary curriculum.
11:00-11:40 - Safeguarding lecture: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
This session with Rachel Cooper will focus on the definition of safeguarding and the categories of abuse and neglect.
11.50-13:15 - Character Education: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
In this session, Julie Taylor and Danielle Goodayle will explore with students what character education is and why it is important with reference to the theory that underpins good practice in the field.
13:15-14:00 - Lunch
14:00-14:40 - Online learning and learning platforms: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
In this session, Abi Ball and Jonty Leese will guide you through how to use our platforms to engage with your learning, participate in activities, and submit work throughout the coming academic year.
15:00-15:30 - Primary and Secondary Digital Lecture: Course info Optional QA session (Drop in): https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
Self Study - Preparation for Reflective Practice Session
09:00-09:40 - How Children Learn: Language and constructing meaning - Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
This lecture will explore the linguistic elements of learning, how children talk about their developing understanding and construct their own meaning from learning experiences. The session will draw on socio-constructivist views of learning. The session will argue for a complementarity between socio-constructivist approaches and cognitive science informed approaches highlighting the importance of schema. Critically, the session signposts the importance of talk in classrooms for the construction of meaning by children.
09:50-10:30 - AI and the role of the teacher - Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
This session will look at the tensions and strengths of the evolving world of AI in education, utilising data from CTE’s current research and other emerging work in this field. We will look at the principles of using AI within the confines of university, assignments and in school so you leave the session with a clear understanding of what is acceptable, useful and beneficial about using AI over the year.
11:00-11:40 - Children's' Intellectual Development - Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
11:50-12:30 - Character Education- part 2- Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
In this second session on Character Education, Julie Taylor and Danielle Goodayle will build on the theory from session 1 and explore with trainees what character education looks like in practice in schools. We will consider how character can be 'caught', 'taught' and 'sought' and reflect on how our learning from the session can be applied to our placement schools and what this might look like in different age phases/subjects/schools.
12:30-13:30 - Lunch
13:30-15:30 - Primary Specific: Reflective Practice / Secondary Specific: Learning Workshop - in Groups on Westwood Campus
Primary only:
This workshop will introduce you to the concepts of reflection and reflexivity, and its importance to teachers and teaching. You will consider where you will reflect on the PGCE programme and how to generate effective reflective writing.
Secondary only: In this session, you will engage with the theory of learning and the reality. This interactive workshop involves a range of activities to deepen understanding about how we learn.
Self Study - Subject intro videos
09:50-10:30 - AI and the role of the teacher: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
This session will look at the tensions and strengths of the evolving world of AI in education, utilising data from CTE’s current research and other emerging work in this field. We will look at the principles of using AI within the confines of university, assignments and in school so you leave the session with a clear understanding of what is acceptable, useful and beneficial about using AI over the year.
11:00-11:40 - Childrens' Intellectual Development: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2
11:50-12:30 - Lunch
12:50-13:30 - How Children Learn: Language and constructing meaning: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
This lecture will explore the linguistic elements of learning, how children talk about their developing understanding and construct their own meaning from learning experiences. The session will draw on socio-constructivist views of learning. The session will argue for a complementarity between socio-constructivist approaches and cognitive science informed approaches highlighting the importance of schema. Critically, the session signposts the importance of talk in classrooms for the construction of meaning by children.
13:30-15:30 - Reflective Practice: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
In the session you will explore what is meant by critical reflection and discuss the importance of reflection in the teaching profession. This session will outline the reflective models used throughout the programme and for your PG2 assignment
Self Study - Subject intro videos (Secondary only)
09:50-10:30 - AI and the role of the teacher: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
This session will look at the tensions and strengths of the evolving world of AI in education, utilising data from CTE’s current research and other emerging work in this field. We will look at the principles of using AI within the confines of university, assignments and in school so you leave the session with a clear understanding of what is acceptable, useful and beneficial about using AI over the year.
11:00-11:40 - Childrens' Intellectual Development: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
11:50-12:30 - Lunch
12:50-13:30 - How Children Learn: Language and constructing meaning: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
This lecture will explore the linguistic elements of learning, how children talk about their developing understanding and construct their own meaning from learning experiences. The session will draw on socio-constructivist views of learning. The session will argue for a complementarity between socio-constructivist approaches and cognitive science informed approaches highlighting the importance of schema. Critically, the session signposts the importance of talk in classrooms for the construction of meaning by children.
09:00-09:40 - How Children Learn: Sociopolitical theories of Education - Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
In this lecture, Alison considers the significance of sociopolitical theories of education, particularly to the Warwick Teacher Value of social justice. Beginning with Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of cultural capital before exploring Paulo Freire’s influential theory of critical pedagogy and learner agency, Alison argues that societal inequalities result in educational inequalities and advocates the need to empower students to question and change society.
09:50-10:30 - Safeguarding Lecture 2 - Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
This session will build on Safeguarding Part 1 and will focus on managing disclosures and what to do is you are worried that a child is at risk of harm.
11:00-11:40 - Teacher and the Law- NASUWT- Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
In this lecture the teaching union, the NASUWT, will introduce you to your rights and responsibilities related to teaching and the law.
11:40-12:50 - Lunch (with teaching union stands in Zeeman ground floor)
12:50-13:30 - Nasen lecture - Zeeman Building (room MS.02)
In this session, Alison Betts from NASEN will introduce you to working with SEND learners and show you how access to NASEN's resources.
14:00-16:00 - Teaching Philosophy Warwick Teacher Values - in Groups on Westwood Campus
In this session, you will explore your identities and lived experiences, considering how these shape the teacher you want to be and your own nascent teaching philosophy.
09:00-09:40 - How Children Learn: Sociopolitical theories of Education: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
In this lecture, Alison considers the significance of sociopolitical theories of education, particularly to the Warwick Teacher Value of social justice. Beginning with Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of cultural capital before exploring Paulo Freire’s influential theory of critical pedagogy and learner agency, Alison argues that societal inequalities result in educational inequalities and advocates the need to empower students to question and change society.
09:50-10:30 - Safeguarding Lecture 2: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
This session will build on Safeguarding Part 1 and will focus on managing disclosures and what to do is you are worried that a child is at risk of harm.
11:00-11:40 - Teacher and the Law- NASUWT: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
In this lecture the teaching union, the NASUWT, will introduce you to your rights and responsibilities related to teaching and the law.
11:40-12:50 - Lunch (Explore relevant websites)
12:50-13:30 - Nasen lecture: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
In this session, Alison Betts from NASEN will introduce you to working with SEND learners and show you how access to NASEN's resources.
14:00-15:00 - Teaching Philosophy Warwick Teacher Values: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
In this session, you will explore your identities and lived experiences, considering how these shape the teacher you want to be and your own nascent teaching philosophy.
09:00-10:00 - Equality Act: Secondary only-
This session will be delivered by Dr Jen Rowan-Lancaster.
10:00- 12.30 - Introduction to the Formative Assignment and Writing Annotated Bibliographies
To prepare for your first assignment you will be in faculty or subject groups looking at writing annotated bibliographies in preparation for the formative assignment. You will also explore some wider issues around your subject.
13:30- 15.30 - Working with your Mentor
In this session, we will discuss both the principles and processes of mentoring in school, as well as how to establish a successful mentoring relationship.
11:00-12:00 - Equality Act: Primary only- MS.02
09:00-10:00 - Equality Act: Secondary only (streamed in WLT)
This session will be delivered by Dr Jen Rowan-Lancaster: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
10:00- 12.30 - Working with your Mentor: Secondary only
In this session, we will discuss both the principles and processes of mentoring in school, as well as how to establish a successful mentoring relationship: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/iel0vl2Link opens in a new window
13:30- 15.30 - Independent Study on the formative Assignment: Secondary only
In this independent study time you will look at subject resources and explore issues in your subject in order to prepare for your first formative assignment. You will also be introduced to writing annotated bibliographies.
In Personal Tutor Groups:
Jo Dobb - WT0.05
Anna Donnelly - WT0.02
Dr Deborah Roberts - WT0.03
Emily Davies - WT1004 (alt. WT1.06 on Mon 7th)
In Subject/Faculty groups:
Group 1: Art & Design, Drama, Music, Design & Technology - WT0.01
Group 2: Biology, Chemistry, Physics - WT1.04/5
Group 3: Computer Science, Business Studies - WT1.03
Group 4: Geography, History, RE, Social Sciences - WT1.01
Group 5: Maths - WA0.24
Group 6: Modern Languages - WA0.15a
Group 7: PE - WA0.15b
Group 8: English - WT0.06
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Please make sure that you attend all of the Centre for Teacher Education events. They are so important and will really help you to settle into life at Warwick and your course.
(To help with finding locations, please click here)
Key links:
Zeeman Building (Where all morning lectures start) https://w3w.co/poetic.wedge.club
Westwood Teaching Rooms (Where our small groups will mainly take place) https://w3w.co/drop.richer.float)