A new degree designed to produce more exercise and health-conscious primary school teachers has been launched at the University of Aberdeen.
The new joint BSc Honours degree in Applied Sports Science and Education allows students to learn teaching skills during the four-year framework of a traditional science degree.
Its introduction reflects the current drive to promote health and wellbeing in schools – one of several changes to the curriculum being implemented by Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS), the Scottish Government's education body.
The degree will combine knowledge of the scientific principles underpinning sport, exercise and health with a solid grounding in teaching practice and key education policy areas.
Professor Colin McCaig, Head of School of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen said the new degree aimed to produce science graduates who are also enthusiastic primary teachers.
"This new BSc is very flexible and allows students to embark on Education courses in the first or third year of their degree whilst retaining an overall focus on Applied Sports Science," he explained.
"This will enable students to gain their teaching qualification within the standard four year time frame for a full honours BSc, without then having to seek an additional postgraduate qualification.
"On completion of the degree they will be eligible for the GTCS and Scottish Government's one year Induction Scheme, which involves working in a school for the full year in order to complete their probation and gain full registration."
For more information about the new BSc Honours degree in Applied Sports Science and Education please contact Dr Alison Jenkinson on 01224 555 742 or email href="mailto:a.jenkinson@abdn.ac.uk">a.jenkinson@abdn.ac.uk</a> Alternatively, contact Student Recruitment and Admissions on 01224 272 090/1 or email href="mailto:sras@abdn.ac.uk">sras@abdn.ac.uk</a></p>