Programme Overview

Students are placed at schools throughout London through Roehampton's placements office. Each student is appointed a tutor at Roehampton to monitor the student's classroom performance and to act as a resource if the student has any questions or concerns. In addition to their teaching practicum, the students on this programme take the liberal arts course, SO 301: British Education.

This course is taught by Roehampton faculty throughout the term and is scheduled around the students' teaching hours.

This programme runs during the Fall only.

General programme information may be found at Boston University International Programs.

SED SO 301 British Education (4 Credits)
In the first 2 weeks, students will take SO 301 as an introduction to the British Education system. During this intensive course, students will gain an understanding of the evolution of the British education system, acquire knowledge of the frameworks of English National Education and how to apply them to the schools' curriculum, and familiarize students with current issues in British public and state education. This course continues throughout the semester with periodic evening meetings to discuss classroom experiences.

Student Teaching
Students choose one from the following course options:

SED EC 553: Early Childhood Student Teaching (10 Credits Early Childhood)
SED CH 555: Student Teaching Practicum Elem 1-6 (10 Credits Elementary)
SED XX* 507/9: Student Teaching Practicum 5-8 (8 Credits Secondary)
SED XX* 508/10: Student Teaching Practicum 8-12 (8 Credits Secondary)
SED SE 593: Practicum: Students w/ Special Need, pre-K-8 (Variable Credits Secondary)

*Department code dependent upon secondary specialised teaching subject, ie. Music, English, Science

Students will begin their full-time teaching placements during the third week in London. Over the course of the semester the student teacher will work with the cooperating teacher to increase their responsibility in the classroom. The practicum experience will culminate in a 2 week takeover; teaching all lessons, guiding transitions, completing markings, etc. Students are supported by their cooperating teachers as well as their practicum tutor. Evaluations will be conducted throughout the semester.

Student Experience

'I absolutely felt welcomed by the school and the teachers there. It
was a great site and they were a wonderful community of teachers to
work with. My teacher and I worked very well together as she was able
to tell me things I have done well and things I need to improve upon.' - Fall 2006

'Teaching in London was a very worthwhile experience for me. Although there are advantages to student teaching in the states (knowing the district better, meeting with your cooperative teacher earlier, etc.), student teaching abroad really helped me learn how to take charge of my own career. I was thrown into situations that were similar to those I've been in the states, but I had to learn how to adjust and make the experience "my own." Also, I may not have sought out schools similar to those I was placed in, but I'm glad I was because it has expanded my teaching experiences. 

Although I did receive a few negative comments upon returning (from the type of ignorant people that are too chicken to do anything outside of their box), most people I spoke with were very impressed with me that I was fearless enough to do my daunting student teaching semester abroad. I ended up moving back home to Utica, NY, to find a teaching job and those that I interviewed with were very impressed that someone from their own hometown went to Boston and London and are now returning as a "cultured," highly qualified candidate for a position. Now I have a full time position in an urban elementary school, and I have no doubts that my London experience helped me get there.

Student teaching in London was not without its challenges. It was mentally draining, sometimes lonely, and definitely stressful. There were times I just wanted to go home. But, where can you student teach that is not like that? Because of my London experience, I was able to go to Europe for the first time on an affordable student budget, I even got engaged at the Eiffel Tower! The advantages far outweighed the challenges, and I recommend it to anyone who wants that extra edge in their resume.

Feel free to email me!' -Margaret Babin Tallman, Fall 2005

Staff Contact

If you have any queries about the School of Education Programme please contact Sarah Farrow.

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