Practicum Format & Dates
There are two practicum components under the practicum course (PRAC 190). The first is an extended 12 week practicum which is split into three teaching blocks. There are normally two four-week blocks in the fall term and one four-week block in the winter term. All twelve weeks are completed in the same "Associate School". During the twelve weeks, candidates will spend time in each division (Primary-Junior) or teaching subject (Intermediate-Senior) in their selected division.
The "Associate School" model is used in placing all BEd candidates. The Practicum Office places candidates in specific schools (Associate Schools) within specific school boards within our "catchment area" only (see maps on registration page). Schools apply to Queen's Faculty of Education to be considered as an Associate School and are specifically selected as partners to work within the format of our BEd program. For this reason, the school to which you are assigned may not be close to your accommodation. Sometimes candidates will have significant travel due to the location of these schools. It is the responsibility of candidates to get to their Associate School. Candidates will only be assigned to Associate Schools within our catchment area (no exceptions made) to facilitate a reasonable drive for Faculty Liaisons who will be visiting schools to monitor and evaluate your progress.
Candidates are placed in groups (usually 3 or more) within the Associate Schools. During the practicum, candidates are given three hours per week to work together on field based courses.
The second component is a three-week "Alternative Practicum" which is completed after the March Break in the spring. This practicum can be completed out of our regular catchment area including out of province and out of country possibilities. Candidates are also encouraged to find placements out of the regular classroom setting. It is an opportunity to experience education in the broadest sense. Past candidates have arranged placements in museums, galleries, international schools, hospitals, theatres etc.
Practicum Dates
2008–2009
- September 2-5, 2008
Fall term begins (Plenary sessions, registration, pictures) - September 8-October 3, 2008
Classes (4 weeks) - October 6 – October 31, 2008
First Practicum Block of 12 week extended practicum (4 weeks) (October 13- Thanksgiving) - November 3-21, 2008
On-campus weeks for all candidates (3 weeks) - November 24–December 19, 2008
Second Practicum Block of 12 week extended practicum (4 weeks) - January 5-Februrary 13, 2009
Winter term classes (6 weeks - 5 weeks of classes plus 1 week of special programming) - February 17–March 13, 2009 (February 16 - Family Day)
Third Practicum Block of 12 week extended practicum (normally back in original Associate school — 4 weeks) - March 16–20, 2009
March Break - March 23 –April 9, 2008
Alternative Practicum (3 weeks) (April 10 - Good Friday) - April 13–24, 2009
Classes resume (2 weeks) - April 27 –30, 2009
Special Closing Week Conference/Celebration and PROF 190/191 Exit Conferences (4 days) - April 30, 2009
Winter term ends