The award of PGCE is offered at two levels, Professional Graduate Certificate in Education and Postgraduate Certificate in Education - where Masters-level credits can be gained. Both are recognised teaching qualifications, but the postgraduate award will allow fast-track entry to Masters courses. The choice of which qualification to take will be made while on the course. Successful completion of the course will lead to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
The course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to meet the demands of a first teaching post in the primary age range (5 to 11 years). You will focus on primary education across both key stages, a Teaching Agency (formerly the TDA) requirement which is essential to gain an overview of development and progression throughout the complete primary age phase. There may be an opportunity to place an increased emphasis on either Key Stage One (five to seven years) or Key Stage Two (7 to 11 years) during your school based training.
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Please note the following information for applicants
A distinctive feature of our course is the curriculum breadth we offer. We provide modules in Teaching Primary English, Teaching Primary Mathematics, Teaching Primary Science and Teaching the Wider Curriculum. The Wider Curriculum module encompasses an introduction to the full range of foundation subjects along with RE and ICT. We also offer an introduction to the teaching of primary modern foreign languages for all trainees.
The Applied Studies in Education module provides an opportunity to engage critically with a wide range of educational issues, themes and thinking, as well as a very practically oriented preparation for periods of school based training. As part of this module all trainees develop their subject specialism for the primary classroom in preparation for the future responsibility of subject leadership.
Developing an understanding of the primary curriculum, you will develop your subject knowledge as well as your understanding of curriculum purposes and progression. You will learn how to plan and resource your teaching in ways that engage and inspire young learners. In developing practical teaching and organisational skills, you will learn how to plan, teach and assess effectively. Understanding progression in learning, according to the diversity of needs and abilities of all pupils, will enable you to create an effective teaching environment that promotes and supports children’s learning. You will gain knowledge and understanding of the professional requirements for teachers along with an appreciation of the need for continued professional development throughout their career.
Assessment
The taught part of the course involves interactive lectures and seminars. There are no exams, coursework and teaching experience are assessed. Trainees undertake focused preparation in the core subjects (mathematics, English and science) and the full range of foundation subjects (history, geography, art, design and technology and Physical Education).
Students will also receive an induction into citizenship and the teaching of primary modern foreign languages. Creative cross-curricular approaches to teaching are developed and trainees are supported in strengthening their understanding of their specialist subject as it relates to the primary curriculum. Students are required to pass three skills tests in numeracy, literacy and ICT during their training year. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) cannot be awarded until these tests have been completed.
Funding
Home students can apply for a student loan for tuition and maintenance fees. In addition students may be eligible for maintenance or special support grants. More information on the funding for Initial Teacher-Training courses can be found on Directgov and the Teaching Agency (formerly TDA) website.
The vocational nature of the PGCE Primary and the fact that successful completion of the course leads to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) means that graduates are ideally placed to pursue a career as a teacher in the primary age range (five to 11 years).
School-based training is the central element of the course, with about 60% of the time spent in local primary schools. There are three block periods of school based training, usually consisting of an extended serial placement during the autumn term, a six-week period at the beginning of the spring term and an eight week block at the end of the course.
The school based training may be in city centre, suburban or semi-rural locations. This variety provides opportunities for a wide range of teaching experiences and lays a good foundation for your professional development. Course members are encouraged to develop increasing levels of self-reliance, independence, enterprise and capability to manage their own learning.
Applications should be made directly to the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR). As soon as the completed forms are sent to us from the GTTR, we invite selected candidates to attend for interview. GTTR will accept applications for entry in September 2013 between early October and 1 December 2012.
GTTR code: X100
For a hard copy application form
Telephone +44 (0)1242 544788 or write to:
GTTR
Rose Hill
New Barn Lane
Cheltenham
GL52 3LZ
Interview
Our basis for selecting candidates for interview is the GTTR application form. The interview procedure will take between three to four hours and includes a group task in which you will be asked to discuss an issue, reach a decision and make a group presentation. In an individual interview you will be asked questions in relation to the selection criteria and information provided on your application form. Each candidate is also expected to talk informally with the interviewer about an educational issue. The choice of issue is entirely up to individual candidates and should last no more than five minutes. In a written task you will be asked to write about an issue relating to teaching and learning. Candidates will be asked to nominate a subject strength, which relates to the National Curriculum within the primary school.
English language entry requirements
English language entry requirements for courses in the School of Education and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University.
