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 aims to develop an understanding of the specialist subject in the context of the National Curriculum, the principles involved in the teaching and learning of the subject across the full age and ability range and the professional values and practice, subject knowledge and understanding commensurate with the particular subject specialism. This includes how children learn and how they develop cognitively, socially and physically and the understanding, skills and personal qualities necessary for managing the learning environment.
All trainees undertake a course of education and professional studies which develops the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a first teaching post in a secondary school and builds a foundation for further professional development. This is a sequence of whole cohort keynote lectures on whole school topics that affect all trainees. They are supported by seminar opportunities guided by specialists who help trainees to make appropriate connections with their subject specialisms.
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Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200
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Please note the following information for applicants
This course is intended for graduates with an IT/computing/business-related degree and maybe some industry or programming experience who wish to become teachers of Applied ICT and /or Computer Science in either a secondary school, college or college setting. On successful completion of this programme you will gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
The programme focuses on the development of professional and teaching skills coupled with awareness of the ICT/Computing curriculum and assessments. We have a particular focus on the 14-19 age range in schools including applied GCSE/Computing, applied A-levels in ICT and Computer Science and vocational courses in ICT. We also consider the teaching of ICT and Computer Science at Key Stage 3 (11-14 age range).
The everyday use of Web 2.0 technologies are now starting to be deployed in the classroom, as is the growth in teaching of programming skills and Computer Science generally. During the course you will develop your knowledge of, and capability in, the use of Web 2.0 technologies as tools for learning and teaching, as well as your programming skills (especially for those who have little or no previous experience). Learning will harness technologies like:
- web 2.0
- virtual learning environments
- interactive whiteboards (which will be contextualised as Digital Literacy).
You will study a number of interrelated modules which focus on education, professional studies and practical aspects of teaching:
- the ICT curriculum: 11 - 14 - Key Stage Three
- the applied ICT curriculum: 14 - 19 - Key Stage Four and Five
- collaborative practice - working with other subjects and other schools, monitoring and assessment of ICT in practice and developing professional skills and competencies.
Assessment
University-based subject application studies and education and professional studies are continuously assessed by course work on a modular basis. A separate, formal assessment also takes place in practical teaching. Students are required to pass two skills tests in numeracy and literacy before their training year commenced.
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 Secondary 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 a secondary school or college.
School or college experience is central to the course and at least 24 weeks are spent on placement in at least two different secondary schools or colleges. During the first phase, two days of school or college experience each week for three weeks are spent in school leading up to a six-week block placement. Trainee teachers are gradually given more responsibility and increase their contribution in both the classroom and to the corporate life of the school.
The second phase begins with a two day, weekly attachment for the first three weeks of the spring term, leading up to the final assessed 13-week block placement. In both placements the training programme is planned by mentors to allow progressive acquisition of the skills, knowledge and understanding students need to be recommended for the award of QTS.
Students are formally observed on a regular basis by their subject mentor as well as receiving a number of visits from the University, to monitor their progress, support their development and undertake their assessment.
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 code: GX5C
For a hard copy application form
Telephone: +44 (0)1242 544788
Or write to:
GTTR
Rose Hill
New Barn Lane
Cheltenham
GL52 3LZ
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.
