ObjectivesThe PG Cert primary programme at Brunel offers you the opportunity to qualify as a teacher of children across the whole primary age range 5-11 years with an emphasis in either the 5-8 or the 7-11 age range. It is a one-year full-time course that equips graduates to teach in primary schools. The University works in partnership with local schools for initial teacher education through an associate tutor system (teachers in school who act as mentors during school placements) which not only helps to ensure that courses are meeting the needs of schools but also gives students a sound appreciation of the profession. The intensive programme combines courses in principles and methods of teaching with practical school-based teaching placements and students are assessed on both elements.
Entry requirementsEntry Requirements Applicants should have or expect to have by the start of the course a relevant degree from a UK or EU university at second class honours level or above together with GCSE or GCE O level passes at Grade C or equivalent in English Language Mathematics and Science. We offer equivalence tests for successful candidates who have been offered a place who do not have the desired qualification at GCSE. There is one paper for each subject and each test lasts two hours. To find out more about these tests please contact the Taught Programmes Office on 01895 267156. Some BA/BSc or MA/MSc degrees from institutions outside the EU are acceptable in accordance with DfES regulations.
Academic titlePostgraduate Certificate (Primary) with QTS
Course descriptionStudents take all the primary National Curriculum subjects, with the exception of Design and Technology and Geography, through teaching experiences at the University and in partnership schools. Personal, social and health education, together with citizenship, are also featured on the course, with complementary work undertaken in schools. The course aims to equip students to teach across the whole primary age range with an emphasis in either the 5-8 or the 7-11 age range.
Trainees will study the equivalent of four modules at Masters level giving 60 M-Level credits which can be counted towards appropriate Master's Degrees at Brunel and at many other Universities. The modules focus on the core National Curriculum subjects and Special Educational Needs; ICT across Foundation Subjects and General Professional Studies.
Modules (all core)
* Developing Cross-Curricular Approaches
* Investigating Professional Practice
* Learning, Teaching and Assessing the Primary Curriculum
* School Experience
* School Preparation
* QTS Skills Test
Through school-based learning the course also focuses on a range of professional issues relevant to teaching in a primary school. For example, the legal responsibilities of teachers, personal tutoring, working with parents.
In common with all PG Cert / PGCE courses, approximately 50% of the course takes place in schools. School experience includes visits to a link school, serial school experience and two blocks of full-time school experience. The schools where this takes place are all in partnership with Brunel University which gives you as trainees many added benefits. There are two formal teaching placements.
Before beginning the University-based part of the course, you are required to arrange two weeks of structured observation in a primary school.
Special Features
The primary centre has well-equipped resource bases including study areas, and a computer area where you can become familiar with hardware and software used in schools. We also have our own fully-equipped computer classroom. There is ample library provision, including a special children's library and youth services provision in the local area.
At Brunel we welcome applications fronm students with disabilities. Our Dyslexia and Disability Service has a particularly successful track record of supporting students on the Primary PGCE course.
Assessment
You are assessed through module assignments and by assessment of the Teaching Practices.
As the PG Cert is a professional course, full attendance is required both in college and during Serial and Block Practices.
In addition to the above, all trainees are required to take and pass the DfES / TDA QTS Skills Tests in English, Mathematics and ICT.
Recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status will be made by the Education Examination Board for all those who successfully demonstrate the Standards for QTS as shown in the requirements for University and school-based work; and also successfully pass the required QTS Skills Tests.