ObjectivesThe PGCE Citizenship is a postgraduate course for secondary teaching in the 11-16 age range. Citizenship is a relatively new area of the National Curriculum, and was included in the curriculum of all secondary schools from September 2002 onwards. By the end of the course you will have developed an understanding of the nature of both citizenship and citizenship education in schools. You will understand the core principles of citizenship and a range of contemporary issues. You will learn the principles of effective citizenship teaching. Through study, discussion and hands-on teaching, you will deepen your understanding of the ways children learn and how teachers can help them develop as citizens. The course equips you with the skills necessary to teach citizenship classes and facilitate extra-curricular activities and contribute to the life of the whole school. The course aims to train teachers who are committed to improving their practice and to their future professional development.
Entry requirementsThe standard entry requirement is a relevant honours degree. Relevant degrees could be from a wide range of subjects, largely, although not exclusively, from the humanities and social sciences. In addition, you need GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in English and mathematics. It is possible to take an equivalence test in English language and/or mathematics set by the institution. You are advised to gain recent relevant experience of schools, for example by observing citizenship lessons. Life experiences and personal qualities also influence the selection of trainees for this course. We look for students with some experience of working with young people, or in community organisations, or in non-governmental organisations that are concerned with social justice issues.
Academic titlePGCE Secondary Citizenship
Course descriptionCourse structure
You spend two thirds of the course in schools. School-based work consists of structured observation visits, curriculum projects and teaching practice. The course structure provides for increasing amounts of school-based work with a gradual progression to whole-class teaching, with responsibility for management and assessment of pupils increasing accordingly. During the year, you will have two substantial periods of school experience in different secondary schools. You will also spend a week in a primary school, which you must arrange yourself.
University-based work involves a variety of learning activities. Lectures and workshops provide formal opportunities to extend your subject knowledge and explore the principles of effective teaching. Workshops also provide opportunities for you to reflect on and discuss your experiences in school, and to learn from one another.
Assessment
There are four components to assessment. Two of these are coursework projects related to the teaching of the subject. Teaching practice is also assessed via a profiling system related to the standards for Qualified Teacher Status. Finally, there is a Professional Practice Portfolio recording and analysing a range of professional experience over the course of the year. There are no examinations.
Career opportunities
If you complete the course and also pass the relevant DfES skills tests in numeracy, literacy and ICT, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status for teaching Key Stage 3 (age 11-14) and Key Stage 4 (age 14-16). The majority of previous students have gained Qualified Teacher Status and are now teaching.
Attendance & duration
Full-time: 36 weeks, five days a week