Primary PGCE

Institution Edge Hill University
Method At the institution
Location Ormskirk
Type Postgraduate
Course fee By request

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Primary PGCE

Objectives Primary and Early Years Education at Edge Hill University received an outstanding report in its most recent OfSTED inspection in 2006, gaining Grade 1 for Management and Quality Assurance. Our Primary PGCE programme is a school-based partnership, combining on-campus study with training in placement schools and settings. You'll therefore gain both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience of classroom teaching necessary to prepare you fully for your first year as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT).
Entry requirements If you have, or are in the process of gaining, a 2: 2 honours degree in any subject, want to inspire and educate primary school pupils aged five to 11, and wish to learn the latest approaches and strategies to make you a confident and capable teacher, this programme is for you. Take our flexible programme if you: * Already have the required knowledge and experience to QTS standards, and simply require a recommendation for QTS status (Pathway A). * Have substantial experience in a school setting and require the formal PGCE qualification and recommendation for QTS status (Pathway B). * Need the full training programme, but can't attend the one-year, full-time programme (Pathway C).
Academic title Primary PGCE
Course description What will I gain from this programme?

Professional and academic training, delivered to the highest of standards, to help you take up your first teaching post with confidence, knowing that you have gained excellence in knowledge, understanding and skills related to teaching theory and practical classroom experience.

You can study for two different levels of award:

    * Professional Graduate Certificate in Education - Includes 120 credits at Level 6 (Honours), which you can build upon by further study towards an MA, or other qualification.
    * Postgraduate Certificate in Education - Includes 60 credits at Level 6 (Honours) and 60 at Level 7 (Masters) that you can use to obtain credits towards an MA, or other qualification.

Both awards lead to QTS.

What will I study?

You’ll start with an extensive subject knowledge and understanding audit, to identify your main strengths and weaknesses, and enable your tutor to focus on your individual development needs.

Your PGCE programme consists of three main elements:

1. Personal and Professional Development

This module will help you develop:

    * Your learning skills, and you will learn how to reflect on and take charge of your own development as a trainee teacher.
    * Knowledge of how children learn and how their needs differ.
    * Strategies for the core skills of planning, assessment, teaching and class management.
    * Your understanding of the education system, and of the wider professional role of a teacher in school.
    * Knowledge and critical appreciation of theoretical perspectives, philosophies and research-based findings.

2. Curriculum

You’ll learn about the National Curriculum for each core subject – English, Mathematics, Science and ICT – and how to plan, teach and assess it across the whole Primary age range. A Broad Curriculum double module will also prepare you to teach the full range of non-core subjects in the Primary curriculum, with the support of an experienced teacher.

3. Specialist Subject Strand

You’ll follow this both at Edge Hill University and in school. This will enable you to pursue your own interests and prepare for an eventual leadership role in school, developing your knowledge of your chosen specialist subject and researching the role of a subject leader in the Primary school.

If undertaking the flexible programme, you may not need to undertake all the above study programme, work placements and methods of assessment, depending on your level and experience and which pathway you undertake.

How will I study?

A combination of academic study, group discussion and reflection, and practical, work-based learning in the classroom will give you the knowledge and skills you need to become an excellent teacher. You will be supported by online and distance learning materials and encouraged to develop key skills, including the use of ICT, to support your own learning.

Flexible Pathway B is a distance-learning pathway. You will learn mainly through directed and independent study, backed up by eight days of face-to-face teaching.

Placement

If undertaking the standard PGCE, you'll spend about 93 days in school over four placements, including at least one block placement in Key Stage 1 (5-7 years) and one in Key Stage 2 (7-11 years). Here, you will work alongside mentors and peers to further your professional development. Your teaching timetable will increase in relation to responsibility, as your training progresses and you become more confident and competent in the classroom. You will progressively assume the responsibility for the children and their achievement and progress, involving excellence in teaching, learning and assessment.

How will I be assessed?

A balanced combination of coursework and observed classroom experience will be assessed against the Professional Standards for QTS.

You will also complete:

    * Edge Hill subject knowledge tests in English, Mathematics, Science and ICT.
    * QTS skills tests in Numeracy, Literacy and ICT – must be passed before you receive your PGCE.
    * A Career Entry Development Profile (CEDP) – serves as a bridge between your PGCE programme and your Induction Year as an NQT.

What are my career prospects?

Successful completion of this programme will allow you to gain a recommendation for QTS and progress onto employment as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) within a Primary school.

Our proactive Careers Advisory Service can help you to find job vacancies and offers in-depth advice on teacher job applications and interviews, to help you secure work.

Teaching is a very rewarding job and there are many ways in which you could progress in your career, either in the classroom or in a leadership role.

Further study at Edge Hill University

As a teacher, you will be keen to build your skills as your career progresses. Edge Hill is the largest provider of Professional Development courses for teachers in the country. You could gain further qualifications through your work in schools and colleges, or through further in-depth study.