ObjectivesThis programme will equip you with a range of academic, professional and vocational knowledge, understanding, skills and values necessary to become a high quality and skilled teacher of Geography. The programme aims to develop reflective and analytical skills as well as providing practical experience in planning effective lessons and learning strategies, hands-on classroom experience, and opportunities to further your own subject knowledge. The programme is acknowledged to be at the cutting edge of new approaches to innovative geography education in the classroom as well as incorporating an excellent fieldwork experience.
Entry requirementsIf you have a degree in or featuring Geography, want to develop secondary school pupils' practical research skills and knowledge of the world around them, and wish to learn the latest professional methods to make you a confident and capable teacher, this programme is for you.
Course descriptionWhat will I gain from this programme?
Professional training, delivered to the highest of standards, to help you take up your first teaching post with confidence, having experienced the very latest teaching and learning pedagogies.
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. During 12 weeks of study on campus, you'll develop:
* Knowledge of essential educational theory
* Awareness of appropriate and innovative teaching and assessment methods, including group work, role play and simulations
* Strategies to encourage trainees' practical skills development, including organising outside field trips and fieldwork
* Understanding of the curriculum
* Ability to plan lessons effectively
* Excellent working knowledge of the latest ICT tools and software used in schools
* Greater subject knowledge and professional and academic skills
* Wider awareness of your role within the teaching profession through study of professional values.
How will I study?
A combination of academic study, group discussion and reflection, and practical, work-based learning in the classroom will give you all the knowledge and skills you need to become a creative and innovative teacher. The programme also aims to develop a reflective and a critically analytical approach to education.
You will also undertake a three-day residential field trip to Castleton, learning how to organise field trips and prepare field work for pupils.
Placement
You'll spend 24 weeks on placement in schools and colleges, putting your training into practice through assisting in and taking responsibility for classes, and working alongside mentors and peers to further your professional development. Your teaching timetable will increase as your training progresses and you become more confident and competent in the classroom.
Who will be teaching me?
The course leader has published a number of recent highly regarded texts on new approaches to Geography in the classroom. The team includes highly experienced mentors and senior examiners with the major examination boards.
How will I be assessed?
A balanced combination of coursework and observed classroom experience will be assessed against academic criteria at Levels 6 and 7 and the QTS Standards. Various other tasks will enable you to show your competence in ICT and other areas of Geography, including a fieldwork-based assessment.
You will also undertake the QTS skills tests in Numeracy, Literacy and ICT, which must be passed before you receive your PGCE, and complete a Career Entry Development Profile (CEDP).
What are my career prospects?
Successful completion of this programme will allow you to be recommended for QTS status and progress onto employment as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) at secondary school level in Geography.
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.