Secondary PGCE Information and Communication Technology (Age Phase 11-16)
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 ICT. 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 will provide you with the opportunity to interact with the latest specialist ICT software and tools in schools in order to both increase trainees' knowledge of ICT and support and enhance other aspects of teaching and learning in secondary schools.
Entry requirementsIf you have a degree in Information Technology, in a related subject or work in an IT environment, want to develop the technical creativity and skills of secondary school pupils aged 11 to 16, and wish to learn the latest professional methods 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). * Currently work, unqualified, in a school setting and require the formal PGCE qualification and recommendation for QTS status (Pathway B). * Need the full training programme, but can not attend the one-year, full-time programme (Pathway C).
Academic titleSecondary PGCE Information and Communication Technology (Age Phase 11-16)
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.
You will also be able to support teaching colleagues in the use of ICT across the secondary school curriculum.
What will I study?
The following information is for trainees on the one-year, full-time programme:
You will 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 will develop:
* Knowledge of essential educational theory
* Awareness of appropriate and innovative teaching and assessment methods
* Strategies to encourage students’ practical skills development
* Understanding of the curriculum, including ICT courseware from Key Stage 3 to post-16 qualifications
* Ability to plan lessons effectively
* Excellent working knowledge of the latest ICT tools and software used in schools, and the ability to assist other teaching colleagues in the use of them
* Enhanced subject knowledge in a range of areas, including database design, spreadsheet modelling, web authoring, desktop publishing and aspects of computer control
* Wider awareness of your role within the teaching profession through study of professional roles and responsibilities.
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 of experience and which pathway you undertake.
See further information for the Secondary Flexible Postgraduate Programme.
How will I study?
A combination of academic and technical 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.
Placement
You will spend 24 weeks on placement in schools, colleges and other educational settings, 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 programme is managed and developed by a team of experienced tutors all of whom have experience of teaching in schools.
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, including creating an interactive teaching pack and a database to aid recording and reporting.
You will also undertake the QTS skills tests in Numeracy, Literacy and ICT, which must be passed, and complete a Career Entry Development Profile (CEDP) before you gain your final award.
What are my career prospects?
Successful completion of this programme will allow you to gain QTS status and progress onto employment as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) at secondary school level in ICT.
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.
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 for teachers in the country. You could gain further qualifications through your work in schools and colleges, or through further in-depth study, via the MA pathway in ICT.
During your PGCE programme, we will carefully prepare you for your NQT year by helping to identify your continuing training needs. Edge Hill's Professional Development team will continue to support you through your NQT year and be available throughout your teaching career.