Comments about PGCE Early Years and Primary - At the institution - London - Greater London
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Objectives
PGCE Early Years and Primary is a one-year, full-time professional course aimed at graduates wishing to specialise either in the Early Years (3-7) or the Primary Years (5-11). Both age range routes focus on preparing teachers for work in urban, multicultural, multilingual schools and nurseries or Early Years Centres. Issues of language, diversity and equality are addressed across the curriculum. Principles of reflective practice, teamwork and collaborations are fundamental. The Primary route is specially constructed to meet the various requirements for the QTS award for teachers specialising in Key Stages 1 and 2. Following government requirements for Primary QTS, you receive a general introduction to the whole age range of 3-11. Preparation for teaching in the Primary years is strongly focused on the theories of ways in which children learn in multicultural and multilingual settings. Preparation for Early Years teaching focuses on the role of language in learning, culture and identity and theories of how children learn through self-initiated and guided activities and play. You will receive an introduction to the whole age range of 3-11.
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Entry requirements
You are expected to have a relevant degree and GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent), in Maths, English and Science. Candidates who do not have a C or equivalent in GCSE English, Science or Maths can be offered a course and equivalency test if they have a GCSE grade D or an equivalent level of competence in the subject. You are expected to have at least 10 days experience of working with primary-aged or young children in urban, multicultural, multilingual contexts. If your own background is in an urban, multicultural environment or you are bilingual or multilingual in community languages, your application is particularly welcome.
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Academic title
PGCE Early Years and Primary
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Course description
Course structure
The course works with the early learning goals and the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage. It covers the core and compulsory subjects in the National Curriculum (English, Maths, Science, information and communications technology and religious education) and also has a focus on the foundation subjects - art, music, drama, physical education, design technology, history and geography. The course also focuses on language and learning, linguistic diversity and education in urban schools. There is also a strong focus on the role of information and communications technology across the curriculum.
You will spend a minimum of 90 days in school, supported by a University tutor, a school mentor or the class teacher. School experience includes visits to Key Stages 1 and 2 and assessed block practices. There may be opportunities to visit Early Years settings. Upon completion, you will have gained experience of managing and teaching a whole class, leading a nursery team and collaboration.
Assessment
Your professional competence is assessed through the 'Professional Standards for the award of QTS', which are set out by the Department for Education and Skills for all primary trainees.
The Training & Development Agency for schools has introduced skills tests in Numeracy, English and ICT to confirm future teachers' competence to handle various professional roles. These can be taken during the academic year at a TDA registered centre and must be passed in order to achieve QTS.
Assessment is through written course work, presentations and preparation of resources, including those related to block practice.
Career opportunities
We have a very successful track record in terms of our graduates' teaching careers. London schools in particular value the preparation to teach children living in urban areas provided by the Department of Education. Most of our Early Years and Primary trainees who gain QTS obtain work within the year, many in the school in which they did their final practice.
Attendance & duration
Full-time: one year, five days a week
