Course description
Content
The course is part of the School of Education's programme for Initial Teacher Training. Units studied are:
-Enabling Learning
-Meeting Curriculum Challenges
-Becoming a Teacher
These units are studied in both the school and the University-based parts of the course, the work on each site being complementary.
The PGCE in Design and Technology can offer you the chance to use your skills and knowledge to help young people become effective citizens of the 21st century. This exciting area of the school curriculum offers opportunities for those with degrees in a wide range of related fields through the following specialisms: Materials Technology (working with wood, metal, plastic), Food Technology, Textile Technology, Graphic Products and Electronics and Communications Technology.
The course will train you to teach in two of the specialist areas. You will teach your main specialism to Key Stage 4 and beyond, and your second to pupils up to 14 years old. You will develop your understanding of the Design and Technology curriculum through practical workshops and activities. You will learn how to plan, prepare and teach effective and successful lessons with practical teaching experience in at least two secondary schools or colleges. You will become competent in CAD/CAM and other ICT applications and explore how technology is shaping the future of industry. You will be encouraged to work collaboratively and to share your knowledge, skills and understanding with other trainees through small group design and make projects exploring issues such as multicultural design sources and industry related practice.
You will be supported in the development of your subject specialisms through a programme of Elective Workshops and focused practical activity. In addition the School is contracted to the Training Development Agency to deliver Subject Knowledge Booster Courses in Design and Technology. All successful applicants to the PGCE programme in Design and Technology can apply for places on these highly regarded weekend courses that take place throughout the PGCE year.
Heath and Safety is an important issue in schools and we offer a Health and Safety Training Course that leads to the Design and Technology Association certification now required by most schools. You will also have the opportunity to complete the Foundation Food Hygiene Certificate.
The School of Education at UWE has purpose built workshop and teaching facilities and friendly approachable staff who are all very experienced in the specialist areas. Our partner schools also provide a range of experiences, for example some are specialist technology schools or colleges, and you will be supported in school by specially trained tutors and mentors.
So, if you are enthusiastic about your subject and have a degree in a suitable specialism or significant experience in an appropriate field in the world of work, for example as a trained chef, why not join a profession that offers a satisfying and exciting future. You could be teaching the next generation of chefs, fashion designers, engineers or designers - we need people like you to inspire them.
Placements
24 weeks are spent on placement: a total of eight weeks in one placement during the autumn term and 16 weeks in a second placement during the spring and summer.
As well as teaching, the programme includes contact time with a Senior Professional Tutor and a Subject Mentor, directed study time and personal study time.
There is an opportunity to spend time in a primary school and some students may also visit other institutions, such as special schools or colleges of further education.
Assessment
In order to pass the course, you are required to pass each unit. You are assessed on a number of written assignments and also on classroom practice against the standards specified by the Secretary of State for the award of QTS. Before the end of the course it is recommended that trainees take the computer-based QTS skills tests in Numeracy, Literacy and ICT which are set by the Training and Development Agency (TDA)
