Course description
The programme introduces you to the National Curriculum and Foundation Stage requirements for primary schools. You will follow courses in the full range of National Curriculum subjects and a teaching and learning course which introduces principles and theories of primary teaching. School experience is at the heart of the programme and during the thirty-eight week course, eighteen weeks will be spent in school. This school experience is made up of a number of placements, including focused visits to a range of schools and two block placements in partner primary schools.
The programme has been designed to meet the government’s requirements for the training of teachers for the 3-11 age phases in primary schools with a choice of specialism in Foundation/Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 1/Key Stage 2. Local schools have been involved in all aspects of the programme, from initial development to day-to-day delivery.
The School of Education has partnerships with primary schools in Hertfordshire and nine other Local Education Authorities. The teaching quality and excellent provision in the School have been consistently recognised by Ofsted inspections.
Work placement
During the thirty-eight week course, you spend eighteen weeks in local primary schools. This school experience is made up of a number of placements, including focused visits to a range of schools and two block placements in partner primary schools.
Careers
PGCE graduates have an excellent record of obtaining teaching posts.
Teaching methods
The award of the PGCE is based on your performance in school during placements, passing the formally assessed written assignments and the submission of an Initial Teacher Education Profile (ITEP) which provides evidence of meeting the DfES standards required to gain Qualified Teacher Status. The ITEP contains a range of documentary evidence drawn from school and campus based elements of the programme.
There are no written examinations except for the Teacher Training Agency skills tests, which all trainee teachers need to pass during their training.
Course content
Year 1 - full details
Core modules
-Curriculum Studies - PGCEP
-Professional Studies - PGCEP
-School Placement - PGCEP
-Understanding Learning - PGCEP