Objectives
This 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 English. 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 and introduce you to a wide range of exciting, innovative and interactive methods, including the use of Drama and ICT, to further secondary school students' understanding and use of English, and their literary knowledge.
Entry requirements
If you have a degree in or featuring English as a substantial component, want to develop the literary knowledge and appreciation 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: * Currently work in secondary schools, unqualified, and have done for a substantial period of time. A portfolio of evidence would prove the professional standards and simply require a recommendation for QTS only. * Have experience in a secondary school setting, for example as a Teaching Assistant or Cover Supervisor. A portfolio of evidence would prove experience against the professional standards – PGCE qualification and recommendation for QTS status. * Need the full training programme, but can’t attend the one-year, full-time programme (Pathway C).
Course description
What 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?
The following information is for trainees on the one-year, full-time programme:
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 focussed literacy sessions
* Strategies to encourage students’ understanding and use of English, including using drama, film and ICT
* Understanding of the curriculum
* Ability to plan lessons effectively, incorporating lively, interactive techniques to help students develop confidence and self-esteem
* 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.
Please note, 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 and experience and which pathway you undertake. A mutually agreed training plan is drawn up at the beginning of your training.
How will I study?
A combination of academic study, group discussion and reflection, presentations and simulations, 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.
Flexible trainees will study online from a comprehensive bank of materials.
Placement
You'll spend 24 weeks on placement in schools, colleges and other 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?
Friendly, supportive tutors from across the Faculty of Education, including English specialists, Drama experts and ICT practitioners, to give you a thorough knowledge of current methods of teaching English, and guidance in the practical application of that knowledge.
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 English.
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 gaining your final award.
What are my career prospects?
Successful completion of this programme will allow you to be recommended for QTS status and progress into employment as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) at secondary school level in English.
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.
Teaching is a rewarding job and there are many ways in which you could progress in your career, either in the classroom or in a leadership role.
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. Further study opportunities include the CPD module Issues in Contemporary English Education.
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.
