Entry requirements
If you have a degree in History, or a related subject, want to excite the imagination and develop the historical awareness 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't attend the one-year, full-time programme (Pathway C).
Course description
What will I study?
The following information is for trainees on the one-year, full-time programme:
When you have been offered a place you will be invited to an induction event which takes place on a Saturday in June. As part of this induction event you will be required to explore the nature and extent of your historical understanding and take part in a series of online seminars. These are designed to help you reflect on the nature of history subject knowledge. This auditing process will then direct you to a series of resources designed to extend your subject knowledge and understanding so that you begin the programme with an informed understanding of the subject knowledge demands of the programme.
During 12 weeks of study on campus, you'll develop:
* Knowledge of essential educational theory
* Develop an understanding of active teaching methods and the philosophy of 'Learning to Learn'
* Awareness of appropriate and innovative teaching and assessment methods, including simulations and role play
* Strategies to develop students' historical understanding through creative and stimulating ways, including organising fieldwork, use of ICT and museum work
* Understanding the conceptual structure of the history curriculum
* Ability to plan lessons effectively
* 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.
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.
How will I study?
A combination of academic 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.
You will also develop your subject knowledge by participating in field visits to a wide range of sites, the Edwardian Castles of North Wales, developing urban history trails in Liverpool, working in National museums and working with museum educators. There is an opportunity to take part in a four-day residential visit to the First World War battlefields of the Somme and Ypres over the Spring Bank Holiday.
Placement
You'll spend 24 weeks on placement in schools, colleges or other settings, putting your training into practice through assisting with 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.
You will also be able to incorporate teaching activities into your classes which you will have developed through your own experience, during your numerous fieldwork trips in the first few months of your programme.
Who will be teaching me?
You will be taught by a dedicated team of knowledgeable, experienced, friendly and supportive tutors who have the welfare of their trainees as a number one priority.
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 History. The most demanding assignment is a reflective and analytical piece of classroom-based research in which you will consider how pupils learn history, and how your teaching can make that more effective.
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 gain QTS status and progress onto employment as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) at secondary school level in History.
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.
