Further Education & Training

Overview

The Certificate in Education/Post Graduate Certificate in Education is a recognised teaching qualification that will enable you to pursue a career as a teacher in the Further Education and Training Sector, which is predominantly students aged 16 and above.

This course will develop your skills as a teacher through in-service training and the study of theories and contemporary issues within Further Education. You will join fellow trainee teachers from a range of subject backgrounds for a taught session once a week.

You are expected to have secured your own teaching placement where you will teach at least 75 hours per academic year and have an identified subject mentor who will support your subject specific and pedagogical professional development and a local pastoral support mentor for general areas of advice and guidance.

Entry Requirements

You will require:

• A good honours degree or equivalent in your subject delivery area coupled with sufficient experience to establish professional competence. (A degree is not a prerequisite for the Certificate in Education pathway)
• GCSE English language and Mathematics at grade 4 or above, or equivalent
• All short-listed applicants are subject to interview
• All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

Structure

Develop Pedagogical Knowledge: Gain a deep understanding of educational theories and pedagogical approaches relevant to further education, including adult learning principles, instructional strategies, and learner-centered methodologies.

Design and Deliver Effective Lessons: Acquire the skills to plan, develop, and deliver engaging lessons and instructional materials that cater to the diverse needs and abilities of further education learners. Explore innovative teaching techniques and technologies to enhance student engagement and facilitate effective learning.

Create Inclusive Learning Environments: Learn how to create inclusive and supportive learning environments that promote diversity, equality, and inclusivity. Develop strategies to meet the needs of learners with different abilities, backgrounds, and learning styles.

Assessment and Feedback: Understand various assessment methods and tools used in further education. Learn how to design and implement formative and summative assessments, provide constructive feedback, and support learners’ progress and development.

Curriculum Development: Explore the principles and practices of curriculum design and development for further education. Gain the skills to adapt and contextualise curriculum frameworks, align learning outcomes, and develop relevant and engaging learning materials.

Professionalism and Reflective Practice: Cultivate professionalism, ethics, and reflective practice as essential attributes of a successful teacher in further education. Develop the ability to critically analyse and reflect on teaching practice, identify areas for improvement, and engage in continuous professional development.

Teaching & Learning

The course encompasses a range of teaching styles which include seminars, workshops, lectures and active group participation. Your time in class will develop your skills and knowledge to inform your own teaching practice and help to develop your own teaching.

The emphasis throughout the course is on inclusive learning and teaching combined with reflective practice.

This Cert Ed/PGCE provides the skills and knowledge to take up teaching roles in Further Education environments, including:

• Further Education Colleges
• Sixth Form Colleges
• Private Training Providers
• Public Services
• Voluntary Organisations

Assessment

Each unit has varying approaches to assessment. Examples include research based essays/reports, micro-teach, teaching practice portfolios, lesson observations, digital and group based presentations and personal development reviews which will be supported by reflective accounts.

Progression

On completion of the course, students go on to teach in Further Education organisations, however, those wishing to undertake further academic study may wish to top up to a BA (Hons) Education and Training at the University of Portsmouth. In addition, PGCE graduates may apply for membership to the Society for Education & Training (SET).