PGCE Primary

• Study a course ranked as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted – the highest possible accolade

• Gain substantial practical experience on teaching placements in our partnership schools across the region

• Be inspired by our team of dedicated, friendly tutors who are renowned internationally for high quality teaching and research

• Choose a curriculum enhancement in a range of subjects to advance your skills in a specific area

• Take your career prospects to the next level: at the end of this course, you will receive 60 credits towards a masters degree

What you will study

This course is designed to help you become a creative classroom practitioner across all primary curriculum subjects, with the skills and confidence to respond positively to children’s wide-ranging learning needs. At the same time you will gain a deep understanding of child development and theories of learning.

Routes through the PGCE

As part of the course, you can choose to specialise by studying:

• PGCE 3-7 (Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1)

• PGCE 5-11 (Key Stages 1 and 2)

Your modules

You will study modules such as:

• Understanding behaviour and learning

• Curriculum pedagogies

• Progression and Assessment

• Professional Practice: Fundamentals of Practice

• Professional Practice: Aiming for Excellence

Your school placements

With the support of expert mentors, subject specialists and university tutors, you will undertake five school experiences, adding up to 24 weeks in total.

For 'Professional Practice: Fundamentals of Practice’ you will observe experienced practitioners in the classroom, teach alongside your mentor and begin to take responsibility for the class as a whole. You will put into practice the skills of planning, delivery and assessment that you cover in your University-based training.

You will also gain the wider professional skills demanded of a teacher such as dealing with parents, contributing to after-school activities and planning school trips. This will take place in two school settings.

For 'Professional Practice: Aiming for Excellence' you will be placed in three different schools or settings, with the opportunity to work with children from other age groups.

At first, you will be given time to observe other teachers and get to know your class. You can then expect to progress more quickly to taking fuller responsibility for the class.

How you will learn

You will have lots of opportunities to practise your teaching skills – with the support of fellow trainees and expert colleagues – through presentations and other activities. Sessions at the University are highly interactive, intellectually stimulating and supportive, with regular seminars, tutorials and workshops as well as more traditional lectures. You are expected to prepare thoroughly for all sessions so that you can engage fully and maximise the benefits.

In addition, you will enjoy a range of experiences in a variety of school settings. Your teaching placements will provide you with vital practical experience. Throughout you will be supported by our ‘outstanding’ trained school mentors and university tutors.