PGCE Primary Physical Education (3-11)

PGCE Primary Physical Education (3-11)

If you are passionate about physical education and believe it should be placed at the forefront of a primary school setting, then our PGCE Primary Physical Education 3-11 specialist route is for you.

This pathway is embedded within our successful primary PGCE programme and aligns closely with our vision for ITE, as we aim to produce highly qualified future professionals who add value to wider society and the lives of others.

The course recognises the significance that the Government places on PE in today’s primary curriculum, particularly as funding for PE, school sport and physical activity continues to be offered to primary schools in England.

In order to develop high quality subject knowledge in primary PE, trainees on this programme will undertake a PE specialist masters module and will also have the opportunity to attend specialist PE training in a variety of activities.

In addition to specialist PE input, you will also undertake a masters module in the theory and practice of learning and teaching. Trainees will undertake three school-based placements during the academic year and will engage in university-based training on behaviour management, pedagogy, all primary curriculum subjects, and assessment. This course will enable you to meet the requirements for qualified teacher status (QTS).

This course is offered subject to validation.

Why Study This Course?

• Our PGCE Primary Physical Education (3-11) course has been endorsed by the Association for Physical Education, in recognition of the excellent practice we provide.

• Learn from our expert PE tutors who are the creators of the SHARP PE approach , which has been proven to be the most effective teaching strategy internationally to increase active learning time in PE (when compared against other published studies).

• Gain personalised support that is tailored to meet your individual needs and interests.

• Over the course of the year, you will spend a minimum of 120* days in school. You will develop your knowledge, practice and leadership of primary PE in a range of settings, as well as having opportunities to reflect upon your practice with primary PE specialist colleagues.

What does the course cover?

 All PGCE Primary Physical Education 3-11 students will study three modules: two level 7 modules, worth 30 credits each, and a non-credit bearing professional module which includes university-training and work-related experience in school settings.

All parts of your study will be based on Birmingham Newman’s five main themes: role of the teacher, teaching, learning and assessment, adaptive practice, understanding and managing behaviour, and curriculum subject knowledge.

Studying at level 7, the PE masters module is designed to enhance knowledge and understanding in more specialised areas of primary PE. Students will develop their critical awareness of pedagogical practice and current issues in primary PE, school sport and physical activity. Module sessions will be both practical and theory based.

The specialist PE module also aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through an enquiry-based school project. Throughout the training year, you will attend additional PE training in a range of activities to further enhance your specialist knowledge.

Alongside the PE focus, you will undertake a second masters module based on the theory and practice of teaching and learning. This module will allow you to explore and understand in theoretical and practical terms the meaning of teaching and learning in the context of education and being a teacher.

The module will help you to understand the holistic and positive role of a teacher and the practices and policies of the education framework. Implicit in this will be the development of your understanding of your personal teacher identity and the impact on pupil outcomes.

In the non-credit bearing university sessions, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of primary education across both the core and foundation subjects.

A focus will be placed on curriculum design, delivery, theories of teaching, developing practical skills and the effective assessment of young children. Students will have additional sessions relating to the wider curriculum and professional development.

School-based training is central to the PGCE Primary Physical Education programme and will be a feature of all three terms in your training year. You will undertake placements in at least two primary schools, providing opportunities to observe and practise a range of methods and approaches.

You will work closely with the PE co-ordinators in schools to gain a deeper insight into their leadership role. School-based learning includes observation of experienced teachers, including a focus on PE, a structured programme of group and whole class teaching and a series of directed activities to explore wider school issues.

In order to support your professional development, this work-related study is organised into three stages: Understanding Professional Practice, Managing the Classroom, and Meeting the Teachers’ Standards. Each stage supports your transition from trainee to Early Career Teacher, specialising in primary PE, through clear guidance and shared expectations.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Student achievement is assessed through a wide range of methods. You will be assessed both on university-based content and school-based practice.

School-based placements will be assessed through reflective conversations, reviewing, and discussing your planning and assessment records, observing your teaching, gathering the perspectives of other colleagues and the children you work with.

Over the course of the year, you will also gather evidence in an electronic portfolio that demonstrates your ability to meet the Teachers’ Standards (DfE, 2012).

University based content will be assessed through a report, portfolio of tasks, e-portfolio evidence, reflective accounts, and subject audits.

You will be given clear assessment guidance and feedback to help you set targets and identify actions to help you make further progress.