Physical Education (PGCE)

About this course

Develop the knowledge and skills to become a qualified PE teacher on this PGCE Secondary training course in physical education. You’ll split your time between the University of Southampton and school placements as you learn how to work with pupils aged 11 to 16 (Key Stages 3 and 4). You’ll qualify to work as a teacher in state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales.

On this course you’ll learn how to be a successful secondary school teacher specialising in physical education within the UK’s National Curriculum framework. 

We’ll train you in the PE-specific skills and knowledge you’ll need to teach young people how to: 

• excel in a range of physical activities 

• be physically active for sustained periods of time 

• take part in competitive sports and activities 

• lead healthy, active lives 

You’ll also learn how to: 

• use effective teaching methods and resources 

• manage the classroom 

• monitor and assess pupils 

• teach for equality and inclusion 

The course is divided into 2 parts - school-based experience and University-based experience. 

You'll spend time in 2 placement schools in the Southampton area, giving you the chance to experience lesson observation, team teaching, and working with small groups and whole classes 

You’ll work closely with your subject mentor through your placements. 

University-based work will prepare you for your placements, evaluate your school-based work, and develop key skills and good practice. Personal reflection and evaluation are a vital part of your training.

Entry requirements

You’ll need: 

• a 2:2 degree (UK honours degree or equivalent) in a relevant subject

• strong subject knowledge 

• GCSEs (minimum grade 4/C) in English language and maths 

If you don't have the required GCSEs we'll ask you at the offer stage to take equivalency tests. You'll need to cover the cost of the tests yourself.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources.

The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Assignment A: Perspectives on Behaviour Management

Module overview

The outcomes of the module are for the student to make an oral presentation on their investigations into how to manage behaviour for positive classroom learning.

This assignment will be introduced following a university and school-based block of Intensive Training and Practice around the theme of Behaviour Management.

Assignment B: Subject Pedagogy

Module overview

The outcomes of the module are for students to submit an essay that includes two elements:

a) a literature review of the topic

b) a detailed Lesson Plan with commentary

This will be a subject-specific module and through lesson plan commentary the students will demonstrate how the literature links to lesson planning within their subject discipline.

Assignment C: Practitioner Inquiry Project

Module overview

The outcomes of this module are for students to engage in a small-scale practitioner inquiry project within their subject-disciple. There will be two elements:

a) An inquiry plan which will outline how the student will place the chosen aspect under scrutiny and develop a series of lessons to use during their school placement experience

b) An analysis of the inquiry which will include analysis of the methodology used, a discussion in relation to the literature and conclusion with implications for classroom practice.

Assignment D: Becoming a Teacher

Module overview

This module consists of a Professional Portfolio of Evidence from Teaching across all Placement Schools/Colleges. It is assessed against the Teachers’ Standards and is used to evidence that QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) has been met by the Trainee Teacher.