Primary (5-11)

Course overview

When you work with primary-age children you really can make a difference every day. It might be the moment when a child starts to recognise letters and sounds, or learns to fasten their shoes independently; it could be when they’re inspired by a science experiment and understand chemical reactions for the first time;

it might even be the day they finally get to grips with long division! In the primary classroom, children need motivating and engaging so that every day provides a new possibility to learn. There is nothing more rewarding than being the teacher leading that adventurous learning journey.

The 5-11 programme prepares you to build on the early childhood experiences that children bring with them to their first years of more formal schooling. You will build on best practice through experiences across the Primary age phase. You will have a placement in both Key Stage 1 and 2, so you’ll develop the skills needed to teach across the curriculum.

By developing your knowledge of how children learn and retain information, you’ll support them through their formative years of education and help prepare them for the challenges of secondary education and their future careers.

On successful completion of this degree and having met the Teachers’ Standards, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Both PGCE Primary courses lead to the award of a level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

About this course

Our PGCE Primary courses have been designed specifically to provide supported development of your teaching skills and a gradual introduction to your new profession.

Stage one – Introducing and Preparing (September to December)

University-based and School-based training

During the first stage, you will spend time at University where you will be introduced to the whole of the primary curriculum. You will gradually build knowledge and understanding of how pupils learn best and will have an opportunity to observe the planning and delivery of each subject when you go in to school.

 University and School-based training are intrinsically linked so each week you will be able to review what you have learned at University and apply this in school. 

As stage 1 progresses, you will complete a longer period of time in school. Working alongside an experienced class teacher and mentor, you will have the opportunity to co-teach and co-plan lessons across the curriculum. You’ll also spend time focusing on CPD activities that will enhance your teaching applications and make you more employable.

The curriculum is divided into two main areas:

Primary Professional Studies

You’ll learn strategies to tackle issues that you will face in your training placements. These strategies will help to develop your understanding of teaching and learning, the primary curriculum and educational policy. Key domains covered include behaviour management, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and professional behaviours.

Subject Knowledge and Applied Pedagogy

You will develop Early Years and Key Stage 1 curriculum knowledge and understanding in English, Mathematics and Science. You’ll also explore the broader curriculum and observe and reflect on best practice across the whole curriculum.

Stage two – Developing and Securing (January to March)

University-based and School-based training

Your University-based training will comprise the same elements as stage 1, but you’ll focus on building on the knowledge you’ve already developed to prepare for your next school-based training.

There will be an opportunity to reflect on your experiences in the first stage and to set developmental targets throughout this stage both with University and School-based mentors. You will receive further training on the curriculum and planning and delivering sequences of learning. 

During your second placement, you will continue to receive training and you will develop your teaching skills further, usually in a different school, teaching a contrasting age phase to your first placement. You will develop your understanding of how schools use assessment to map pupils' progress.

Stage three – Refining and Embedding (March to June)

University-based and School-based training

In stage three, you will continue to build upon your subject and curriculum knowledge through University taught sessions.

You’ll usually stay in the same school as your stage 2 placement until the end of the programme, teaching another age phase. This will support you in putting everything you’ve learned into practice, you'll continue to observe but also teach all subjects and areas of provision in stage 3.

You will begin to develop an understanding of the wider responsibilities across the school. You will continue to receive excellent mentoring and coaching in school.

Qualified Teacher Status

During each stage of school-based training, you will be formatively assessed and your progress mapped against core competence statements. A summary judgment will be made at the end of each stage. This summary will provide you with further information about your areas of strength and targets to develop moving forwards.

By the end of your training in school (stage 3) you will be expected to have met the Teachers’ Standards and a Summative Assessment will be made using the standards as a benchmark. When you meet the Teachers’ Standards you are then recommended for QTS.

Modules

Our PGCE Primary courses are one-year, full-time programmes structured in three stages to gradually build the knowledge and experience you’ll need to become a confident, resilient teacher. Each stage consists of carefully aligned and interwoven University-based training and School-based training.

Training delivered at the University relates directly to opportunities to learn how the curriculum is being taught in school. All the curriculum is delivered by expert colleagues employed by the University and experienced mentors working in our school partnerships.

Learning and Teaching

At Leeds Trinity we aim to provide an excellent student experience and provide you with the tools and support to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional potential.

Our Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy delivers excellence by providing the framework for:

• high quality teaching

• an engaging and inclusive approach to learning, assessment and achievement

• a clear structure through which you progress in your academic studies, your personal development and towards professional-level employment or further study.

We have a strong reputation for developing student employability, supporting your development towards graduate employment, with relevant skills embedded throughout your programme of study.

We endeavour to develop curiosity, confidence, courage, ambition and aspiration in all students through the key themes in our Learning and Teaching Strategy:

• Student Involvement and Engagement

• Inclusion

• Integrated Programme and Assessment Experience

• Digital Literacy and Skills

• Employability and Enterprise

To help you achieve your potential we emphasise learning as a collaborative process, with a range of student-led and real-world activities. This approach ensures that you fully engage in shaping your own learning, developing your critical thinking and reflective skills so that you can identify your own strengths and weaknesses, and use the extensive learning support system we offer to shape your own development.

We believe the secret to great learning and teaching is simple: it is about creating an inclusive learning experience that allows all students to thrive through:

• Personalised support

• Expert lecturers

• Strong connections with employers

• An international outlook

• Understanding how to use tools and technology to support learning and development