Primary (General) PGCE

As a primary school teacher, it will be your responsibility to inspire children, give them the basic skills they need for their future and make learning exciting.

We’ve designed this course to help you understand how children learn. You’ll develop the skills you need to make sure your students get the best start.

Throughout your training, you’ll get hands-on experience on placement, join professional studies sessions, and attend curriculum workshops.

From getting the most out of your induction, to tips on teaching your first lesson, your personal tutor will be there to support you every step of your Primary PGCE journey. 

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: PGCE Primary (General)

Course content

Our Primary PGCE takes 36 weeks to complete. You’ll spend 12 weeks of this time studying on campus. This will include a one-week induction to prepare you for placement, and sessions to develop your knowledge of the curriculum..

To give you experience in the classroom, you’ll spend at least 120 days working in two local schools. But, don’t worry, you won’t have the pressure of teaching an entire lesson straight away.

Your training will begin with observing a teacher and helping with group work. Then you’ll share the classes with the teacher and work towards teaching lessons independently.

Alongside teaching, you’ll join in with day-to-day life at the school. Each school has a professional mentor to help you understand the ethos, pastoral care systems, legal and social framework, and supporting services.

You’ll also have weekly meetings with your subject or class mentor to help you prepare for teaching, review lessons, and develop your subject knowledge.

Teaching

When you’re not on placement, we’ll help you reflect on your experiences, exchange ideas and overcome challenges. You’ll also:

• Learn in small groups

• Use roleplay to develop your knowledge of the primary curriculum

• Discuss ideas and challenges you face in group and individual tutorials

• Reflect on your placement experiences

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

Assessment

Assessment for your PGCE involves portfolio work, assignments, and observed classroom practice. We’ll often ask you to reflect on approaches you’ve used in the classroom and their effectiveness.

You’ll also be regularly observed by your school-based mentor and university tutor. Working with your placement schools, we’ll identify areas of professional practice that you find challenging.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

• Study skills (including reading, note-taking, presentation skills)

• Written English (including punctuation, grammar)

• Academic writing (including how to reference)

• Research skills

• Critical thinking

• Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Enabling Centre is here to help sure nothing stands in your way.