
Opleiding: PGCE Primary Education
Learning purpose
Primary school teaching is varied, challenging and rewarding. It demands a high level of understanding across a range of subjects, advanced skills in teaching and an empathy with the learning needs of young children. The courses that prepare people for this work are similarly varied, challenging and rewarding.
The programme covers Key Stages 1 and 2, age range five to eleven years. Successful completion of our programme, combined with the Training Development Agency (TDA) tests in English, mathematics and information communication technology ICT, leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Programme
During the University based component of the course you study the subjects of the National Curriculum and religious education for the primary age range, with their appropriate pedagogy. You are introduced to the practical aspects of classroom management and explore some wider issues concerning early years and primary education. Programme content reflects the Every Child Matters agenda and current initiatives and development in education.
Time spent in school
The school based component is focused on two placements in different schools. One placement will be in Key Stage 1 and the other in Key Stage 2. Initially you will assist the class teachers and then take responsibility for the classes for a substantial period in the spring and summer terms. You will be placed in our partnership schools where teachers have been trained to act as mentors to support and assess you. You spend 90 days of the programme in school.
This is an intensive five-days-a-week programme, during which you may also have directed work to carry out during the Christmas and Easter holiday periods. You should expect a teacher's normal-length working day during your school placement.
All University-based modules are assessed by coursework. School-based modules are assessed against the standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Each module is assessed on a pass-fail basis. All modules are compulsory and must be passed. You do not have an automatic right to reassessment for the school-based modules.
Entry Requirements
You must have a 2:2 Bachelors honours degree or above. All subjects are considered but if your degree does not have 50% content in a National Curriculum subject you must have one good A level pass in a National Curriculum subject. You must have GCSE grade C in Maths, English Science before applying for this course. It is essential that you undertake at least 2 weeks work experience in a UK or Republic of Ireland Primary context before applying.
A 2.2 degree or above. Degrees in all subjects are considered but if your degree does not have 50% content in a National Curriculum subject, you must have two good A level passes in National Curriculum subjects (English, science, mathematics, ICT, art, design and technology, music, physical education) or religious education. Additionally you must have GCSE grade C in mathematics, English and science.
There is an expectation that you will have spent some time in a primary school before applying for the course.
Professional perspective and employment market
In recent years an average of 92% of the total of trainees took up a full-time post, and 57% of these were in partnership schools.
Our Careers Service offers you a range of support both while you're studying with us - and after you've graduated.
Placements
Work placements are integral to the PGCE Primary Education degree. Our course is well-known for having a strong and committed partnership with local schools, whose mentors and class teachers train with the University. As a student, you will have the opportunity for rich and varied placements in the multilingual, multicultural and multifaith schools.

