General information for Postgraduate Certificate in Education

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Full-time 10 months

 

The PGCE provides training at postgraduate level with the opportunity to gain additional Masters credits. It seeks to integrate Practical Experience of teaching with Professional Studies of educational theory and policies, which inform classroom practice. It provides the prospective teacher with sound skills and knowledge to begin a career in teaching with confidence.

There are four routes in the PGCE programme:

• Primary Education: Early Years (3-7 years)
• Primary Education: Primary Years (5-11 years)
• Primary Years with French Specialism (5-11 years)
• Secondary Education (11-18 years).

All programmes are considered to be of outstanding quality by Ofsted inspectors.

School placements

We work in a formalised partnership with schools in the shared responsibilities of training teachers, two-thirds of the programme being school-based.

During the year, you can work in at least two different age ranges to ensure the broadest possible experience. School-based work includes observing children and teachers and focused tutorials. Trainees work alongside experienced teachers and gradually assume more responsibility for teaching until they take responsibility for the whole class. During this work support is provided by experienced mentors and by University tutors.

On the primary programmes trainees are prepared to teach across two age ranges in all areas of the school curriculum. They are also able to make a specialist contribution through individual academic strengths. Trainees follow a special study module, to enable focus on an area of interest.
At secondary level, trainees concentrate on one main teaching subject. The subjects offered are: Art and Design; Drama; English; History; Information Communication Technology; Mathematics; Modern Foreign Languages (French, German, Spanish); Music; Physical Education; and Science.

University-based training

In all programmes, Professional Studies are practically focused, illuminating classroom practice and examining important wholeschool issues. All teachers need to be aware of the principles behind national requirements, such as the Every Child Matters provision and of school strategies for pastoral care, personal, social and moral education, citizenship and other issues.

On the primary programme in subject modules, trainees study English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, Humanities, Drama, Art, PE, Technology and Music, both for subject knowledge and pedagogy.

On the secondary programme, trainees study the pedagogy of their specialist subject in subject
method studies. Secondary trainees may also have the opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of different educational settings, including abroad.

Assessment and qualification

The programmes are continuously assessed. Students must pass University based assignments, which include essays, seminar papers, group work and preparation of teaching materials. Some of this work will be at Masters level. Successful trainees will then leave the programme with a number of additional Masters credits which can be transferred to other Masters degree programmes. Practical teaching is assessed on the basis of work during school experience linked to the Standards for QTS. Trainees must also pass the externallyset TDA Literacy, Numeracy and  ICT tests.

Minimum entry requirements

An Honours degree (2:2 or above) awarded by a British University  or equivalent. Applicants are required to have grade C or above in GCSE/O Level Mathematics and English or an equivalent. Also for Primary only applicants require a grade C or above in GCSE/O Level Science. Applicants must satisfy the Institute on suitability for training. Before applying for a place on the PGCE primary programme applicants are required to spend some time in a Local Authority primary school, to become familiar with current practice and Early Years Foundation Stage settings, and need to become familiar with Government initiatives and the Primary Curriculum. Two weeks in schools is the minimum requirements and candidates with greater and more varied experience will be favoured. It is highly recommended that applicants for the primary pathway (not early years and French specialism) have at least a GCSE or equivalent in a modern language, preferably French.

Secondary candidates should observe practice in a local authority comprehensive school.

For further information contact

Yvonne Woodward

Email: y.m.woodward@reading.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0) 118 378 5254