Secondary PGCE

The Secondary PGCE at the University of Reading caters for around 200 students each academic year, it offers 10 different subject specialisms, and works with 40 partnership schools. In 2007 OfSTED judged the course to be outstanding.

The Secondary PGCE course at The University of Reading provides an excellent route into teaching. Work in university and school contexts prepares you to work effectively in school. The majority of trainees who complete the school go on to take up teaching positions, many of them in partnership schools.

The Secondary PGCE course is comprised of two integrated aspects:

• School based experiences
• University based programme

School experience

An important aspect of the Secondary PGCE course is the strong partnership between The University and local schools. The course content has been negotiated between The University and partnership schools so that you can explore issues raised in The University through your work with pupils in school, and you can consider issues raised in school against a wide range of educational principles to which you will be introduced in The University.

Periods of school experience are integrated into all aspects of the course, and you work in schools throughout the year. Your work in schools takes a variety of forms including observing experienced teachers, team teaching, working with small groups, taking responsibility for the learning of whole classes and getting involved in all aspects of school life. You will be well supported in school by a range of experienced and well trained people including a subject and a professional mentor and university based tutors.

University programme

The university-based programme is comprised of two main aspects:

• Professional Studies
• Subject Method Studies

Professional Studies

Professional Studies develops insights into general aspects of education essential for entrants to the teaching profession, and gives consideration to the cross-curricular themes, elements and skills which complement the teaching of your subject. It is taught through workshops, conference days, and introductory sessions on major educational topics which are then pursued in depth in small mixed-subject seminar groups.

Subject Method Studies

Subject Method Studies enables you to study the teaching of your chosen subject. This includes consideration of aspects such as: the nature of the subject in the secondary school; its place in The National Curriculum; what is taught; how it is taught; how it is assessed; providing for young people with different backgrounds and abilities; teaching in accordance with examination specification requirements; and using ICT effectively to facilitate learning.

Work on the teaching of particular subjects is done in specialist groups. You are expected to apply for a subject method course for which you can offer a qualification in the subject matter, normally a degree awarded by an approved institution. A full list of the specialist subjects available is provided below, and details of each one can be found by following the appropriate link:

• Art and Design
• Drama
• English
• French Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course  
• History
• ICT
• Mathematics
• Modern Foreign Language
• Music
• Physical Education
• Science

Further Development Placement (FDP)

The Further Development Placement (FDP) is an excellent opportunity for you to gain experience of education within a different setting. The FDP is three weeks long and you will be able to select a placement from a number of different options representing a wide array of educational environments. Previous trainees have spent their FDP in local museums, special schools and educational trusts. During your placement you will work with a mentor and be expected to participate in an educational project. In the past, trainees have stated that the FDP has helped to:

• Develop their communication skills;
• Broaden their experience of working with different pupil groups (for example, students with special educational needs, young offenders and primary aged children);
• Develop their ability to work as part of a team;
• Expand their repertoire of teaching strategies;
• Extend their knowledge of how the curriculum is used and adapted in different educational settings.

The FDP is a part of the PGCE course that is still developing and suggestions of other institutions and organisations that could offer valuable experiences are always welcomed.

Application and enquiries

Contact details and further information regarding the application process can be found on the Secondary PGCE Applications and Enquiries page.