PGCE Primary (3-7)

This PGCE course prepares you to teach children in either the 3 to 7 range as a general primary teacher. It is a very practical course with around two thirds of the time spent in schools, mostly working with teachers and pupils, and around one third spent on directed study, with partnership training in the University and school. It is an integrated academic and professional preparation for teaching, combining study at either postgraduate or professional level with practical training to meet the Teachers’ Standards.

About The Course

This full-time, one-year course or, up to 2-year part-time course includes both school-based experiences and sessions at the university with a strong focus on integrating theory and practice. At least 120 days will be based in schools. School placements are carefully structured to ensure the gradual development of your confidence as an effective teacher through building up experiences working with university-based mentors and school-based mentors. It is an integrated academic and professional preparation for teaching, combining study at either postgraduate or professional level with practical training to meet the Teachers’ Standards. The goal is that you should become a reflective practitioner – a teacher who thinks about their experiences and learns from them in order to improve their practice.

The focus of this course is on teaching and learning to support children and on the importance of your professional role. To this end you will be prepared to teach the relevant curriculum, focusing on both Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. You’ll carry out a series of school-based and directed study tasks which link the theory to practice and provide a focus for reflection. You will be supported in your learning by university tutors, school teachers, school-based mentors and your peers. Practical teaching is introduced gradually, allowing you to build confidence and skills in a structured way.

Careers & Further Study

The teaching profession has a well-structured career pathway which moves progressively from initial teacher training through to newly qualified (NQT) status to qualified teacher. On passing your induction year, your career can escalate through to Leading Teachers, a Deputy Head teacher, and perhaps a Headteacher. Or you may decide to focus on other roles such as SEND Co-ordinator and also further develop your postgraduate studies to a full Masters.