Primary PGCE

St Mary's has been recognised as one of the highest quality providers of training for primary teachers in the country. Our courses are excellent preparation for a career in teaching.

Why study Primary?

We aim to teach and learn alongside creative, reflective and dynamic practitioners who are committed to teaching children. The programme encourages you to increase your understanding of teaching and learning processes in order to develop and maintain the high levels of enthusiasm, ability and passion necessary within the teaching profession.

At St Mary's, we look for those who wish to learn from challenges and seek a higher capacity to know more. In line with the University Mission Statement, the programme seeks to prepare teachers for schools at home and abroad with special provision for those intending to teach in Roman Catholic and other Christian schools.

Why St Mary's?

The Primary PGCE programme provides an intense training experience that combines academic rigour with personal and professional learning experiences. The training is designed to meet the needs of each trainee to support and develop the skills, knowledge and attributes needed to start a teaching career.

In preparation for your teaching role, you will be trained across the 5-11 age range, developing knowledge and practice to support your development of:

• Critical understanding of educational theory
• Reflective practice linked to professional standards
• Practitioner research and a wide range of educational issues to understand the unique characteristics of children and their learning needs
• Subject-specific knowledge and creative ways to enthuse and educate children.

Assessment methods

Assessments are used to ensure you understand and can apply the knowledge gained while on the course - both in schools and on campus. This is done through a range of methods:

• Self-assessment
• Audit of subject knowledge for maths, English and science
• Presentations
• Micro-teaching
• Posters
• Essays
• Practical sessions

Assessment is ongoing and tracked against the Teachers Standards. High standards of attendance, punctuality and participation are requirements of all course elements. Assessment is ongoing while on school placements.

Career opportunities

A career in teaching offers the same rewards that you would expect from a graduate position with good salaries and opportunities for career progression. The opportunities, however, to inspire, educate and teach future generations of children are unlike any other graduate job!