The PGCE Primary Programme is a one year course that prepares students to teach the 5-11 age range (all primary school subjects). The course is offered at Masters level and successful students will be awarded 60 Masters level credits as well as recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The course is 39 weeks long with 18 of these weeks spent in schools. Students who train for the 5-11 age range will undertake a school placement in two age ranges, i.e. Key Stage 1 and lower Key Stage 2, or upper and lower Key Stage 2.

The course is taught in partnership with local schools and students will be taught and supported by a team of experienced tutors from the University and teachers in partnership schools. The course has been designed with teachers and students working together to meet the demands that primary teachers face today.

The course has received outstanding Ofsted results and has been well evaluated by students over the years. Employment rates are high with many trainees gaining employment in local partner schools.

Indicative Course Content

• Professional Studies
  
• Core Curriculum Studies (English, Mathematics, Science)
  
• Foundation Curriculum Studies (e.g. History, PE, ICT, MFL etc.)
  
• School Experience

In the Professional Studies module students will address the wider aspects of teaching, such as issues of inclusion, as well as practical concerns such as planning and behaviour management.

School Experience

A typical pattern of school experience might be:

• Autumn term - Six week school experience in school A
• Summer term - Twelve week school experience in school B.

Assessment

To gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students need to complete three assignments at Level M (Postgraduate), two blocks of School Experience and TDA Skills Tests in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT.