PGCE Primary

 

The full-time Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Primary) (PGCE) is a course which prepares candidates to teach - or develop their skills in teaching - in primary or elementary schools. There is an emphasis on theoretical research supported by online University-based seminars and lectures, along with generalised elementary research projects.

 

The majority of the primary course is assessed on essays and research papers, with school-based experiential reports beginning in diary form from week one of the course. Special attention is paid to the experiences and interactional reports of the candidates with their students. Modules are designed to encourage the candidates to show the application of theory to practice.

 

In keeping with the Secondary course, these experiences are supported by requirements which engage the candidate in considering models of teaching and theories of learning and using these to understand and develop understanding of school-based theories.

 

This mix of practical school reporting and essay experiences comprise two masters level modules that form the PGCE.  For this reason a BA in a subject similar to the core modules chosen is required to follow the primary PGCE course.

 

Teaching experiences (reports thereof) are assessed by tutors, practical assessors and co-ordinators, and internal examiners. Account is taken of candidate work over all essay- and research-based elements of the course and the candidate's own written records of practical classroom experiences.

 

All candidates must satisfy the examiners in both theory and with the correct recording of practical working experiences, and must satisfy the requirements for the Teacher Standards. In keeping with the nature of the course, which is vocational and postgraduate in approach, there is no written examination.

 

Modules

The course includes two 30-credit masters level modules which may - if desired and accepted by a qualifying University course - count towards an MA Education:

 

•   Learning and Teaching in Schools (Primary)

•   Issues in Primary Teaching

 

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result may change for reasons of, for example, research developments or legislation changes. This list is an example of typical modules we offer, not a definitive list.

PGCE Primary