Our PGCE Primary courses have been designed specifically to provide supported development of your teaching skills and a gradual introduction to your new profession.
Stage one – Introducing and Preparing (September to December)
University-based and School-based training
During the first stage, you will spend time at University where you will be introduced to the whole of the primary curriculum. You will gradually build knowledge and understanding of how pupils learn best and will have an opportunity to observe the planning and delivery of each subject when you go into school. University and School-based training are intrinsically linked so each week you will be able to review what you have learned at University and apply this in school.
As stage 1 progresses, you will complete a longer period of time in school. Working alongside an experienced class teacher and mentor, you will have the opportunity to co-teach and co-plan lessons across the curriculum. You’ll also spend time focusing on CPD activities that will enhance your teaching applications and make you more employable.
The curriculum is divided into two main areas:
Primary Professional Studies
You’ll learn strategies to tackle issues that you will face in your training placements. These strategies will help to develop your understanding of teaching and learning, the primary curriculum and educational policy. Key domains covered include behaviour management, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and professional behaviours.
Subject Knowledge and Applied Pedagogy
You will develop Early Years and Key Stage 1 curriculum knowledge and understanding in English, Mathematics and Science. You’ll also explore the broader curriculum and observe and reflect on best practice across the whole curriculum.
Stage two – Developing and Securing (January to March)
University-based and School-based training
Your University-based training will comprise the same elements as stage 1, but you’ll focus on building on the knowledge you’ve already developed to prepare for your next school-based training. There will be an opportunity to reflect on your experiences in the first stage and to set developmental targets throughout this stage both with University and School-based mentors. You will receive further training on the curriculum and planning and delivering sequences of learning.
During your second placement, you will continue to receive training and you will develop your teaching skills further, usually in a different school, teaching a contrasting age phase to your first placement. You will develop your understanding of how schools use assessment to map pupils' progress.
Stage three – Refining and Embedding (March to June)
University-based and School-based training
In stage three, you will continue to build upon your subject and curriculum knowledge through University-taught sessions.
You’ll usually stay in the same school as your stage 2 placement until the end of the programme, teaching another age phase. This will support you in putting everything you’ve learned into practice, you'll continue to observe but also teach all subjects and areas of provision in stage three. You will begin to develop an understanding of the wider responsibilities across the school. You will continue to receive excellent mentoring and coaching in school.
Qualified Teacher Status
During each stage of school-based training, you will be formatively assessed and your progress mapped against core competence statements. A summary judgment will be made at the end of each stage. This summary will provide you with further information about your areas of strength and targets to develop moving forwards. By the end of your training in school (stage 3) you will be expected to have met the Teachers’ Standards and a Summative Assessment will be made using the standards as a benchmark. When you meet the Teachers’ Standards you are then recommended for QTS.