The PGCE is an intensive programme, which combines an exploration of principles and methods of teaching and learning with practical school-based teaching placements. It lasts for 36 weeks from early September to late June.

The Primary programme prepares you to work with pupils aged 5-11. At the heart of our programmes is a vision that our student teachers’ teaching will impact positively on pupil progress over time in schools and that our Partnership activities with schools will contribute to school improvement. We aspire for all our students to be outstanding teachers.

The PGCE Primary course is structured around three modules, which share a generic General Professional Education (GPE) component. The GPE programme involves an enquiry based learning approach, which combines taught sessions with independent professional learning activities (PLAs). These PLAs require independent research, which is either school-related or school-based.

Education Studies I

This module covers the following GPE themes:

• Professionalism, values and reflective practice;
• Safeguarding, child protection and e-safety;
• Understanding curriculum and the National Curriculum;
• Supporting learners, learning and effective behaviour management;
• Inclusive education, with a specific focus on supporting pupils with SEND and SEBD;
• Effective planning and teaching to promote pupil progress;
• Assessment and its role in promoting effective learning.
• Applying for your first post;
• Understanding data analysis to support effective teaching and learning;
• Behaviour for learning and the wider professional responsibilities of the subject teacher;
• Inclusive education, with a specific focus on supporting pupils with English as an Additional Language, pupils receiving the Pupil Premium and able pupils;
• Safeguarding with a focus on the Prevent and Channel national strategy and bullying and homophobic bullying.

2. Education Studies II

This module aims to develop understanding of the learning, teaching and assessment of the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 & 2, in the Core (English, Mathematics and Science) and Foundation subjects (Computing, Physical Education, History, Geography, Religious Education, Art and Music).

The primary focus will be on developing approaches to maximise the impact you can make on pupil progress (TS2). This module focuses on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and ways to meet the differentiated needs of a range of pupils in relation to theoretical perspectives and real-life classroom applications and strategies are addressed.

3. Education Studies III (Curriculum Enhancement)

Examples of Curriculum Enhancements that have previously been on offer have been in relation to: Bilingualism, Culture and Identities (BCI), Mathematics, Mathematical Thinking, Physical Education, Talk, Science, Computing.

This unique module aims to develop curriculum expertise in the chosen area, whereby student teachers can:

• research and develop innovative skills and projects within the context of their curriculum enhancement study and school setting;
• apply the skills and principles of highly effective planning, teaching and assessment principles of National Curriculum focus areas, using a broad range of learning, teaching and assessment resources and approaches;
• explore and develop skills in ‘specialised’ cross-curricula approaches.

• A minimum score of 55% - 65% or 2.75/4 - 3.25/4. Offers within the grade range are determined by the higher education institution attended.
• IELTS: 7 (min 6 in all areas)
• Pearson: 64 (51 in all subscores)
• BrunELT: 70% (min 60% in all areas)