PGCE Primary 5-11 (with QTS)

Taught modules

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Professional Learning (20 credits)

  This gives you an introduction to practical theories of learning and curriculum before you begin your first experience of substantive teaching. You’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of pedagogy and its evidence base, so that you’ll be ready to apply this to your own practical classroom skills.

• Key issues in Teaching and Learning (20 credits)

  You’ll look at key issues, themes and debates in education. You’ll focus on a selection of issues that are relevant to your pathway/age-phase, and you’ll have the option of reflecting on your own developing classroom practice. This will allow you to be better supported in entering your NQT year. 

  The potential issues and themes include:

  • assessment 
  • behaviour for Learning
  • SEND/Inclusion issues
  • supporting learning with TAs
  • socio-economic and cultural issues
  • working with parents and carers.

• Becoming an Early Career Teacher (20 credits)

  You will interpret your developing professional judgement and practice through the lens of theory, research and evidence.

• Professional Practice

  In this module you will develop the skills, understanding and knowledge to become an effective classroom teacher. You will learn how to:

  • Develop a secure climate for learning
  • Plan rigorous lessons which support pupils to learn
  • Understand how learning happens and how you can ensure this happens in your classroom
  • To make assessments of pupils learning and to respond to what they have learnt
  • To maintain excellent professional conduct.
     

   

• English

  You will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to design and implement effective English lessons in the primary classroom. You will learn to:

  • Engage pupils in ambitious classroom talk
  • Ensure pupils have access to high quality Systematic Synthetic Phonics lesson that enable them to become fluent readers
  • Provide pupils with opportunities to develop a broad and rich knowledge of language and vocabulary
  • Expose pupils to high quality and diverse literature
  • Teach pupils to write with confidence and rigour
  • Design opportunities for English across the primary curriculum
  • Develop your own subject knowledge.

• Mathematics

  Here you’ll develop your knowledge, skills and confidence in mathematics. You’ll gain the grounding you need to help children progress and enjoy maths across the Foundation Stage and primary years. You’ll enhance your understanding with cross-curricular work linking mathematics with other subjects. 

  You’ll improve your own knowledge and confidence in mathematics and your understanding of number, algebra, geometry, measures and data handling, as well as exploring topics such as:

  • applying mathematics across the curriculum
  • understanding how children learn mathematics, and how to address their misconceptions
  • the role of reasoning and communication in teaching, learning and doing mathematics 
  • developing creative, inspirational and challenging approaches to teaching mathematics across the attainment range.

• Science

  In this module you will develop your subject knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and confidence in science. You will acquire knowledge and understanding required to secure the progress and engagement of all your pupils in science across the primary years.

• Humanities

  Here you’ll gain a foundation in the three humanity subjects: RE, geography and history. Practical workshop sessions and project-based work will help to build your confidence and enjoyment of these subjects. We’ll investigate topics like: 

  • national and local initiatives to support humanities teaching
  • learning outside the classroom
  • using the expertise of educational officers and tutors in a variety of venues
  • embedding active citizenship, cultural diversity and cultural heritage
  • using ICT effectively in the humanities
  • cross-curricular approaches.

   

• Arts

  You’ll gain a grounding in the two arts subjects: art and music. You’ll take part in practical workshops, aimed at building your enjoyment of art and music and your confidence in teaching them. You’ll explore topics such as: 

  • aspects of learning outside the classroom
  • using the expertise of educational officers and tutors in a variety of venues
  • embedding global citizenship, cultural diversity and cultural heritage
  • Introducing cross-curricular approaches
  • the effective use of ICT in arts.

   

• PE, Health and Wellbeing

  You’ll draw on your own experiences and gain a grounding in Physical Education and Health and Wellbeing. Practical workshops and lectures will help you build your confidence and enjoyment of these aspects of the curriculum.

  We’ll investigate topics like:

  • national and local requirements for Physical Education
  • local and national initiatives for Physical Education
  • using the expertise of educational officers and tutors in outdoor venues
  • develop an understanding of relevant cross-curricular links
  • the effective use of ICT in PE

  You’ll also have the voluntary optional residential visit to an outdoor centre in South Wales - cost details can be found in the additional costs section above.

• Design and Computing

  This module is your  introduction to the planning and teaching of Design Technology and Computing in primary schools.