PGCE Primary & Early Years Programme

Presentation toCoventry University

Paul PurserProgramme Leader Primary PGCE Early Years

Theory

Practical Experience

Time to Reflect

Effective Teaching

I believe the only way to really learn this is to just get

on and do it.

I believe the only way to really learn this is to just get

on and do it.

I believe the only way to really learn this is to just get

on and do it.

PGCE Course Aims

The aim of the PGCE Primary and Early Years course is to enable you to become reflective, critical, enquiring and challenging primary teachers, able to respond flexibly to changing circumstances and to continue to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills throughout your professional lives.

At the heart of the course is “the value of the child” and the aim of the course is to produce teachers who understand the needs of children and who are able to undertake their role in meeting the needs of all children within the classroom.

Full Time course (one academic year)

5 days per week September to July

Route Options

3-7 Route

5-11 Route

Maths Specialism

Basic Course Structure for all (3-7 & 5-11) routes

80 days faculty based training (face to face or directed study)

120 days school based training and experience (practising and school staff led, divided into three blocks)

Time in school is sub-divided into:

School based training – SE 1a and SE1 1b Assessed School based training – SE2 Assessed Placement

Assessment

Plus:

DfE, 2012, Teacher Standards

Primary Focus Module

For one module you must choose a specific focus to develop an area of specific strength:

Both 3-7 and 5-11 route trainees may choose from:

MathsEnglishScienceForeign LanguagesSpecial Educational Needs

HistoryArtMusicREComputingPE

Maths Specialism Route follow Maths Primary Focus

Provided you have an appropriate degree subject or qualification

Primary Focus Module

Trainees on 3-7 route may instead, choose to study EARLY YEARS – provided they have an Early Years level 6 qualification (e.g. BAECES)

If you choose Early Years as your Primary Focus option your qualification will be:

Postgraduate Certificate of Education in Early Years with QTS

All other trainees will qualify with:

Postgraduate Certificate of Education in Primary Education with QTS

What to expect:

Some sessions in a lecture theatre environment...

Most sessions will be in groups of approx. 35 and will be very interactive…

What to expect:

What to expect: assessments

Combination of assessed coursework and teaching practice.

Assessments contribute towards meeting the Teacher Standards and the academic requirements for the award.

Trainee teachers need to be especially well organised and able to manage a busy workload.

Wide variety of schools…

In order to benefit from a variety of school experiences trainees must be prepared to travel to different placements

Professional Development Tutor (PDT)

Your PDT will:

Meet with you regularly to review your progress on the course and set action points

Be the first point of contact for course related issues Suggest routes for further support if required Support your professional development Write your reference

Working at Level 7

Level 1 GCSELevel 2 AS levelLevel 3 A Level

Level 4 1st year undergraduate Level 5 2nd year undergraduate Level 6 3rd year undergraduate

Level 7 Postgraduate (Masters)

Level 8 Doctoral (PhD, EdD etc.)

Level 7

• Be aware of current debates, issues and controversies within Primary School Education.

• Read ‘behind’ the headlines – on news websites, follow the links to the original research, look for different sides to the arguments and, above all, consider the evidence being used to advance particular positions.

Entry Requirements for PGCE

1st class or Upper 2nd Class (2:1) degree2:2 is accepted for strong candidates

GCSE grade ‘C’ or equivalent in Mathematics, English and Science

Recent and relevant experience in a Primary School Setting

Passed DfE ‘Skills Tests’ in literacy and numeracy

Application Form (UCAS website)

References

Personal Statement

Interview Morning

Provide evidence of qualifications

Group Discussion Test

General Curriculum Knowledge Test

Interview Afternoon

One-to-one interview with tutor

Application Procedure

References

Choose one academic and one professional.

Personal Statement

Indicate clearly why you believe you are suited to both teaching in your chosen phase and this course.

Highlight experiences you have had focussing on what you have learned.

DfE QTS Skills Tests in Literacy & Numeracy

Go to DfE Website and search for Skills Test Registration

Book the skills tests at your local centre.

You will not be allowed to start the course without having passed. Passing before interview is an advantage.

Each first attempt is free, re-sits are charged.If you fail three times, you must wait at least 2 years to try again.

You do not need to be registered to make use of the practice materials.

Seen Teaching Form

Please grade the candidate based on your observations of the candidate in the situation(s) described above

Poor Shows Potential

Exceeds Expectation Outstanding

Clarity of communication with young people

Ability to enthuse and engage young people

Preparedness and organisation

Managing behaviour and expectations

Robustness at moments of difficulty/calmness under pressure

Type of activity(ies) observed(Tick all/any that apply)

Whole class (e.g. reading a story, introduction, plenary)

Small Group (e.g. supporting differentiated teaching, planned focus activity)Informal (e.g. playground duty, before /after school, parent collecting, transitions)

General Curriculum Knowledge Test

70 Questions

Covers English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, RE, PE, Music, Art

Results provided before course starts

No ‘pass mark’ but…

Scores in English, maths and science will be used as part of the decision process.

Preparing for the interview

• Read about current issues in Primary Education

• Be clear about why you want to teach in that age phase

• Have a good idea of your own strengths and weaknesses

• Expect to have questions about things mentioned in your personal statement

School Direct Version

Apply via the UCAS website

UCAS has a list of schools that take part

Some of those schools work with us – so you would join our PGCE Programme

Different schools run different models:

• Salaried• Unsalaried• All modules with BCU• Some modules with BCU & some in school

Most school experience takes place at the designated school (plus some experience at another)

School has a commitment to employ you afterwards ‘if possible’.

Costs and Bursaries (approx. & subject to revision)

Main Costs:

Course Fees £9000

Travel (to schools) £ ??

Government Bursaries:

1st Class Honours £3000

Upper 2nd Class Honours £3000

Primary Maths £6000 (Need B at A level or equivalent)

Questions?

Contact: paul.purser@bcu.ac.uk