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PGCE Early Years

Introduction

This new, one year programme is designed to train high quality teachers who are knowledgeable, creative and dedicated to developing young children’s learning.

As well as facilitating the development of teaching skills, you will work at Masters level to develop a depth of knowledge and understanding of pedagogy and child development. Upon successful completion of the PGCE programme you will receive a PG certificate and will have achieved 60 credits at Masters level – 1/3 of the 180 credits required for a Masters degree.

The Early Years Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) programme prepares student teachers to teach across the Foundation Stage and Key Stage one whilst also developing an understanding of Key Stage two.

Course Code / Duration

GTTR Code

X124

Duration

1 Year Full Time

Entry Requirements

  • Degree, class 2:2 or above or equivalent qualification
  • GCSE Maths, English and Science (grade C or above) before application
  • Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Enhanced Disclosure
  • Meet the Secretary of State’s requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach as detailed in ‘Fit to Teach’
  • Clearly and accurately communicate both spoken and written English
  • Candidates must take part in an individual interview and a group interview with representatives from schools as well as University College tutors
  • Candidates must have gained 15 days prior experience in an Early Years setting - Foundation stage and Key Stage one, some of which must be in a primary school.

Module Information

The focus of this programme is to develop the knowledge, understanding, teaching skills and professional attitude in order to become an effective, reflective teacher of 3 to 8 year olds. While this concentrates on the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 you will also develop an understanding of Key Stage 2 and work alongside the primary PGCE students. Through University College based and school based training you will develop your understanding of the learning process, child development and how to provide an inclusive learning environment for all children. You will also develop the skills and knowledge to plan, teach and assess all curriculum areas within the Foundation Stage and Primary National Curriculum, as well as RE and Citizenship.

You will also engage in debates which focus on current educational issues and initiatives. The course also provides valuable opportunities for you to develop your evaluative and reflective skills – this is a critical component of the course.

University College based learning takes place through practical workshops, e-learning activity, seminars, tutorials, lectures and personal study. Teachers from schools and guest speakers also contribute to the University College based training sessions.

Central to the programme will be your work in schools. The University College has built excellent working relationships with Early Years providers and you will be able to learn from experienced and knowledgeable colleagues within the field. Your experience in schools will focus upon the Early Years with both teaching placements taking place in the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. This will enable clear links to be made between theory and practice. During your school placements you will be supported and assessed by trained teacher mentors as well as University College based tutors.

Fees and Funding

For current PGCE fees and funding, please click here.

Course Tutors

Career Opportunities

Teaching is a rewarding profession in more ways than one, offering fantastic career prospects and development opportunities. There are a number of ways in which teachers can progress in their careers, either within the classroom or in a leadership role. In primary schools you can take on responsibility for coordinating key areas such as literacy, numeracy or special educational needs; and you can move into senior management by becoming a deputy head or headteacher.

Additional Information

Interviews:

All applicants eligible for acceptance on to our PGCE programme will be invited to attend an interview. You are encouraged to prepare yourself for the interview by making yourself familiar with the current issues facing teaching, specifically in the subject area for which you wish to teach. You should be prepared to answer questions regarding why you are interested in becoming a teacher and your understanding of the classroom.

Assessment:

Your academic attainment will be assessed in two assignments which are marked against Masters level criteria. This will give 60 credits towards a Masters level qualification. Your professional attainment will be assessed against National Qualifying to Teach Standards during your teaching placements. All standards need to be achieved to gain Qualified Teacher Status.



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