PGCE Primary Education with QTS

COURSE OVERVIEW

Our one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) prepares you to teach the primary curriculum.

You will gain experience in teaching across the various key stages so that you are confident in teaching any year group. You can choose to focus on the early years and key stage one, or key stage one and key stage two.

You will have taught sessions at University (around 10 weeks over the year) and will normally spend a minimum of 120 days on placements in schools.

When you’re at Manchester Met, you’ll learn teaching methods and organisational skills, and how to apply your knowledge in the classroom. Some of the skills you’ll learn include how to plan lessons, assess learning and how to manage children’s behaviour.

You’ll explore creative ways to teach across the core curriculum, from subjects such as history and science to English and art. You might, for example, explore how to use drama and role-play to bring history to life.

We also have science laboratories on campus, where you will have taught sessions with our science tutors so that you can develop the knowledge and confidence you’ll need to teach your class.

You’ll spend at least 120 days on teaching placements in at least two schools, gradually increasing your involvement to become an expert practitioner. You will, with support and mentoring, progress to teaching a 70-80% timetable in your final school placement.

On your placements, you will get involved with everything in school, from assemblies to playground duties to speaking with parents.

You must have obtained (or be working towards) a 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent). GCSE grade C/4 or above in English language, mathematics and science. Please note that you can apply with GCSEs pending. Equivalency tests in English, mathematics and science are provided by Manchester Metropolitan University. The School of Teacher Education and Professional Development will accept these equivalency tests for any of its initial teacher education programmes, at undergraduate or postgraduate level. To apply for teacher training the personal statement plays an important role in the admissions process. Successful candidates will demonstrate a good understanding of teaching and learning within a primary school setting. You may wish to evidence your understanding by drawing on related examples or experiences, such as time spent in schools or other learning settings. If you are due to graduate or have graduated within the last three years your principal referee must be a university lecturer. You will be expected to attend an online or face to face interview as part of the application process. Full details of your interview will be provided by email once your initial application has been approved. A Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) and satisfactory health check are also required. Instructions on how to complete these checks will be provided once you hold a firm offer for this course.