PGCE Secondary Education with Religious Education (RE)

Course Summary

Religious Education teachers empower young people and this PGCE RE aims to produce dynamic, confident, and innovative teachers who are committed to making Religion and Worldviews accessible for all. PGCE RE includes current debates and practices within Religion and Worldviews, as well as those issues relating to the promotion of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all pupils; it develops a range of teaching styles appropriate to the delivery of Religion and Worldviews within the National Curriculum and GCSE/A Level specifications.

The course’s perspective on religious education distils the best practice of the recent past and gives a decidedly contemporary flavour with an eye to the future. Furthermore, our PGCE RE trainees take up ‘enhancements’ linked to other curriculum subjects, primary phase or special education needs and diversity.

The route to qualified teacher status will require you to work closely with all those involved in the training partnership – teachers, University tutors, school mentors, professional tutors in school and, last but not least, your fellow trainees. Ofsted 2014 commented that: “the collaborative nature of the partnership that promotes high-quality training across all settings". You are encouraged to take an active and collaborative role in your own learning and we all look forward to working with you on what we know will be a rewarding and enjoyable year working towards achieving your PGCE RE.

What might you become?

RE teachers are in short supply and the regional demand will vary from year to year. Previous PGCE RE trainees are now in employment locally in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall but also further afield e.g. East Midlands, London, Yorkshire, Birmingham and in international schools.

How will you be taught?

Collaborative learning, critical reflection and a strong culture of support underpin the RE PGCE. You will have a minimum of 120 days in school in 2 block placements and 12 weeks in University undertaking a range of activities, teaching includes lectures, seminars, workshops, conferences, tutorials, independent study or research and school based training.

How will you be assessed?

Assessments relate to your development of practice in school. All are coursework based, you will generate reflective journals, portfolios, essays and presentations.

A degree at 2:2 or above. GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 or grade C or above (or an equivalent qualification). Experience of working with young people.