PGCE Secondary English with QTS

The Secondary English PGCE pathway at UWTSD is an exciting and innovative programme, fully committed to preparing student teachers to be highly effective in supporting young people in the development of essential language and communication skills as well as a love of great literature.

The central aim of the course is to educate confident, reflective and highly competent teachers of English, with a secure knowledge of effective approaches to teaching, based firmly on robust national and international research. It further seeks to develop teaching skills and dispositions conducive to engaging all pupils in their learning and supporting them in improving their skills, knowledge and enthusiasm for English.

The Athrofa Professional Learning Partnership has secure and well-established links with its partner schools that together will support you in becoming a critically reflective practitioner, committed to establishing a creative and innovative classroom environment that supports, challenges and engages all of our young people.

Successful applicants will have access to a holistic support network, including Professional, Curriculum and Personal Tutors, as well as school-based mentors, committed to the enhancement of their theoretical, pedagogical and professional practice.

The course also provides several enhancement opportunities, including teaching in different phases and learning contexts.

Applicants are required to hold a good honours degree (2:2 minimum) in an area related to chosen secondary subject.GCSE qualifications: Grade B or above in GCSE English Language OR English Literature and GCSE Mathematics. Student teachers studying to teach in Welsh-medium schools will also need a GCSE grade B or above in Welsh Language OR Welsh Literature (first language). Equivalence workshops and tests are available for those with Grade C GSCE in English Language, Mathematics and Welsh. A-Levels/Level 3 Vocational Qualifications: If applicants do not hold an undergraduate degree in a curriculum subject, successful study at appropriate higher levels must be evidenced. Work Experience: You should be aware of the realities of being a teacher and life in a classroom and so we ask for recent and relevant experience in a secondary educational setting. This may be through employment or volunteering in a school and should be for a minimum period of two weeks. Gaining experience in a school classroom will help to strengthen your application and better critically inform your personal statement. It will also prepare you for our selection process and give you some experience from which you can draw in your interview.