PGCE Secondary Geography with Religious Education

The University of Winchester has a long history in teacher education and is recognised by Ofsted as an ‘Outstanding’ provider. The University offers a stimulating and supportive learning environment that challenges and inspires trainees. Our passion is to provide a university experience that helps you reach your full potential and make a real difference to children’s lives. Throughout the course, you develop an understanding of both the theory and practice of teaching Geography (as your ‘major’ subject) and RE (as your ‘minor’ subject) using a range of learning and teaching approaches. Training as part of a PGCE Humanities cohort, who train to teach two of the three Humanities subjects (Geography, History and RE), you are supported in developing practical classroom skills in teaching your major and minor subject and in the teacher’s wider professional role. Our programme prepares you to teach across the age range 11-16 and is structured around a combination of taught modules based at the University and placement modules based in schools or educational settings. Classroom practice is assessed through placements, totalling 120 days. You also have the opportunity to gain Masters level credits (up to 60 credits). The teaching team includes University staff with specialisms in Geography and RE and in Initial Teacher Education local authority advisers and staff diocesan advisers and secondary school teacher tutors. Students are supported through a combination of face-to-face university-based teaching and directed self-study/ research. Seminars and workshops are supported by school-based tasks to enable theory and practice to be integrated. We place significant emphasis on enabling you to apply your learning to teaching in the classroom. During your teaching placements you will have the opportunity to work alongside some of the best and most inspiring teachers predominantly in Hampshire secondary schools. We also offer a number of placements in neighbouring counties, such as Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire and Surrey.

A first or second-class honours degree. A First or Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in Religious Studies, Theology, Philosophy, History, Geography or a related field in Humanities. GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or 4 or above, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the University.