PGCE Secondary Geography (Age Phase 11-16)

Summary 2012/13

• Study with the largest provider of high quality secondary teacher training in the UK.
• Excellent quality teaching and learning opportunities on a popular programme carefully designed to meet the latest curriculum requirements in Geography.
• A highly regarded, innovative programme dedicated to producing excellent classroom practitioners.
• Individually-tailored support.

"Edge Hill University provides its trainees, regardless of their chosen age range, with outstanding training": Grade 1 'outstanding' judgements made in all 33 inspection cells - Ofsted Initial Teacher Education inspection report, 12/5/2011.

This programme will equip you with a range of academic, professional and vocational knowledge, understanding, skills and values necessary to become a high quality and skilled teacher of Geography. The programme aims to develop reflective and analytical skills as well as providing practical experience in planning effective lessons and learning strategies, hands-on classroom experience, and opportunities to further your own subject knowledge. The programme is acknowledged to be at the cutting edge of new approaches to innovative geography education in the classroom as well as incorporating an excellent fieldwork experience.

2012 Entry Requirements

GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent qualification); A first degree from a UK higher education institution or equivalent qualification; A degree classification usually at 2:2 or above (exceptions may be made); Satisfactory levels of Information and Communications Technology competence; A demonstrable interest in teaching within the curriculum area. You could show this in a number of ways - time spent in schools, knowledge of the chosen curriculum area, relevant practical experience.

Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, level 2 numeracy and literacy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSE grade C in mathematics or English.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to meet the Department for Education's standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and clearance to work with children. Further information, including a Declaration of Health questionnaire and details of how to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Details

Who is this course for?

If you have a degree in or featuring Geography, want to develop secondary school pupils' practical research skills and knowledge of the world around them, and wish to learn the latest professional methods to make you a confident and capable teacher, this programme is for you.

What will I gain from this programme?

Professional training, delivered to the highest of standards, to help you take up your first teaching post with confidence, having experienced the very latest teaching and learning pedagogies.

How we will support you

Individually tailored support from your subject tutor at Edge Hill, and from two mentors during each placement: a professional mentor, who oversees all trainees, and a curriculum mentor, who will provide specific support in your subject area.

What will I study?

You'll start with an extensive subject knowledge and understanding audit, to identify your main strengths and weaknesses, and enable your tutor to focus on your individual development needs. During 12 weeks of study on campus, you'll develop:

• Knowledge of essential educational theory
• Awareness of appropriate and innovative teaching and assessment methods, including group work, role play and simulations
• Strategies to encourage trainees' practical skills development, including organising outside field trips and fieldwork
• Understanding of the curriculum
• Ability to plan lessons effectively
• Excellent working knowledge of the latest ICT tools and software used in schools
• Greater subject knowledge and professional and academic skills
• Wider awareness of your role within the teaching profession through study of professional values.

How will I study?

A combination of academic study, group discussion and reflection, and practical, work-based learning in the classroom will give you all the knowledge and skills you need to become a creative and innovative teacher. The programme also aims to develop a reflective and a critically analytical approach to education.

You will also undertake a three-day residential field trip to Castleton, learning how to organise field trips and prepare field work for pupils.

Placement

You'll spend 26 weeks on placement in schools and colleges, putting your training into practice through assisting in and taking responsibility for classes, and working alongside mentors and peers to further your professional development. Your teaching timetable will increase as your training progresses and you become more confident and competent in the classroom.

Who will be teaching me?

The course leader has published a number of recent highly regarded texts on new approaches to Geography in the classroom. The team includes highly experienced mentors and senior examiners with the major examination boards.

How will I be assessed?

A balanced combination of coursework and observed classroom experience will be assessed against academic criteria at Levels 6 and 7 and the QTS Standards. Various other tasks will enable you to show your competence in ICT and other areas of Geography, including a fieldwork-based assessment.

You will also undertake the QTS skills tests in Numeracy, Literacy and ICT, which must be passed before you receive your PGCE, and complete a Career Entry Development Profile (CEDP).

What are my career prospects?

Successful completion of this programme will allow you to be recommended for QTS status and progress onto employment as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) at secondary school level in Geography.

Our proactive careers advisory service can help you to find job vacancies and offers in-depth advice on teacher job applications and interviews, to help you secure work.

Teaching is a rewarding job and there are many ways in which you could progress in your career, either in the classroom or in a leadership role. For more information, see www.education.gov.uk.

Further study at Edge Hill University

As a teacher, you will be keen to build your skills as your career progresses. Edge Hill is the largest provider of Professional Development for teachers in the country. You could gain further qualifications through your work in schools or further in-depth study.

During your PGCE programme, we will carefully prepare you for your NQT year by helping to identify your continuing training needs. Edge Hill's Professional Development team will continue to support you through your NQT year and be available throughout your teaching career.

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,000 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online at www.gttr.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applygttr for more information on the application process.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time PGCEs. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

If you are joining this PGCE in academic year 2012/13, you may be eligible for a bursary, worth £9,000 to UK students with a first class honours degree and £5,000 to UK students with a 2:1 honours degree. If you are eligible to receive this bursary, you will be issued with a pre-printed application/declaration form at enrolment. The bursary is administered by the Training and Development Agency for Schools.

Edge Hill University offers £1,000 Entrance Scholarships for prospective full-time PGCE students. These awards recognise determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about grants, loans and bursaries for full-time PGCE students in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/pgcefees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Not got the entry requirements?

If you would like pre-entry advice and guidance about your qualifications, please complete the advice and guidance online enquiry form.

If you do not have the relevant GCSEs required for this programme, Edge Hill University offers GCSE equivalency tests in English, Mathematics and Science. You must have the required GCSEs or equivalent before you can start the PGCE.

Awards

• Professional Graduate Certificate in Education
• Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradopendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many postgraduate study fairs taking place across the UK and Ireland.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Dr Charles Rawding, Faculty of Education, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 584207
• Email: rawdingc@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.