PGCE Secondary History (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 which offers innovative use of ICT to promote learning, and incorporates exciting fieldwork opportunities.
• Choice of full-time and flexible routes, to suit your lifestyle and commitments.
• 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.

Please note, this programme is now closed for September 2012 entry.

This long-established, popular programme incorporates high quality tutoring, excellent placement support and exciting fieldwork opportunities, both locally and overseas. You'll be encouraged to develop innovative and modern approaches to teaching and learning, including the use of ICT, to make you a a high quality and successful history teacher at secondary school level.

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 deepen your own subject knowledge.

2012 Entry Requirements

To join this PGCE you should have: 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); GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent qualification); 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 History, or a related subject, want to excite the imagination and develop the historical awareness of secondary school pupils aged 11 to 16, 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?

The following information is for trainees on the one-year, full-time programme:

When you have been offered a place you will be invited to an induction event which takes place on a Saturday in June. As part of this induction event you will be required to explore the nature and extent of your historical understanding and take part in a series of online seminars. These are designed to help you reflect on the nature of history subject knowledge. This auditing process will then direct you to a series of resources designed to extend your subject knowledge and understanding so that you begin the programme with an informed understanding of the subject knowledge demands of the programme.

During 12 weeks of study on campus, you'll develop:

• Knowledge of essential educational theory
• Develop an understanding of active teaching methods and the philosophy of 'Learning to Learn'
• Awareness of appropriate and innovative teaching and assessment methods, including simulations and role play
• Strategies to develop students' historical understanding through creative and stimulating ways, including organising fieldwork, use of ICT and museum work
• Understanding the conceptual structure of the history 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 develop your subject knowledge by participating in field visits to a wide range of sites, the Edwardian Castles of North Wales, developing urban history trails in Liverpool, working in National museums and working with museum educators. There is an opportunity to take part in a four-day residential visit to the First World War battlefields of the Somme and Ypres over the Spring Bank Holiday.

Placement

You'll spend 26 weeks on placement in schools, colleges or other settings, putting your training into practice through assisting with 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.

You will also be able to incorporate teaching activities into your classes which you will have developed through your own experience, during your numerous fieldwork trips in the first few months of your programme.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by a dedicated team of knowledgeable, experienced, friendly and supportive tutors who have the welfare of their trainees as a number one priority.

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 Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Standards. Various other tasks will enable you to show your competence in ICT and other areas of History. The most demanding assignment is a reflective and analytical piece of classroom-based research in which you will consider how pupils learn history, and how your teaching can make that more effective.

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

What are my career prospects?

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

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 (PD) for teachers in the country. You could gain further qualifications through your work in schools or through further in-depth study, such as the PD / MA modules in History Education.

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 Education QTS only (flexible route only)

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:

• Ian Phillips, Faculty of Education, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 584727
• Email: phillipi@edgehill.ac.uk

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