PGCE Primary

Summary 2012/13

• Study with one of the largest providers of Initial Teacher Training in England and Wales, on a highly regarded, innovative programme with experienced staff at the cutting edge of developments in education.
• Benefit from flexible study options to suit your individual learning needs, commitments and lifestyle, including standard 1-year route and distance learning options.
• Fees which don't have to be paid up front make this programme highly affordable.

"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.

Primary and Early Years Education at Edge Hill University received an outstanding report in its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2008.

Our Primary PGCE programme is a school-based partnership, combining on-campus study with training in placement schools and settings. You'll therefore gain both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience of classroom teaching necessary to prepare you fully for your first year as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT).

We strongly recommend an early application as there is high demand for places.

2012 Entry Requirements

When you apply, you should already be able to demonstrate the following: A commitment to, and understanding of, primary education, normally founded on at least 10 days of experience in primary classrooms in the two years prior to your application; GCSE at grade C (or equivalent qualification) English Language and Mathematics; suitable personal and presentational qualities, including a good standard of written English.

Before the programme commences, you must have: A first or second class Honours degree from a UK university, in any subject; GCSE at grade C (or equivalent qualification) in Combined Science / Physics / Chemistry / Biology and two additional National Curriculum subjects (as taught in Key Stages 1 and 2).

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 have graduated in the last 5 years an academic reference is required.

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. You will also be provisionally registered with the General Teaching Council for England (GTC). Further details, including a Declaration of Health questionnaire, Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure application form and GTC suitability assessment questionnaire will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

View full details of Primary PGCE entry requirements >

Details

Who is this course for?

If you have, or are in the process of gaining, a 2: 2 honours degree in any subject, want to inspire and educate primary school pupils aged five to 11, and wish to learn the latest approaches and strategies to make you a confident and capable teacher, this programme is for you.

Take our flexible programme if you:

• Already have the required knowledge and experience for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) standards, and simply require a recommendation for QTS status (Pathway A).
• Have substantial experience in a school setting and require the formal PGCE qualification and recommendation for QTS status (Pathway B).
• Need the full taught training programme, but can't attend the one-year, full-time programme (Pathway C).

What will I gain from this programme?

Professional and academic training, delivered to the highest of standards, to help you take up your first teaching post with confidence, knowing that you have gained excellence in knowledge, understanding and skills related to teaching theory and practical classroom experience.

You can study for two different levels of award:

• Professional Graduate Certificate in Education with QTS - includes 120 credits at Level 6 (Honours), which you can build upon by further study towards an MA, or other qualification;
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education with QTS - includes 60 credits at Level 6 (Honours) and 60 at Level 7 (Masters) that you can use to obtain credits towards an MA, or other qualification;
• QTS only option (Pathway A) - for those unqualified primary teachers who only wish to gain QTS and not the PGCE award.

Both awards lead to QTS.

How we will support you

Support from your module tutors and personal tutor at Edge Hill University, and from class teachers and mentors in your school placement.

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.

Your PGCE programme consists of three main elements:

1. Personal and Professional Development

This module will help you develop:

• Your learning skills, and you will learn how to reflect on and take charge of your own development as a trainee teacher.
• Knowledge of how children learn and how their needs differ.
• Strategies for the core skills of planning, assessment, teaching and class management.
• Your understanding of the education system, and of the wider professional role of a teacher in school.
• Knowledge and critical appreciation of theoretical perspectives, philosophies and research-based findings.

2. Curriculum

You’ll learn about the National Curriculum for each core subject – English, Mathematics, Science and ICT – and how to plan, teach and assess it across the whole Primary age range. A Broad Curriculum double module will also prepare you to teach the full range of non-core subjects in the Primary curriculum, with the support of an experienced teacher.

3. Specialist Subject Strand

You’ll follow this both at Edge Hill University and in school. This will enable you to pursue your own interests and prepare for an eventual leadership role in school, developing your knowledge of your chosen specialist subject and researching the role of a subject leader in the Primary school.

If undertaking the flexible programme, you may not need to undertake all the above study programme, work placements and methods of assessment, depending on your level and experience and which pathway you undertake.

How will I study?

A combination of academic study, group discussion and reflection, and practical, work-based learning in the classroom will give you the knowledge and skills you need to become an excellent teacher. You will be supported by online and distance learning materials and encouraged to develop key skills, including the use of ICT, to support your own learning.

Flexible Pathway B is a distance-learning pathway. You will learn mainly through directed and independent study, backed up by eight days of face-to-face teaching.

Placement

If undertaking the standard PGCE, you'll spend 95 days in school over four placements, including at least one block placement in Key Stage 1 (5-7 years) and one in Key Stage 2 (7-11 years). Here, you will work alongside mentors and peers to further your professional development. Your teaching timetable will increase in relation to responsibility, as your training progresses and you become more confident and competent in the classroom. You will progressively assume the responsibility for the children and their achievement and progress, involving excellence in teaching, learning and assessment.

How will I be assessed?

A balanced combination of coursework and observed classroom experience will be assessed against the Professional Standards for QTS.

You will also complete:

• Edge Hill subject knowledge tests in English, Mathematics, Science and ICT.
• QTS skills tests in Numeracy, Literacy and ICT – must be passed before you receive your PGCE.
• A Career Entry Development Profile (CEDP) – serves as a bridge between your PGCE programme and your Induction Year as an NQT.

What are my career prospects?

Successful completion of this programme will allow you to gain a recommendation for QTS and progress onto employment as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) within a Primary school.

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 very 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 courses for teachers in the country. You could gain further qualifications through your work in schools and colleges, or through further in-depth study.

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. The fee for flexible PGCE students in academic year 2012/13 is £75 per credit (120 credits are required to complete the PGCE). Eligible full-time and flexible 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.

Both full-time and flexible UK students joining this PGCE in academic year 2012/13 may be eligible for a bursary, worth £9,000 to students with a first class honours degree and £5,000 to 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.

In addition to the above, eligible full-time students can apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University also 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.

For more information on financial support for flexible PGCE students in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/pgcefees2012flex.

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 with QTS
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education
• QTS only

Where can I find out more?

More information is available on the Primary PGCE:

• Programme Structure
• Pathway A Example
• Pathway B Examples
• Pathway C Outline
• Entry Requirements
• Interview Preparation
• Selection at Interview
• Support
• Contacts

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.