PGCE Secondary Psychology (Age Phase 14-19) - Assessment Only

Summary 2012/13

• Study with the largest provider of high quality secondary teacher training in the UK;
• Benefit from excellent teaching and learning opportunities;
• Prepare for the increasing opportunities that are emerging in schools to teach psychology at Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 as part of the science curriculum;

"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 suspended for September 2012 entry.

Edge Hill University is one of only five providers in the country offering a PGCE in Psychology. The programme recognises the growing numbers of pupils studying the subject in schools and the need for appropriately qualified teachers.

The Psychology PGCE will equip you with the academic, professional and vocational knowledge, understanding, skills and values necessary to become a high quality and skilled teacher of Psychology across the 14-19 age range in schools.

2012 Entry Requirements

To join this programme you should have:

• A first degree from a UK higher education institution or equivalent qualification, with a degree classification usually at 2:2 or above;
• Satisfactory levels of Information and Communications Technology competence;
• GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent qualification);
• Currently employed as a Psychology teacher, at a publicly funded school or college in the UK, without QTS status.

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?

This programme is for you if:

• You have a degree in or featuring Psychology;
• You want to help pupils aged 14 to 19 develop a variety of skills and excite their curiosity in explaining behaviour;
• You wish to learn the latest professional methods to make you a confident and capable teacher.

Our flexible programme is suitable if you are currently employed in a publicly funded school or college in the UK and don’t have QTS status. You may:

• Already have the required knowledge and experience to QTS standards, and simply require a recommendation for QTS status (Pathway A);
• Currently work, unqualified, in a school setting and require the formal PGCE qualification and recommendation for QTS status (Pathway B);

What will I gain from this programme?

You will be one of the first ever qualified teachers of psychology specifically trained to teach this popular subject. You will gain professional training, delivered to the highest of standards, to help you teach with confidence, having experienced the very latest teaching and learning pedagogies.

How we will support you

You will receive individually tailored support from your subject tutor at Edge Hill, and from mentors during each of your placements: 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 flexible route is individually tailored allowing a personalised training plan to be developed, accrediting prior learning and experience where possible and taking into consideration your needs in relation to content and length of study.

The individual nature of the programme and the mode of tutor/trainee face-to-face contact time means that there is an enhanced expectation for independent study and research. Such independent study and research would be guided and supported by use of the facilities on the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment and face-to-face tutorials.

The key features of the pathway are:

• Initial discussion and interview;
• Initial Needs Assessment where the individual training plan is developed;
• Tutorials and reviews as defined in the individual training plan;
• Final synoptic assessment;
• A self-managed Needs Assessment and training plan, with tutorial support, again enhanced by the use of a Virtual Learning Environment and if requested, face-to-face tutor/trainee tutorials. The Needs Assessment process looks at a trainee’s previous experience and/or achievement and measures this against the Professional Standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Placement

The Synoptic School Experience comprises a minimum of six weeks observed teaching plus two weeks preparation. The usual expectation is a ten week placement. This needs to be completed in a different school from the one which currently employs you and needs to be a continuous, full-time placement.

Who will be teaching me?

The course has been designed by a programme leader with many years of experience leading the subject in highly successful schools.

How will I be assessed?

You will be required to successfully complete the following:

• Needs Assessment and Individual Training Plan;
• Synoptic School Experience;
• QTS Skills Tests in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT;
• Career Entry and Development Profile.

What are my career prospects?

There is a huge demand for, and shortage of, qualified psychology teachers. You will be one of a small number of teachers specifically qualified to teach psychology with a qualification from a highly respected provider of teacher training.

Professional Accreditation

The programme is compliant with the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA)/ Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) Requirements for Initial Teacher Training (ITT) allowing applicants to demonstrate the Professional Standards for the Award of QTS.

Successful completion of the programme leads to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status.

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 and colleges, or through further in-depth study, such as our MA pathways.

Edge Hill’s Professional Development team will continue to support you and be available throughout your teaching career.

Related Programmes

• Secondary PGCE Psychology (Age Phase 14-19) - Standard Route

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

Tuition fees are still to be confirmed for the assessment-only route for academic year 2012/13. Please keep checking this page for updates.

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.

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 Karen McCormack on 01695 650994 or email karen.mccormack@edgehill.ac.uk.