English Subject Knowledge Enhancement

Develop subject knowledge in English and prepare to teach the subject effectively to learners aged 11-16 on this flexible free enhancement course for those with an offer of a place on our PGCE in Secondary English.

Overview

Course length:	8 weeks full-time
Start dates:	July 2024
Location:	Edge Hill University and Online study
Subject(s):	Education and Teaching
Faculty:	Education
Department:	Secondary and Further Education

A student attends a seminar, with her tablet on the desk in front of her.

If you have applied to study on the PGCE Secondary English with QTS (11-16) at Edge Hill University and require enhancement of your subject knowledge, then this course could be for you.

The aim of the course is to develop your subject knowledge in English to prepare you to teach the conceptual and applied aspects of the subject effectively, with competence, enthusiasm and confidence, to learners aged 11-16 years. Trainees will be encouraged to prepare for teaching A Level topics where appropriate.

What you'll study

If you have a degree in a related subject to English, or if your degree contains a small amount of English study alongside other subjects, and you wish to train as an English teacher, then this course will be suitable for you prior to a Secondary English PGCE. It is designed for applicants without the breadth and depth of English study in their degree who may need to improve their subject knowledge as a condition of entry to the PGCE.

The course is designed to address subject knowledge gaps in/around:

The place of grammar in the curriculum;
How to teach and model creative writing;
Non-fiction texts at Key Stages Three and Four;
Poetry from 1789, as well as other poetic traditions e.g. spoken word;
Drama, including bring Shakespeare to life;
How to inspire young people’s appreciation of 19^th century literature.

How you'll study

The course is divided into individual Units, each requiring 50 hours of learning time, normally within a space of two weeks. This learning will be a blend of face-to-face sessions, online learning and supported self-study, with one evening a week on campus.

You can expect to receive your timetable at enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day or evening of the week.

How you'll be assessed

There are no formal examinations. You will build a portfolio from directed activities.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

You may apply for the course if you have been offered a place on the PGCE Secondary English with QTS (11-16) at Edge Hill University.

Completion of this subject knowledge enhancement course may form part of your offer conditions for a place on the PGCE Secondary English with QTS (11-16). Please note, however, that completion of this subject knowledge enhancement course does not necessarily qualify you for a place on the PGCE unless this is made clear at the time the offer is made. This will be discussed with you if you are called for an interview.

How to apply

There is an online application process for this course.

Apply for all 2023 intake dates

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Facilities

Housed in a state-of-the-art £9million building, the Faculty of Education enjoys a stunning setting from both its lakeside and piazza buildings.

Facilities in the lakeside building include a 300-seat lecture theatre, five well-equipped ICT suites, and 18 teaching rooms complete with the latest technology. The lakeside building is also home to a popular vegan and vegetarian cafe where students can meet to socialise and discuss their studies.

The nearby piazza building offers modern facilities including a lecture theatre and a number of seminar rooms.