Students sat round a table study a globe.

PGCE Secondary Geography with QTS (11-16)

Learn how to equip secondary school pupils aged 11-16 with practical research skills and knowledge of the world around them as you discover the latest curriculum requirements in Geography and gain recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status.

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    Overview

    Covid-19 - Secondary Geography with QTS (11-16) Essential Information

    View essential information and videos about the changes to teaching and learning and campus facilities from September 2020
    UCAS Code: F8X1
    Course Length: 1 Year Full-Time
    Start Dates: September 2021
    Subjects: Education and Teaching
    Location: Edge Hill University
    Clearing & Adjustment: Places Available

    Successful completion of the programme leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

    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. You will experience professional training, delivered to the highest standards, immersing you in the very latest teaching and learning pedagogies.

    The aim is to develop your 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.

    If you are a graduate and want to develop secondary school pupils’ practical research skills and knowledge of the world around them, this is the programme for you.

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    In Depth

    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 aims to develop a reflective and critically analytical approach to education.

    You will 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. The focus initially is on observation and supporting teaching and learning. Your teaching timetable will increase as your training progresses and you become more confident and competent in the classroom.

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

    How will I be assessed?

    A balanced combination of coursework and observed classroom experience will be assessed against academic criteria at Level 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.

    Before the end of your PGCE you will need to complete a Career Entry and Development Profile (CEDP) which acts as a useful bridge between your initial teacher training programme and your Induction Year as a Newly Qualified Teacher.

    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.

    A Great Study Environment

    The Faculty of Education has been at the forefront of teacher education for more than 130 years and today enjoys the enviable position of being one of the country’s leading providers of education, training and research for the children’s workforce.

    Housed in a state-of-the-art £9m building, the Faculty of Education’s facilities include a 300-seat lecture theatre, five well-equipped ICT suites, and 18 teaching rooms complete with the latest technology.

    The Faculty has a strong commitment to practice-based learning and has developed partnerships with over 2,000 schools and colleges, local authorities and professional associations.

    Modules

    Expand All

    SGE4010Developing Subject Knowledge and Pedagogy in Geography (30 credits)

    Developing Subject Knowledge and Pedagogy in Geography prepares you to become an outstanding teacher with the desire and capability to continually improve your subject knowledge and pedagogy in order to enhance the learning of pupils throughout your future teaching career. The module has a joint academic and professional focus and is centred on strands such as enhancing your subject knowledge, developing curriculum knowledge, examining subject pedagogy and its application to practice, linking your training to school improvement via dissemination in placement settings, and critically reflecting on practice.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    SGE4011Planning for Effective Teaching and Learning in Geography (30 credits)

    Planning for Effective Teaching and Learning in Geography enables you to consider effective teaching in geography through the discussion and evaluation of alternative approaches. In addition, the module will analyse the role of geography in the curriculum and examine how it contributes to a range of whole-school issues. There will be a clear focus on the planning, teaching and assessment cycle, which lies at the heart of the most effective professional practice, and on evaluation and review, which lies at the heart of ongoing professional development.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    SGE4012Research and Practice in Geography (30 credits)

    Research and Practice in Geography provides an opportunity to individualise and extend your learning through engagement with areas of particular interest, expertise and/or identified areas for development within geography education. The module will enable you to engage in relevant classroom-based research in order to make informed judgements and decisions which impact on teaching and learning. These research outcomes will not only improve your individual practice but will also benefit the educational settings in which the research is conducted. The module presents the scope for this research to take place in a variety of educational settings and to reflect current and emerging educational policies and initiatives.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    SRP4001Reflective Professional Practice (30 credits)

    Reflective Professional Practice clearly links reflective based practice with theory to engage you with the main areas of debate within the evolving policies and practices of the educational world and enable you to apply what you learn from this to your practice. The aim is for you to become a reflective practitioner in line with the Teachers’ Standards (2012). The module will encourage you to apply and develop your understanding of the links between professional development and theory while also consolidating within you the holistic professionalism of a training teacher.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    SRP4002Professional Practice 1 (30 credits)

    Professional Practice 1 is a school-based module which introduces you to practical aspects of the role of a teacher. The focus initially is on observation and supporting teaching and learning as you engage in teaching commitments in line with your individual training needs. You will progress to undertake approximately 50% of a full teaching timetable and develop responsibilities for planning, teaching and assessing learners. Regular self-target setting and reflection, supported by practice-based mentors, are key features of the module.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    SRP4003Professional Practice 2 (30 credits)

    Professional Practice 2 provides a final phase to your professional practice in a different educational setting to that of your previous placement. The module takes place in a school which will provide the necessary progression and consolidation of your skills as you undertake approximately 70% of a full teaching timetable. The aim is for you to become autonomous in your needs and targets, ready to graduate as a Newly Qualified Teacher.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    120 academic credits are studied on the programme in total, in addition to 60 ungraded credits for the Professional Practice modules.

    Timetables

    Timetables for your induction week are normally available in August prior to enrolment. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your induction week. While we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week.

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

    Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

    Entry Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    To join this PGCE, you will be expected to have:

    • A degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject. Non-relevant subjects may be considered if you have an A Level (or equivalent qualification) in Geography and a willingness to engage in subject knowledge enhancement;
    • GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent qualification);
    • Satisfactory levels of Information and Communications Technology competence;
    • A commitment to, and understanding of, secondary education, demonstrating the personal attributes, values and motivation required to train as a teacher.

    Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics.

    EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

    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 Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

    English Language Requirements

    International students require IELTS 6.5, with a score no lower than 6.0 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

    If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

    Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?

    If you want to teach Geography but have an insufficient level of the subject in your degree, our subject knowledge enhancement course in Geography could help prepare you to train to teach the subject effectively.

    Some offers will be conditional upon completing a subject knowledge enhancement course but the enhancement programme does not necessarily qualify you for a place on the PGCE Secondary Geography (Age Phase 11-16) with QTS 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.

    An early application to join this PGCE is advised if you wish to have the option of completing a subject knowledge enhancement course.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’). This may include credit or learning undertaken at another university.

    Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

    Career Prospects

    What are my career prospects?

    This PGCE is accredited by the Department for Education. Successful completion of the programme will enable you to gain recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You will be well placed to progress into employment as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) of Geography at secondary school level.

    Our proactive careers 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.

    Finance

    Tuition Fees

    If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this PGCE in academic year 2021/22, the tuition fee will be £9,250 (subject to final Government approval). Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2021/22 are £13,500. Exemptions apply for EU students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, who may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

    Financial Support

    Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this PGCE can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the programme may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

    For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining this programme in academic year 2021/22, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2021/22 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/pgcefinance2021.

    EU students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals should apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).

    Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

    Scholarships

    Ten scholarship winners sitting together in a lecture theatre at the Scholarship Awards Evening.Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time PGCE students.

    These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.

    To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

    Apply

    How to Apply

    Apply online through UCAS Teacher Training at www.ucas.com/apply/teacher-training.

    Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucasteachertraining to find out more about the application process.

    Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

    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.

    Visit Us

    If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

    Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about our full range of events for prospective students, including campus tours and virtual activities, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

    Request a Prospectus

    If you would like to explore our full range of PGCEs before you apply, you can order a PGCE prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/pgceprospectus.

    Get in Touch

    If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

    If you would like to talk to the programme leader about the course in more detail, please contact:

    International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.

    A prospective student and her parents read a printed open day guide while stood on a bridge near the Catalyst building.

    Course Changes

    Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

    27th October 2020 - Change of Programme Title

    The title of this programme has changed from PGCE Secondary Geography (Age Phase 11-16) with QTS to PGCE Secondary Geography with QTS (11-16).

    2nd October 2019 - Change to Entry Requirements

    The wording around degree requirements has been updated to:

    A first or second class Honours degree in a relevant subject from a UK university (or equivalent qualification). Non-relevant degree subjects may be considered if you have an A Level (or equivalent qualification) in Geography and a willingness to engage in subject knowledge enhancement.

    18th July 2019 - Change to Entry Requirements

    Professional Skills Tests have been removed from the entry criteria for September 2020 entry onwards. Details of the replacement for the tests are still to be announced, however they will be benchmarked against a defined set of English and Mathematics skills that students will be expected to have by the end of the course (rather than at the point of entry).

    The Professional Skills Tests remain part of the entry requirements for September 2019 entry in line with Government policy.

    Covid-19 - Secondary Geography with QTS (11-16) Essential Information

    Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2020

    In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, answers your questions and explains how teaching will work when you join us at Edge Hill University in September.

    Campus Facilities at Edge Hill University in 2020

    In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, explains how we’re preparing the campus for your arrival in September and the facilities that will be available.