Bath Spa University
We are delighted to be working in partnership with Bath Spa University to provide the PGCE element of our course.
The Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) is an academic qualification that supports training for Primary and Secondary teachers and the journey towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This particular PGCE is designed specifically for those training through a School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme. Bath Spa University delivers and assesses the academic assignments and, subsequently, awards the Secondary PGCE. As the PGCE is inextricably linked to QTS, it can only be awarded following the successful completion of two assignments and confirmation of a recommendation for QTS.
The SCITT PGCE aims to provide you with structured opportunities to explore what educational research says about the classroom, Secondary school and the educational system as a whole. It is intended to make you pause, think, analyse, explore, reflect and question. The SCITT PGCE is made up of 60 Level 7 Masters credits; each assignment aims to extend your understanding of a key aspect of Secondary school life and will involve you in some in-depth analysis of professional practice, such that the ideas that you encounter in research and reading will have a direct impact on your practice as a developing teacher. The assignments focus on the concept of learning in the classroom, developing your criticality of theory and research, as well as your reflection on practice.
This programme has been designed with SCITTs, so that it complements the programme of training; it is a PGCE designed for SCITTs, with SCITTs.
Programme Aims
1. To provide opportunities for students to research, question, debate and reflect on the roles and responsibilities of being a professional Secondary teacher and subject specialist.
2. To offer students opportunities to engage in profession, subject and curriculum exploration that will result in a conceptual and practical understanding of Secondary specialism.
3. To support students in developing their knowledge and understanding of how to create engaging and challenging learning environments that impact positively on children’s learning and development.
4. To provide opportunities to develop and reflect on the necessary qualities and attributes for success in the teaching profession.
5. To facilitate students’ critical thinking and analysis of education in a contemporary context
The PGCE is made up of 2 assignments, each worth 30 credits.
Students will be supported in their development towards the two summative assessments by appropriate formative exercises.
Each assignment is assessed through 3 elements:
- 2000 word written essay
- 15 minute recorded presentation
- Portfolio of evidence
Module 1: pedagogy focus
In this module, you will explore how the learning of pupils can be planned for and developed within different lessons or a series of lessons. You will consider a range of pedagogies and then explore specific methods that you have observed and can put into practice in your own Secondary school classroom. In doing so, you will use and evaluate pedagogic approaches to teaching, considering the impact that these can have in enabling pupils to learn.
Module 2: adaptive teaching focus
In this module, you will explore how adaptive teaching can create inclusive classrooms in Secondary schools, so that all pupils can be supported in their learning. You will consider the different approaches that can be taken to support a variety of pupil needs, through academic reading, observation of colleagues, discussions with specialists and implementation in your own Secondary school classroom.
