Are you considering a career in teaching?
Introduction
The full-time Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is an intensive one-year course followed by a further year of consolidated training; the Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) year. Two-thirds of your time during the PGCE year will be spent in classrooms (minimum of 120 days) with the remainder spent at the University with a full programme of workshops, seminars and tutorials.
You will gradually be introduced into whole class teaching; initially it is likely that you will observe lessons and work with small groups of pupils. The expectation, though, is that you will quickly develop the skills and confidence to work with whole classes, with the support of your school-based mentor.
During your NQT year you will be employed to teach in a school where you will be supported by trained NQT mentors, in addition there will be training opportunities offered by the University. The School of Education has also specifically developed post- graduate courses for teachers in the early years of teaching that will allow you to turn your PGCE Masters level credits into a full Master’s award within five years.
Secondary PGCE courses
All our course programmes are designed for people who aspire to become excellent teachers and who wish to combine their learning through practice in a classroom with an understanding of some of the theory that underpins effective teaching and learning. The active modelling of good practice by our tutors helps us train you to be a reflective and dynamic practitioner who is committed to promoting the learning of all pupils in your classes and to helping every youngster make progress and succeed.
Our PGCE Secondary course will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach your chosen curriculum subject across the 11-18 age range. The course has two closely linked parts: School Based Experience and University Based Experience. During the course, you will spend time in two placement schools from the partnership group. Whilst in school, you will work closely with your Curriculum Mentor (who will be a member of your subject Department) and experience lesson observation, team teaching, working with small groups and teaching whole classes of pupils. University-based work is mainly subject focussed. Time spent in the University enables us to prepare you for your school experiences, evaluate your school-based work and plan ahead; and it allows you to share your experiences with other trainee teachers.
In addition, the University of Southampton is one of only a handful of teacher training institutions which offer the opportunity to gain additional qualifications such as the PSHE Association’s Chartered Teacher (NQT) Certificate and the NSPCC Child Protection award. Candidates should note that the majority of schools in the Southampton partnership serve 11-16 cohorts but opportunities are available to suitably qualified trainees to gain post-16 experience in schools offering the 11-18 range. You should also note that Qualified Teacher Status is awarded for the 11-16 age range, but our trainee teachers are regularly appointed to posts in the 11-18 sector for their Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) year.
Selection for interview
All candidates also need to have GCSE’s in Mathematics and English Language at grade C or above (or the equivalent qualifications).
You will be selected for interview based on the following:
- your application shows good prior knowledge from your degree AND/OR
- the application shows good experience has been gained through observation (or other) in a school or college AND/OR
- the application is well written and persuasive.
The selection criteria applied is:
- enthusiasm and good subject knowledge and/or ability to learn further
- good knowledge of educational issues and a strong sense of the professional demands
- good interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively
A good academic reference must also be provided from your most recent University or in some cases an employer (where you have been away from studying for some time).
