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PGCE Primary and Early Years
The Bath Spa Initial Teacher Education PGCE Primary and Early Years programmes have been planned and developed in partnership with schools and Early Years settings.
In May, 2011, Ofsted reported that a key strength of the programme was “the cohesion between central and school-based training”. They also reported that “a very clear and well-articulated philosophy, which has the needs of learners at its heart, underpins all aspects of the primary and early years programmes.” As stated in their report the Primary and Early Years BSTs are, “highly reflective and take full responsibility for their own learning and classroom practice.”
Course Structure and Content
There are four routes to choose from:
- Primary and Early Years 5-11 age phase full-time; - Closed for entry in 2012
- Primary and early Years 7-11 age phase full-time; - Closed for entry in 2012
- Primary and Early Years 3-7 age phase full-time; - Closed for entry in 2012
- Primary and Early Years 3-7 age phase part-time.
A Developmental Approach
The developmental nature of becoming a teacher is recognised throughout both the University and school phases of the programmes. From application to completion we will ensure you are aware of the progress you are making towards achieving your goal of becoming a teacher. Working together in close partnership with schools and settings we will support you in developing the attributes, skills and knowledge necessary to being a successful member of the teaching profession.
Throughout the programmes there is a dynamic relationship between your education in the university and your education in schools and it is essential that you recognise this connection. As you progress through the programme you will be supported in understanding the integration of these two important aspects.
During the University phase of the programmes you will be taught in lectures, seminars and workshops. You will have a personal tutor who will regularly meet with you to review your progress as well as visiting you during your assessed school phases. There will also be opportunities to explore the potential for learning within historical and cultural settings in Bath.
During the school phases of the programmes you will be supported by a school-based mentor as well as your university personal tutor. Your mentor and university tutor will work together to assess and monitor your progress as well as offering you advice and opportunities to reflect on and improve your performance as a teacher.
Full-Time PGCE Primary (5-11 age phase), (7-11 age phase) and Early Years (3-7 age phase)
The full-time programmes last for approximately 37 weeks, 18 of which are spent in a school or educational settings. Throughout the programmes we will explore models of teaching and the many ways in which young children develop and learn. Emphases will also be placed on the importance of parents/carers, families, schools/settings and communities and the impact of these on children’s learning and well-being. On the full time programme and during the University phases you will attend the University for three full days and school for two full days each week.
For those following the 5-11 age phase your school-based assessment will take place in Key Stage 1 (5-7) and Key Stage 2 (7-11).
For those following the 7-11 age phase your school-based assessment will take place in upper and lower Key Stage 2 (7-11).
For those following the 3-7 age phase your school or setting assessment will take place in the Early Years Foundation Stage (3-5) and in Key Stage 1 (5-7).
Part-Time (3-7 age phase)
The programme lasts for 20 months from September until April of the following academic year. It has been designed so that you can attend university-based education or serial school days for a maximum of two days a week except when on assessed school phases. The programme is aimed at those people who wish to continue working within Early Years settings or schools, those who have family or other commitments, and/or those who prefer to study over a longer period of time. On the part-time programme you will attend the University for one or two days per week.
The part-time programme is taught mainly in a school-based venue, near to the university, enabling enhanced access to teachers and children in a learning context.
For those following the part time 3-7 age phase your school or setting assessment will take place in the Early Years Foundation Stage (3-5) and in Key Stage 1 (5-7).
Assessment Methods
In order to be recommended for one of the PGCE awards you will be required to undertake a range of assignments which assess your knowledge and understanding of issues and practices related to teaching and learning. If you select the Postgraduate option these assignments will require additional study and a higher level of critical analysis.
You will be required to pass two assessed school/setting phases which will demonstrate your understanding and skills in planning for, teaching and assessing children’s learning.
You will also need to complete the National Skills tests in mathematics, English and ICT.
All of the above assessments will demonstrate that you have met the National Standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Entry Requirements
In addition to the general entry requirements you will need a good honours degree (preferably 2:1 or above) which can be in any subject area, though your educational background should provide a good foundation for primary and early years teaching.
Student Profiles
Going into a new university from studying Theology at Bristol was always going to make me apprehensive, but within the first five minutes of meeting fellow Bath Spa Teachers and course leaders I felt like this was going to be a good year. The PGCE course provides the ultimate teaching package – subject experts to impart their wisdom, placements in a variety of schools across the region, and even the opportunity to perform Shakespeare and sing in a gospel choir! Yes, there are the essays and countless acronyms to learn, but you will meet fantastic friends, fantastic teachers, and fantastic children.
Edward Powe, PGCE Primary and Early Years 2010.
I have always wanted to be a teacher and the programme at Bath Spa University was perfect! It included a wide range of focus areas, all of which are essential in the development of effective practitioners. It also incorporated a variety of assessment methods; from subject knowledge and understanding, to teaching ability and skills. The programme had a great balance between time spent at university, to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills required for teaching, and time spent in schools to put these skills into practice. Having completed a degree in Education and Geography at Bath Spa, I was familiar with the university and knew the teacher education programme was very highly rated. Everybody is very welcoming and friendly and there are loads of opportunities to meet new people and make new friends. The course leaders and lecturers are also all very approachable and supportive.
Louise Foxwell, PGCE Primary and Early Years 2009.
I've always wanted to teach, I think primary school is such an important stage of education – if you can get a child to love learning at this age then you've got them for life! Bath Spa has got fantastic links with local schools and although it can be a lot of work at times, there is loads of help to ensure you make the most of it. Other universities couldn't match what Bath Spa offered: It's got a great reputation, is highly regarded by schools across the country, has good facilities and excellent support. And how many other unis have got grounds like Newton Park? Apart from the beautiful surroundings, there's a really creative vibe around the place. I also made some great friends and contacts. I had spent four years working for the MP in Bath, and before that I was a dairy farmer and I'm always surprised how often I use things I learnt in these jobs when I'm in the classroom. I was offered a job at my placement school in Bath. I've been teaching a Year 3 class there ever since. Choosing Bath Spa has turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life!
Matt Williams, PGCE Primary and Early Years 2008.
