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PGCE Secondary - Art and Design
Closed for entry in 2012!
This programme utilises the excellent art facilities at Bath Spa including specialist art studios, library and grounds. Close integration between University and school-based programme components provides a thorough grounding in all aspects of art and design education at secondary level.
Course Structure and Content
The programme is divided into University and school-based elements. The University element includes a full programme of studio-based activities including two-dimensional work, sculptural techniques, ceramics, puppetry, print-making, textiles, photography, multimedia. University based work builds both specialist and cross curricular competence within the framework of the National Curriculum and external examination requirements for Art and Design.
A culturally diverse approach to critical studies fosters an integrated and creative approach to teaching Art and Design, as well as exploring the issues and strategies involved in teaching children within our pluralist society.
The school-based element will develop a practical grasp of the National Curriculum requirements for Art and Design at Key Stages 3 and 4. The programme will enable you to meet the QTS Standards in respect of pupils aged 11-16. There are opportunities to undertake university based education for planning, teaching and assessing the post-16 age range. It will also give you the opportunity to develop innovative approaches to Art and Design education through participating in cross-curricular projects with other subject specialisms, designing and implementing stimulating curriculum resources.
Teaching Methods and Resources
Your development is facilitated through continued studio practice across a wide range of media as well as through the building of professional generic skills during the University based elements of the programme. A comprehensive series of seminars and workshops provides the opportunity to extend understanding of a range of pedagogical methodologies within art and design, through a reflective approach to your own practice.
School-based work is central to the programme and a variety of school phases are provided in order to give you a broad experience of Art and Design education. This aspect of the programme involves a range of school phases which enables you to build confidence and competence across the whole period of the programme, participating in the pastoral and extra-curricular aspects of school life as well as being active within the art department.
Assessment is based on teaching performance and on satisfactory completion of assignments which build on your professional knowledge and understanding. This includes a portfolio which will provide evidence of your achievement at future interviews.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the General Entry Requirements, you are required to have at least a 2.2 degree in an Art and Design subject e.g. Fine Art, Ceramics, Textiles, Photography or Graphics. History of Art/Cultural Studies graduates will need to demonstrate their abilities in studio practice. All applicants will be asked to attend an interview with a portfolio of work. Interviews are structured in groups and will include opportunities to present your interests and experience, a presentation of an art educational topic plus written and numeric tasks.
Student Profiles
I chose this PGCE programme because of the integration between studio based practice and the school phases. As a practicing artist it enabled me to extend my practical subject knowledge and explore my own creative development, as well as start to build a deep understanding of pedagogy through the professional approach to planning and teaching. Bath Spa University is highly regarded, with an excellent reputation in Teaching and Learning. They have highly qualified and experienced staff who are passionate about their subjects. Both of my school placements were fantastic, with invaluable support given by my school mentor and the course leaders. I have really enjoyed this experience and feel I have grown in confidence both creatively and as a teacher.
Jude Maguire, PGCE Secondary Art and Design 2010.
As a practicing artist I really enjoy getting young people and children excited about making art. Doing a PGCE seemed like a natural progression for me after studying Fine Art at University. Teacher education at Bath Spa, and the PGCE course in Art and Design, has a great reputation and it is ideally situated to be close to many good schools in the surrounding area. I loved my course - there is a big emphasis on creativity, which is carried through to all the workshops, and which you then take into the school phases. I could not have asked for better school placements, and the support available from the course leaders throughout the school based time was invaluable.
Jemma Grundon, PGCE Secondary Art and Design 2009.
I have a first class degree in textiles and an MA in textiles from the Royal College of Art. Before starting my PGCE I was a freelance Textile Designer as well as working as a classroom assistant in primary schools and a mentor working with secondary school pupils. I wanted to do a PGCE in Art and Design and the programme at Bath Spa University has a good reputation. The Newton Park campus is set in beautiful grounds and it is also well situated for accessing the many secondary schools in the area. I particularly enjoyed the workshops that allow you to experience different specialist areas within art and design, as well as the school phases which give you invaluable experience.
Florence Vyner, PGCE Secondary Art and Design 2008.
