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PGCE Secondary - Design and Technology
In a world where new products and technological innovations appear daily, Design and Technology has never been more relevant.
This programme will prepare you to become a successful and valued member of a secondary school department and develop your ability to teach pupils aged 11 -16 to meet the QTS Standards. There are also opportunities to undertake university based education for planning, teaching and assessing the post-16 age range.
Good teachers in this subject are always in demand, so employment prospects are excellent.
Course Structure and Content
The National Curriculum requires all pupils to study Design and Technology to the age of 14 with the option to continue their studies to GCSE level. Most schools employ a range of specialists to deliver the curriculum so prospective teachers need to be able to teach in two of the four specialisms;
- Textiles Technology
- Resistant Materials (wood, metal and plastics)
- ECT (electronics and communications technology)
- Food Technology
Design and Technology teachers share a common understanding of the philosophy of designing and making. This coherent approach is what makes the Design and Technology experience for pupils and teachers so exciting and rewarding. The PGCE programme develops this approach through working together, irrespective of specialism, for many components of the University programme.
Through this approach the programme provides you with the opportunity to enhance your own expertise whilst exploring a range of approaches to teaching, learning and assessment within your specialist areas.
The other major element of the programme is the Professional Studies component. This offers a mix of experiences both in school, at the university and other settings. It positions you in the broader context of professional practice and considers key issues which take you beyond the confines of the traditional curriculum. All professional studies themes are developed further in the subject specialist context.
Teaching Methods and Resources
The programme has two key components, study based at the University and teaching phases based in school. The work undertaken at the University consists of taught sessions that explore approaches to teaching and learning in the different aspects of Design and Technology. By their very nature many of these sessions are delivered as practical 'hands on' sessions which also offer the chance to enhance your subject knowledge. For some sessions on issues such as assessment, maintaining a safe learning environment or lesson planning, the whole group works together. For the remainder of the time you will work with tutors within your own chosen specialism. School phases provide the opportunity to put this into practice with all the support and guidance that you need.
We have new specialist rooms and facilities and the programme emphasises the use of the latest materials, components, ICT applications, CAD/CAM (such as laser cutting and 3D printing), interactive whiteboards and PIC technology in electronics.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the General Entry Requirements you will need a degree which relates closely to one of the four specialisms within the subject. A degree that relates reasonably well might also be acceptable if you already have good practical skills that cover the types of processes used in school. If you have a Food Technology degree you need to also have expertise in one of the other specialisms. It is very important that you have seen Design and Technology recently in at least one good department as the subject has changed a great deal in the last ten years.
Student Profile
The programme was recommended to me as it covered both Textiles and Food subjects. I found that the balance of time in school and at university worked well. I was taught by a wide variety of teachers in schools and university staff so I was able to learn from a range of teaching styles. The professional studies element of the programme, in a school, gave me a valuable insight into school issues. I was also offered very good schools in which to undertake my teaching experiences. Before I came to study, I was a university lecturer but I wanted to expand my knowledge gained in my Fashion and Textile Design degree. Since finishing the programme, I am working as a Textile and Food teacher at a school in Dorset. I am also a Year 12 tutor and next year I will be starting a new A-level Textiles course at the school. Overall I found that my PGCE year prepared me thoroughly for my NQT year.
Marion Beck, PGCE Secondary Design and Technology 2008.
