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PGCE Secondary - English
Course closed for 2010 entry!
The PGCE Secondary English programme is practical, theoretical and challenging and will enable you to teach English at every level of secondary education.
With a new National Curriculum, new GCSEs, new A-levels and new Diplomas, there is a lot going on in the world of English. The programme has been refined and developed in the light of these developments to create the best possible start to your teaching career.
The programme will enable you to meet the QTS Standards for Key Stages 3 and 4, alongside opportunities to undertake post-16 enhancement work with education for planning, teaching and assessing.
Course Structure and Content
The English National Curriculum is still very much a live debate in the world of education, having been completely revised for 2008, and this programme provides ample opportunity for critical discussion of the principles and practice of teaching and learning in this core subject. You will gain insight and understanding as to the place of English education within the context of the National Strategy, and there will be many opportunities for you to observe excellent practice in English teaching as you work alongside teachers and pupils in a range of schools.
In addition to the focus at Key Stages 3 and 4, you will gain an insight into the implementation of exam specifications from Key Stage 4 through to AS and A2 level. The importance of ICT, drama and media education within the context of the English classroom will also be addressed on a very practical level: there is an emphasis on the innovative and effective use of ICT, opportunities to participate in Shakespeare workshops with professional actors, and a range of activities designed to develop your understanding of the media and its place in the English classroom. Class management issues are raised and you will be encouraged to develop a skilful mix of whole class teaching, small group collaborative work and independent learning strategies, to provide for a range of activities meeting all the attainment targets for the National Curriculum. Differentiation is strongly emphasised to enable you to plan and provide for the individual requirements of a range of pupils of differing abilities.
You will be encouraged to develop your own subject expertise and learn from the specialisms of your colleagues on the programme.
The wide variety of prospective teachers who bring experience from many different areas to their teaching, combined with the enthusiasm of the school-based mentors, make this a fantastic programme to study. The year starts with a workshop on a Shakespeare play with a professional actor and the scripting, filming and editing of a short video on English teaching; the range of aspects that the programme goes on to cover is vast, from traditional English Literature to Media Studies to Drama to Key Skills to cross-curricular work with other subjects.
Lorna Smith and Stephen Miles, Programme Leaders.
Teaching Methods and Resources
Throughout the programme you will be provided with an excellent support network through tutorials, visiting speakers, and partner schools. We expect you to take responsibility for your learning journey; however, we have shaped the programme to suit your needs as you become attuned to the learning environment of the classroom. Our partner schools are equally committed to ensuring that your education is of a high standard.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the General Entry Requirements, you are required to have a 2.2 honours degree or above, with at least 50% English, such as English Language, English Literature, linguistics, literary studies, theatre or media studies. Joint degrees must have a text-based second subject. In addition you need a good English A-Level and to be able to support your application with an academic reference and experience of observing and/or working in schools.