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PGCE Secondary - Physical Education
Closed for entry in 2012!
This programme prepares you to become a confident and effective teacher of PE in secondary schools to pupils aged 11-16, in line with National Curriculum requirements at Key Stages 3 and 4.
Physical Education is one of the most popular subjects within the school curriculum and it was the fastest growing GCSE subject in terms of the numbers of schools and pupils who were opting to take it. The delivery of the programme will take place primarily in a local school which the university has very strong links with.
Course Structure and Content
At the start of the programme there is a week long residential course which deals with the area of Outdoor and Adventurous Activities and this is then followed by a further week of courses to boost your subject knowledge covering other activity areas within the PE National Curriculum.
You will also undertake additional school phases away from the central school, in accordance with the PGCE Secondary Programme Structure and Content, which will build upon and reinforce the school based education. You will plan, teach and assess PE lessons across the full range of subject activities, taking into account health and safety factors and children's physical and motor development.
You will develop knowledge and practical skills in dance, gymnastics, swimming, athletics, games and outdoor and adventurous activities and take part in a variety of practical sessions in specific activities which are included within the typical school PE curriculum. In addition to this, you will take an accredited First Aid course and opportunities will be provided to take part in some coaching and officiating courses which will be organised within the local schools partnership.
Alongside this practical work there will also be an emphasis on developing knowledge and understanding of children's physical and motor development and expectations in fundamental motor skills. A comprehensive knowledge of Programmes of Study and Level Descriptors in the National Curriculum Orders for PE, including progression from Key Stage 2, will also be developed. In addition there will be an emphasis on developing an understanding of progression in PE and how Level Descriptors and Core Tasks can be used for target setting and monitoring progress. Knowledge of the specifications for public examination courses at GCSE, AS/A2 level, GNVQ and other post-16 courses will also be promoted. The programme will enable you to meet the QTS Standards in respect of pupils aged 11-16.
Teaching Methods and Resources
Within this one year programme you will have a combination of University based activities, which cover the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching PE, and school based phases. These school phases are in two main blocks with a six week phase from November until the Christmas break and a longer second phase commencing in February until June. In addition to this, you will also spend some time in school in specific PE departments and also in schools developing your professional values and practice when considering the general roles and duties which are required for all teachers within the secondary sector.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the General Entry Requirements, you are required to have a minimum 2.2 honours degree in Sports Studies, Sports Science or PE. It is also advantageous if applicants have had some relevant teaching, or teaching assistant, experience within secondary schools and if they have obtained any national governing body coaching awards.
Student Profile
I chose the course for its strong reputation and the opportunity to get involved in teaching straight away as the course is based at Culverhay School. This allowed us to gain additional experience in teaching and also prepared us well for our school phases. The small size of the course meant that it was easy to get involved and get to know everyone. The course was well structured and knowledge was developed in all areas of the new and old curriculum along with experience of GCSE and A-Level PE. I am sure others will find the course as supportive and informative as I have.
Rebecca Hill, PGCE Secondary PE 2009.
