PGCE Primary and Early Years (7-11 Years) Full Time

The Primary and Early Years PGCE programmes are Ofsted Grade 1 and Bath Spa University is an Outstanding provider of Primary and Early Years Initial Teacher Education.

The PGCE Primary and Early Years programmes are tailored to support you in developing the professional attributes, knowledge, confidence and skills required for teaching in this age-phase.

The programmes are designed to enable you to demonstrate competence in the TA Teachers' Standards, and to prepare you to become a strong member of this demanding but rewarding profession.

Why study PGCE Primary and Early Years (7-11 Years) Full Time?

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

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 7-11 age phase your school-based assessment will take place in upper and lower Key Stage 2 (7-11).

Course assessment

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 and English.

All of the above assessments will demonstrate that you have met the National Standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

PGCE programmes are taught by highly qualified and experienced staff both in University and in partner schools or other settings. Teaching accommodation is located on the Newton Park campus, the Culverhay and Southdown sites and in several partner schools.

University teaching takes place in rooms equipped with relevant texts, equipment, training materials and electronic resources. Open access computer facilities are available. The University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Minerva) provides remote access to a wide range of resources.

Set texts are recommended for readings.

The Library holds a wide collection of teaching and learning resources. 

Teaching methods

Learning and teaching in PGCE programmes takes place through a combination of the following methods:

• tutorials at key points across the year
• lectures, seminars and workshops
• group activities: presentation; group discussion; role play and collaborative working
• independent learning
• peer support
• developing professional learning and practice in schools and settings
• blended learning employing electronic resources, including the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Minerva)
• observation of teachers’ practice, including other Bath Spa Teachers’ practice
• professional development activities undertaken in University and school or other settings

Course enquiries

Please contact the Admissions Officer:

Telephone: (01225) 875603.

teaching@bathspa.ac.uk.

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.

Career opportunities

All PGCE courses culminate in Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).  This enables qualified BST to apply for a wider range of teaching posts and other education based employment. 

What students say...

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.