PGCE Secondary Art and Design

A culturally diverse approach to critical studies fosters an integrated and creative approach to teaching Art and Design.

Based on the Artist Teacher model so you will be encouraged to develop your own practical and critical subject skills during the programme.

Successful graduates valued within the local art educational community, and are frequently invited to apply for positions within placement school art departments.

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.

Why study PGCE Secondary 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.

Course structure

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.

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.

Course assessment

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.

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) 875624.

teaching@bathspa.ac.uk.

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.

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...

I chose this PGCE programme because of the integration between studio based practice and the school phases. As a practising 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