PGCE Secondary English

The English PGCE is practical, theoretical and challenging.

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 PGCE Secondary English programme is practical, theoretical and challenging and will enable you to teach English at every level of secondary education.

The programme will enable you to meet the QTS Standards for Key Stages 3 and 4, alongside opportunities for planning, teaching and assessing the post-16 age range.

Why study PGCE Secondary English?

With changes in the National Curriculum, 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.

Course structure

The English National Curriculum is still very much a live debate in the world of education, 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 of the place of English education within the national context, 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, English Programme Leader.

Course assessment

A personalised process of continuous assessment ensures that learning is appropriate and effective. Assessment takes account of both the programme experience and the school or setting and includes researching developing practice through assignment tasks. Support is provided to develop a rigorous evidence-based account of your educational journey.
Assessment in all of the PGCE programmes is designed to be progressive and to assist you in the provision of evidence to support your achievement against the Standards for QTS.

PGCE programmes are assessed in University, school or other settings. The evidence base includes:

• Formally assessed assignments
• Professional dialogue in progress reviews
• The Professional Learning and Practice portfolio
• School phase reports and observations
• Professional development activities
• Subject knowledge tests and tasks (where appropriate)

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

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. Together with this, 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.

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 worked as a Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant after finishing University, and it was this experience that inspired me to become a teacher. I wanted an internationally recognised teaching qualification, so chose to do the PGCE at Bath Spa University. Bath Spa has a lovely setting and a great atmosphere, and it's also where I completed my degree in Creative English and Drama Studies. The level of support on the programme is excellent, with good communication between course leaders and Bath Spa Teachers and also between peers on the programme.

I think a good teacher needs to be organised, committed and hardworking with a desire to improve and develop things. My advice to graduates wishing to become a teacher is to get plenty of experience. School life, teaching and students are often different to your experience of education. I wouldn't be half as developed as I am if I hadn't worked as a Teaching Assistant: learning about teaching and learning as an adult, observing teachers every day and gaining experience in dealing with difficult issues such as behaviour.

Charlotte Foyle, PGCE Secondary English.

I've always loved reading and writing, and after years of living quite a selfish – if admittedly rather enjoyable – lifestyle I decided to use the strengths I have to help children. I know that sounds rather cheesy, but it about sums it up! I chose to study at Bath Spa University as it has a good reputation for Initial Teacher Education, and I've always loved the city. I particularly liked the school placements. You spend a lot of time teaching, rather than being taught, which really helps to build up experience and prepare you for the job. Other teaching courses give you a few weeks here and there and you possibly don't have the time to settle in. The main campus at Bath Spa is beautiful and the tutors on the programme are really knowledgeable, having been there and done it.

For anyone considering becoming a teacher, the most important thing as far as I'm concerned is to love working with the children. If you don't love that, you might as well go off and do something else. Endurance is essential as it can be a tough slog at times. Be prepared to work hard, and keep smiling - I hope you have a fabulous time.

William Saunders, PGCE Secondary English.