PGCE Secondary Physical Education

Opportunities to undertake post-16 enhancement work, with University based sessions on planning, teaching and assessment at post-16.

Prospective teachers are able to take advantage of the opportunities offered by its location in a local partner school and enjoy the benefits of working very closely within a PE department for a majority of the programme.

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.

Why study PGCE Secondary Physical Education?

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.

Course structure

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, 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.

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)

Five Progress Review Points are held each year.  These assessment points review your attainment, professional learning and SMART target setting.

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 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.

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 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.