Why choose this course?

Our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Education provides a high standard of training for those preparing to take up a teaching post in the secondary school sector. The course complies with the statutory guidance from the Department for Education for Initial Teacher Training courses.

The PGCE in Secondary Education is specifically designed to ensure that those who are successful will be recommended for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - the professional award required by all those who wish to teach in a maintained school.

Psychology is an exciting secondary school curriculum subject. It covers topics such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, bio-psychology, developmental psychology, psychopathology, psychological approaches, applied psychology, issues and debates in psychology, research methods and statistics. As a trainee you will learn how to teach psychology to pupils in the 14-19 age range within the secondary age phase, with additional experience in the 11-14 age range and primary enhancements. You will learn how to develop skills, knowledge and understanding for teaching psychology through a combination of university-led and school-led training.

Successful completion of the course will lead to recommendation for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), along with 60 credits at Masters level.

What happens on the course?

Over this one year course, you will undertake learning at University and other educational settings. You will spend 120 days divided between at least two different school placements across the 14-19 age range, with additional experience in the 11-14 age range within the secondary age phase.

Your University tutor team is available to assist you throughout your training, supporting development of reflection. Every effort is made to ensure that high-quality school placements are provided to you, facilitating learning through observing, co-teaching and being observed by experienced teachers in the classroom.

All course modules provide examples of good practice in pedagogy which you will reflect upon as you develop your own teaching style - you will be expected to actively participate in your own learning and development.

Teaching on the course comprises a variety of methodologies that will prepare you for life in the classroom including teacher-led discussions, pupil-led exploration, peer-group discovery, problem based learning, e-learning and the provision of individual targets.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways including written assignments classroom based investigation and other school-based activities, and appraisal of practical teaching skills.