Why choose this course?

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Physical Education is an ideal option for students who wish to become physical education teachers. This course equips you with the qualifications and skills needed to teach physical education in a variety of secondary-level educational settings.

The PGCE in Physical Education for secondary school level covers topics such as professional learning for development, professional standards for teachers and subject specific teaching. Consequently, students gain a holistic understanding of the subject matter that can be used in teaching. You will learn how to develop skills, knowledge, and understanding for teaching physical education through a combination of university-led and school-led training.

Our aim is to inspire a generation to become physically literate and active by providing well prepared, high-quality physical education experiences for all students. Your training will focus on teaching physical education to students in the 11-16 age group within the secondary age phase. You will also receive additional primary and post-16 training.

How are you awarded throughout a PGCE in Physical Education degree?

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Education provides high-quality training for those who intend to teach in secondary schools. 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. Successful completion of the course will lead to recommendation for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), along with 60 credits at Master’s level.

Potential Career Paths

The PGCE in Secondary Education leads to recommendation for QTS, and enables you to take up a qualified teaching post in a secondary school. In secondary schools you could be considered for a Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR), which may comprise any of the following:

Leading a particular subject as head of department, faculty, or curriculum

Leading the achievement of a particular age group as head of year or key stage coordinator

Leading a particular area such as special education needs or pastoral care (i.e. personal guidance)

Later, you could progress to a senior leadership position such as a deputy or assistant head and head teacher, at which point you will have overall responsibility for the leadership and management of a school and the education its students receive.