PGCE QTS Primary Education (School Direct Route)

Course Content

• Course Details

  

  This course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG4 Quality Education.

  The PGCE courses focuses on the priorities of the Primary National Curriculum and national priorities. You will learn how to teach, how to lead and you will develop your subject knowledge to give you confidence and competence in the classroom.

  Through this course, you will develop into a highly committed, creative and reflective teacher with Qualified Teacher Status. Teaching is a practical skill, so you will spend a substantial part of your course in school-based Placements in schools within the Lead School alliance. During School based days, you are expected to be in school between 8.15am and 4.30pm. There are three assessed Placements which will give you full experience of a range of educational contexts.

  Alongside your placements, there are two Masters’ level modules, Teaching Learning and Assessment, and Professional Studies. These modules are worth 60 credits at Masters’ level and can contribute to the MA in Education.

  You will have a trained mentor in each school-based Placement and a Personal Academic Tutor at the University to support your professional development.

  The School Direct (Training) Programme

  You will be based for a large part of your training in one of the Lead Schools or their Alliance schools but you will pay fees for the training programme. This programme will lead to Postgraduate Certificate or Professional Graduate Certificate with QTS. Please contact study@northampton.ac.uk for further details.

  This course is for graduates who are interested in a career in teaching. You will be trained to teach Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (children aged five to 11 years). At the end of the course you will be recommended for QTS**, allowing you to teach anywhere in the country, and you will also have 60 credits at Masters’ level.

  You will develop the skills, knowledge and understanding that you need to demonstrate the professional standards for teaching required by the Department for Education and exceed the minimum expectations for each Standard.

  The University of Northampton will be working with the following Lead Schools in 2023-24. Primary refers to 5-11

  • Brooke Weston Academy
  • Sir Christopher Hatton School
  • Upton Meadows Primary School
  • The David Ross Education Trust

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • Stage 1
    • Placement 1 Primary Education 5-11 (20 Credits)
      Module code: ITT3051P

      Status: Compulsory
      This module contains one school based placement. This aims to develop students understanding of primary school classes, current curriculum structures and relevant pedagogies with particular reference to children aged 5-11. The module is designed to develop an awareness of the skills and attitudes needed for entry to the teaching profession, through observation, planning, teaching and assessment.
    • Placement 2 Primary Education 5-11 (20 Credits)
      Module code: ITT3052P

      Status: Compulsory
      This is an assessed placement undertaken by students in one school context. It is designed to support critical reflection on and evaluation of teaching and learning in the key stages for which students are being trained. It is also designed to develop an awareness of the skills and attitudes needed for entry to the teaching profession, through practical teaching. The module is designed to enable students to increase their understanding of the role of and the professional responsibilities of a KS1 and KS2 Primary teacher as well as continuing to develop secure subject pedagogical knowledge. Students will develop these skills through a process of observed practice, critical reflection and implementation with mentor support. To comply with regulatory requirements, this placement must ensure that students are able to demonstrate competence in all Teachers' Standards across KS1 and KS2. It must be completed in the alternate key stage to that in which the Placement 3 will be undertaken.
    • Placement 3 Primary Education 5-11 (20 Credits)
      Module code: ITT3053P

      Status: Compulsory
      This is an assessed school or setting based placement undertaken by students in one school context. It is designed to provide opportunities for critical reflection on, and evaluation of teaching and learning in the key stages for which students are being trained. It is also designed to further develop a repertoire of skills necessary for entry to the teaching profession, through intensive practical teaching experience. The module is designed to enable students to increase their understanding of the role of and the professional responsibilities of a KS1 and KS2 Primary teacher. Students will develop these skills further through a process of observed practice, critical reflection and implementation with mentor support. This module will prepare the student for their early career professional development as a Newly Qualified Teacher by identifying suitable targets and support needed in their first teaching post. NB. To comply with regulatory requirements, this placement must ensure that students are able to demonstrate competence in all Teachers' Standards across KS1 and KS2. It must be completed in the alternate key stage to that in which the Placement 2 was undertaken.
    • Teaching, Learning and Assessment (30 Credits)
      Module code: ITTM003

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is To develop students' subject knowledge for primary teaching and critical understanding of primary schools? and early years settings? current curriculum structures including teaching, learning and assessment approaches.
    • Professional Studies (30 Credits)
      Module code: ITTM004

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is ?To enhance knowledge and critical understanding of effective professional practice including up to date research, national priorities, curriculum expectations and professional development in preparation for employment as a primary school teacher.

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• Entry Requirements

  You must hold an honours degree from a UK University (or recognised equivalent) and the classification should be a 2:2 or above.

  You will need to have GCSE passes at grade C/4 in mathematics, English language and science, or recognised equivalent before the start of the course.*

  If you have a GCSE Double Award in science, you must have a grade CC/44 or above.

  If you have any questions regarding your qualifications please contact Admissions for advice prior to your application.

  You will be interviewed, and you will need to undertake Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and health checks.

  *If you are considering taking a GCSE equivalency test, please contact University Admissions for advice before doing so.

  Intellectual and academic capabilities 

  Prior to the award of QTS, providers must assure trainees’ capabilities in English and mathematics. Any work to address shortfalls in English and mathematics must be undertaken by the trainee teacher in addition to other aspects of their training.  It is the trainee’s responsibility to secure Fundamental English and mathematics, whereas responsibility for assurance lies with the provider.

  If you would like more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

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• Fees and Funding

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • School Direct Training Programme trainees pay fees £9,250

  2022/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • School Direct Training Programme trainees pay fees £9,250

  Additional costs

  There will be additional costs for travel to placements, optional visits within modules, and paper based materials for recording and storage of evidence. We provide financial support for your placement travel costs according to the annually reviewed process.

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• FAQs

  How will I be assessed?

  Assessment is continuous. You will engage in assignments which will contribute towards your Master’s Level Modules. Your teaching, including planning and assessment, will be assessed during each placement and you will be assessed against the Teachers’ Standards at the end of your training.  Partner schools share the responsibility for assessment during the practical teaching.

  How will I learn?

  To get the most out of your course there are face to face, online and off-site Learning Events which enable you to reflect and act on University and School based learning. Throughout the course you will have time for independent and peer assisted learning and you will be taught by a range of expert tutors and mentors.

  How is the course structured?

  Your course consists of University and School based learning. You will be in school for at least 120 days. University based days are normally between 9am and 5pm and school based days will vary according to the requirements of the school.

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Careers and Employability

You will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status which is presently nationally recognised as the professional qualification for teachers. You will be assessed in teaching the 5 to 11 age range, thus giving you access to a teaching career in Key Stage One or Key Stage Two.