PGCE QTS Primary Education (School Direct Route)

Course Content

• Course Details

  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 2020-21. Primary refers to 5-11

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

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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

  21/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

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

  20/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 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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• Placements

  We work in partnership with schools across Northamptonshire, its neighbouring counties and many schools across the country. This enables you to learn in range of schools. The Lead School will organise the placements which are confirmed by the University.

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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 against the Teachers’ Standards. 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.