*If you studied your undergraduate degree with the University of Northampton and are enrolling on to a full-time PGCE Primary QTS 5-11 or PGCE Primary QTS 3-7 **course in 2017/18 then you will be eligible for the University of Northampton Alumni PGCE Bursary Award. **Terms and Conditions apply

This course is for graduates who are interested in a career in teaching. You will be trained to teach Key Stage 1 and Early Years Foundation Stage, children aged three to seven 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.

Course content

The course focuses on the KS1 National Curriculum, Early Years Foundation Stage and national priorities. You will learn how to teach, how to lead and 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 (QTS). Teaching is a practical skill, so you will spend a substantial part of your course in school-based Placements with our partnership schools. There are three assessed Placements, and the opportunity for a self-organised placement in an alternative setting.  This 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.

Module information is quoted for 17/18 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

Methods of Learning

To get the most out of your course there are face to face, online and offsite 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.

Schedule

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.

Assessments

Assessment for this course is continuous. You will complete four assignments for your Masters’ level modules, and your teaching (including planning and assessment) will be evaluated against the Teachers’ Standards.

Facilities and Special Features

We have an extensive School Experience Library which you will have access to use. It is made up of resources specifically for trainee teachers, to support you in your placements. You will be able to borrow activities, planning materials, puppets, games and large books for story time, among many other things.

“The quality of training is enhanced by the excellent resources at the University” (Ofsted 2014).

Reading List

The core text is Cremin, T. & Arthur, J. (eds) (2014) Learning to Teach in the Primary School. 3rd Ed. Abingdon: Routledge (also available as an eBook).

Career Opportunities

When you successfully complete this course you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) which is nationally recognised as the professional qualification for teachers. You will be assessed in teaching the 3-7 age range, thus giving you access to a primary teaching career.

Work Experience

Work experience is integral to this course through school based Placements. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of schools giving you the best teaching foundation possible.

For application information please see our how to apply page.

We ask that you provide details in your UCAS application of your experiences in either Key Stage One Early Years Foundation Stage.

You must hold an honours degree from a UK University (or equivalent) and whenever possible the classification should be a 2:1 or First. You will need to provide evidence, usually a school headed letter, of a minimum 10 days experience in a school/setting (within the last two years) in a mainstream school in KS1 or EYFS, which follows the National Curriculum. We recommend gaining experience across both key stages.

You will need to have a minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grade C or above and these must include Mathematics, English Language and Science. You must have these before applying. You will be interviewed and you will need to undertake Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Disqualification by Association and Health checks.

You must pass the National College for Teaching and Learning (NCTL) professional skills tests in numeracy and literacy prior to enroling on the course. Please contact study@northampton.ac.uk for advice.

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.