PGCE Primary (5-11)

Our PGCE Primary courses have been designed specifically to provide supported development of your teaching skills and a gradual introduction to your new profession.

During the first stage, you will spend time at University where you will be introduced to the whole of the primary curriculum. You will gradually build knowledge and understanding of how pupils learn best and will have an opportunity to observe the planning and delivery of each subject when you go into school. University and School-based training are intrinsically linked so each week you will be able to review what you have learned at University and apply this in school.

As stage 1 progresses, you will complete a longer period of time in school. Working alongside an experienced class teacher and mentor, you will have the opportunity to co-teach and co-plan lessons across the curriculum. You will begin teaching phonics and maths and will gain an understanding of how pupils learn through areas of provision. You’ll also spend time focusing on CPD activities that will enhance your teaching applications and make you more employable.

The curriculum is divided into two main areas:

You’ll learn strategies to tackle issues that you will face in your training placements. These strategies will help to develop your understanding of teaching and learning, the primary curriculum and educational policy. Key domains covered include behaviour management, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and professional behaviours.

You will develop Early Years and Key Stage 1 curriculum knowledge and understanding in English, Mathematics and Science. You’ll also explore the broader curriculum and observe and reflect on best practice across the whole curriculum.

Your University-based training will comprise the same elements as stage 1, but you’ll focus on building on the knowledge you’ve already developed to prepare for your next school-based training. There will be an opportunity to reflect on your experiences in the first stage and to set developmental targets throughout this stage both with University and School-based mentors. You will receive further training on the curriculum and planning and delivering sequences of learning. You will continue to receive training in Primary Professional Studies.

During your second placement, you will continue to receive training and you will develop your teaching skills further, usually in a different school, teaching a contrasting age phase to your first placement. You'll continue to focus on English and Mathematics, alongside the wider curriculum. You will develop your understanding of how schools use assessment to map pupils' learning progress journey.

Having developed and applied your subject and curriculum knowledge, you’ll spend some time at University completing CPD activities that will prepare you for your Early teaching career. These activities will include responses to current priorities in primary education, support for your first employment, and optional enhancements to develop your professional profile.

You’ll usually stay in the same school as your stage 2 placement until the end of the programme, teaching another age phase. This will support you in putting everything you’ve learned into practice, you'll continue to observe but also teach all subjects and areas of provision in stage 3. You will begin to develop an understanding of the wider responsibilities across the school. You will continue to receive excellent mentoring and coaching in school.

After you’ve completed all three stages of your placements, you’ll complete a two-week transition placement in the same school. This placement will help you prepare for graduate employment as a teacher, as well as giving you the chance to explore any aspects of primary teaching that have particularly interested you. Past trainees have completed this placement in pupil referral units, nurseries, and special provision.