1. Durham University School of Education Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Primary Lynn Newton Professor of Primary Education & Admissions Tutor

2. About this presentation
The City of Durham and Durham University
The School of Education
The PGCE (Primary) Course
What to expect when you come for interview
Some things to think about

3. Durham and the University

4. The School of Education

5. About the PGCE (Primary) Course
University-based
Subject knowledge
Pedagogy
School- based
Professional knowledge
Practice

6. University-based: subject knowledge
Core
subjects
Over 50 hours for each subject
English; Mathematics; Science
Foundation subjects
12 hours for each subject
Art & Design; Design & Technology; Geography; History; Information & Communications Technology; Modern Foreign Languages; Music; Physical Education
Plus RE
also 12 hours
Stands alongside the National Curriculum subjects but reflects the Agreed Syllabuses of various religions

7. University-based: pedagogy
e.g. topics like managing behaviour; planning for teaching and learning; monitoring and assessment; inclusion; Every Child Matters (ECM); English as an Additional Language (EAL); applying for jobs and interviews ….
Core Issues and Skills
Two day blocks organised around in depth explorations of contemporary issues e.g. synthetic phonics, safeguarding children; behaviour management.
Professional Conferences

8. So a “normal timetable” week for 2011-12 looks like this …

9. School-based experiences1
Two weeks home area school based experience (HASE) 2
Weekly serial visits (Thursdays & Fridays) 3
Visits include alternative placements: e.g. Nursery / KS3 / SEN 4
First placement (T1- 3 weeks & T2- 3 weeks) 5
Final placements (Term 3, 8 weeks) 6
Enhancement placements (Term 3, 2 weeks) 7
Travel arrangements

10. School-Based: The Partnership – the school training centres
STC = School Training Centre
STCC = School Training Centre Co-ordinator (the University representative in the School Cluster)
The STCC:
- acts as your school mentor
- oversees your files, etc.
- arranges your various placements in the cluster
- observes lessons
- writes a significant part of your reference.
Your university tutor
SCHOOL 1 - STC
School 2
School 3
School 4
School 5

11. So the 2011-12 year looks like this …

12. Plan for your interview day …
Documentation check
Meeting with Admissions Tutor –
questions about the PGCE course
Group activity
Piece of personal reading / writing
Personal interview

13. Assignments and Assessments …
Academic …
- Essay (5,000 Masters’ level
- Mini-study (5,000 Masters’ level
- QTS Portfolio (5,000 words)
Professional …
- School experience portfolio
- English, maths & science workbooks
- Record of Achievement I

14. In addition ...
You will be expected to attend the Pre-Course Day on July 2nd 2012 where preparation tasks are set.
Provisional registration with the General Teaching Council for England is required.
The PGCE credits can be used as Year 1 of the MA(QTS).
You need CRB clearance before starting – anyone not CRB cleared when school placements begin may be required to withdraw from the programme.
The PGCE is a very demanding course! I

15. Finally ....
- We would normally give conditional or unconditional offers but …
All PGCE places for 2012 entry will be offered conditionally at this time, dependent on government allocations through the Training and Development Agency (TDA).
- If you have any questions you can ask any of the staff you meet on your visit – we will be glad to help.
- We look forward to meeting you. I