Durham University School of Education Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Primary Lynn Newton Professor of Primary Education & Admissions Tutor
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
Durham and the University
The School of Education
About the PGCE (Primary) Course University-based Subject knowledge Pedagogy School- based Professional knowledge Practice
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
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
So a “normal timetable” week for 2011-12 looks like this …
School-based experiences 1 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
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
So the 2011-12 year looks like this …
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
Assignments and Assessments … Academic … - Essay (5,000 words) @ Masters’ level - Mini-study (5,000 words) @ Masters’ level - QTS Portfolio (5,000 words) Professional … - School experience portfolio - English, maths & science workbooks - Record of Achievement I
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
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