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Programme summary for Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Primary Education

The Primary PGCE is designed to meet the requirements of local primary schools by training teachers who will be adept in educating children in the multicultural, multilingual urban environment of the capital. The programme content is delivered through a mixture of taught input and school-based teaching placements. This is a level 3 programme.

You will study the National Curriculum requirements for the core subjects (English, science and mathematics) and foundation subjects (information communication technology, physical education, music, drama, art and design, design technology, history and geography) as well as personal, social, health and citizenship education and religious education. You will also study general educational issues such as the professional responsibilities of teachers, meeting the needs of children with English as an additional language and special educational needs. Those specialising in the 3 to 9 age range will also study the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

About the programme

This programme aims to train teachers who are adept in educating children in London’s multicultural, multilingual urban environment. It provides you with the recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and our excellent links with local schools will help you to establish your teaching career. You commence studies on the Professional Graduate Certificate, but will have an opportunity to progress to the Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

Professional qualifications

After successful completion home students will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Programme structure

The programme runs over 38 weeks from September to July. Eighteen weeks is spent in partner schools- generally split into three separate placements. The remaining time is spent in seminars, lectures, tutorials and assignment activities, designed to support your professional development.

Career opportunities

All our completing trainees wanting a teaching post have successfully attained one. Many have become members of school senior management teams. Further careers include educational psychologist, advisory worker, numeracy/literacy consultant, leading mathematics/literacy teacher, headteacher and managing resourced provision for children with special educational needs.

Support

  • You receive mentor support in schools as well as visits from UEL tutors. Tutorial support is negotiated around your individual development needs. The programme is designed to support you in meeting the QTS standards through focused seminars, lectures and assignments.

Admission

Application is through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR). You will need to demonstrate through your GTTR form and at interview that you:

  • can read effectively and are able to communicate clearly and accurately in standard English;
  • possess the appropriate qualities, attitudes and values expected of a teacher;
  • have the intellectual and academic capabilities needed to meet the required QTS standards;
  • have achieved a standard equivalent to Grade C in the GCSE examinations in English, science and mathematics;
  • hold an honours degree, 2.2 or above, from  a  United Kingdom Higher Education Institution or an equivalent qualification;
  • have had a minimum of five days work experience (voluntary or paid) with children in a mainstream primary school.

The process of selection will involve:

  • scrutiny of the GTTR form;
  • an English task;
  • a mathematics task;
  • an interview.

UEL is also required to ensure that potential applicants:

  • have met the Secretary of State’s requirements for health and pysical capacity to teach;

undergo a background check to ensure that they do not have a criminal background which prevents them from working with children or young people or that they have not previously been excluded from teaching or working with children. Applicants with non-British qualifications.

If you hold a degree or qualifications from a non-UK institution, you must verify their equivalence through the National Recognition Information Centre for the UK (NARIC). Tel: 0870 990 4088.

Applicants who do not hold English, mathematics or science GCSE Grade C

If you do not hold a GCSE in English, mathematics or science Grade C or above (or an equivalent qualification), at UEL we provide English Language, mathematics and science tests. A pass in these tests will be acknowledged by UEL as being equivalent to Grade C at GCSE/GCE O-level.

The tests are usually held in May and there are no resits. A small fee is payable.

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