Program Overview

Introduction to the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a 1-year course leading to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status. Associate Teachers choose to specialise in age phases 3-7 or 5-11, qualifying them to teach in primary schools and early years settings.

School Based Training

The PGCE programme includes three phases of School Based Training (SBT):

• SBT1: The first phase of School Based Training, which includes a School Mentor Briefing. This meeting provides an understanding of the BCU ITE Curriculum and Using Phase documents for School Based Training 1.
• SBT2: The second phase of School Based Training, which includes a School Mentor Briefing. This meeting provides an understanding of the BCU ITE Curriculum and Using Phase documents for School Based Training 2.
• SBT3: The third phase of School Based Training, which includes a School Mentor Briefing. This meeting provides an understanding of the BCU ITE Curriculum and Using Phase documents for School Based Training 3.

SBT Documentation

Each phase of School Based Training has associated documentation, including:

• Progress Journal
• Subject Specific Development Journal
• Planning a sequence of learning
• Planning a sequence of learning phonics
• Lesson Observations and Subject Prompts

Assessments

The PGCE programme includes various assessments, such as:

• Critical Incident: Supporting Associate Teachers' engagement with their Critical Incident using the Critical Incident form.
• BCU Assessment Tracker: Supporting the on-going formative assessment of Associate Teachers.
• Effective Feedback: Giving effective feedback is essential to support the weekly development and professional practice of the Associate Teacher.
• BCU Mentor Coach Model: Designed to support mentors in giving timely and constructive, collaborative feedback with their Associate Teacher.

ITE Curriculum

The elements of the ITE Curriculum are explored on individual course partnership pages. The university launched its ambitious ITE Curriculum within its ITE Partnership in October 2021 and has collaborative agreements with organisations across the region to deliver courses.

Professionalism

The programme emphasizes professionalism, including:

• Associate Teacher Code of Conduct
• Rapid Improvement Target Process (RIT)

Research Areas

The university's research areas include:

• Art, Architecture and Design
• Business
• Built Environment
• Computing and Digital Technology
• Education and Social Work
• Engineering
• Life and Sport Sciences
• English
• Health and Social Care
• Law
• Media and Cultural Studies
• Music and Performance
• Psychology
• Social Sciences