PGCE Primary 3-7 draft

Program Overview

The PGCE Primary 3-7 program at the University of Winchester prepares graduates to excel in teaching within the early years and Key Stage 1. The program focuses on developing a deep understanding of child development, effective pedagogy, and the primary National Curriculum. Students benefit from robust support, including dedicated tutors and progress tracking, and gain practical experience through two assessed teaching placements. Graduates are highly sought-after by schools and equipped with transferable skills for careers beyond education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PGCE Primary 3-7 program at the University of Winchester is a postgraduate professional program of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) leading to the academic awards of either a Postgraduate Certificate in Education or a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education. Both awards include the recommendation of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This program prepares graduates to excel in teaching within the first two phases of education, the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. Graduates are equipped with expertise in the primary National Curriculum and primary pedagogy through a rigorous curriculum. The program focuses on:

• Broadening and deepening knowledge of the EYFS Framework, especially the Areas of Learning and the Characteristics of Effective Learning (CoEL).
• Reflecting on effective Early Years and Key Stage 1 pedagogy.
• Immersing in activities with children aged 3-7 that foster a love of learning.
The program prides itself on the robust support and guidance offered to students. Every student benefits from:
• A dedicated Professional Development Tutor who monitors and supports their progress throughout the program.
• Academic and professional development progress tracking to ensure all students demonstrate mastery of the Teachers' Standards (Department for Education 2012) by the end of their training.

Outline:

The program curriculum is meticulously designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in early years and Key Stage 1 education. Key components include:

• Immersion in All Primary School Subjects: Students receive expert tuition in all primary school subjects, including English, mathematics, science, history, geography, art, design and technology, music, physical education, and computing.
These approaches are tailored to address the specific needs of diverse learners within the classroom.
• Professional Skills: Alongside pedagogical expertise, students develop essential professional skills associated with high-quality teaching.
These include classroom management, assessment and feedback, communication, collaboration, reflective practice, and professional development. The program is structured around a combination of on-campus lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials. Additionally, students engage in two assessed teaching placements (totalling 120 days) across a network of over 400 partner schools to gain practical experience. These placements are further enriched by intensive training and practice (ITAP) weeks, enabling students to refine their practice and develop responsiveness and effectiveness in the classroom.

Assessment:

The program employs a comprehensive assessment strategy to ensure students have mastered the necessary knowledge and skills for teaching in the early years and Key Stage 1. Assessment methods vary depending on the modules and may include:

• Assignments: These can take various forms, including essays, presentations, reports, and research proposals.
Assignments are designed to showcase students' understanding of key concepts, ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios, and critical thinking skills.
• Achievement of Success Against the Teachers' Standards: This form of assessment measures students' performance against the set of professional standards expected of qualified teachers in England.
Observations of classroom practice and other evidence are used to assess students' proficiency in these standards.

Teaching:

The program boasts a team of experienced and renowned tutors with extensive expertise in EYFS and primary phase education. These tutors employ diverse teaching methods to ensure an engaging and effective learning experience for students. These methods include:

• Interactive Lectures: Interactive lectures provide students with a foundational understanding of key concepts and theories.
Tutors encourage active participation through discussions, questions, and case studies.
• Engaging Seminars: Seminar sessions offer students a platform for in-depth exploration of specific topics.
These sessions encourage critical thinking, debate, and collaboration among peers.
• Practical Workshops: Workshops provide hands-on experience with essential teaching and learning strategies.
Through simulations, role-playing, and active participation, students develop and refine their practical skills.
• Personalized Tutorials: Dedicated tutorials offer individualized support and mentorship to students.
These personalized sessions allow students to discuss their progress, address specific challenges, and receive tailored guidance from experienced tutors. The program prioritizes a dynamic and interactive learning environment, ensuring students are actively engaged in their learning journey.

Careers:

The PGCE Primary 3-7 program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to pursue successful careers in teaching within the early years and Key Stage 1. Graduates are highly sought-after by schools in the region and beyond, with many securing positions upon completion of the program. Potential career paths include:

• Primary School Teacher (Early Years and Key Stage 1)
• Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)
• Early Years Lead
• Educational Consultant
• Curriculum Developer
• Educational Researcher
The program also equips graduates with transferable skills valuable in various sectors beyond education, such as communication, project management, leadership, and problem-solving.

Other:

• The program is delivered in collaboration with over 400 partner schools, providing students with a rich and varied placement experience.
• The program is consistently reviewed and updated with input from serving practitioners and experts to ensure ongoing relevance and alignment with current educational practices.
• The program emphasizes the development of a reflective approach to teaching, enabling students to continuously improve their practice and adapt to diverse learning environments.
• The program fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment, promoting peer-to-peer learning and professional development alongside academic study.

2024 Course Costs UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man Full-timeTotal Cost: £9,250 If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2024, it will cost £9,250. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you. International Students Full-timeTotal Cost: £16,700 International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.17 and a 15 credit module is £2,087. As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.