PGCE English

Program Overview

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Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) English

About this course

Teaching secondary-age children is your chance to share your passion for your subject and inspire the next generation.

English as a curriculum subject is of vital importance. Not only does it help students to become clear communicators in both speech and writing but it also encourages them to analyse and appreciate the texts they encounter throughout their lives. By becoming an English teacher, you will be instrumental in enabling students to develop these essential skills. The course provides you with the requisite knowledge and experiences to plan and teach engaging and effective English lessons and to develop your capacity to assess learning as you begin your teaching career.

On successful completion of this degree and having met the Teachers’ Standards, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). All our PGCE Secondary courses lead to the award of a level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

Key details

• Start date: September 2025
• Study Mode: Full-time (1 year)
• Location: Main Campus (Horsforth)
• School: Education

Course modules

You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Year 1

• Stage One - Introduction to Teaching From September to December you'll complete three months of integrated training, in which you’ll build up to spending four days a week in your stage one school. The other days will be spent learning with your peers, in order to support you in becoming a skilful teacher who is an pedagogy expert in your subject area.
• Stage Two – Developing your Knowledge, Understanding and Practice From January to March you’ll start a second placement in a different school for stage two. Ongoing support from, and fortnightly training days at University will continue until the end of Stage 2. This stage includes targeted support and training to help you secure your first teaching job, alongside the development of your teaching skills.
• Stage Three - Embedding your Skills and Preparing you for your New Career From May to July you'll continue to teach in the same school as for stage 2. At this point in the programme, you begin to take much more ownership of your classes. Embedding the skills you have learned in the first two stages you will begin to take on more teaching and only have a small amount of taught University training days.

Learning and teaching

Our strategy is to provide an excellent student experience and provide you with the tools and support to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional potential.

• Assessment methods Our assessment strategy delivers excellence by providing the framework for high-quality teaching, an engaging and inclusive approach to learning, assessment and achievement, and a clear structure through which you progress in your academic studies, your personal development and towards professional-level employment or further study.
• Learning and teaching We endeavour to develop curiosity, confidence, courage, ambition and aspiration in all students through the key themes in our Learning and Teaching Strategy:
  • Student Involvement and Engagement
  • Inclusion
  • Integrated Programme and Assessment Experience
  • Digital Literacy and Skills
  • Employability and Enterprise

Entry requirements

Leeds Trinity University is committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement.

• Essential entry requirements
  • A good honours degree (usually a 2:2 or above) with a significant proportion in English. Please note that applicants with third-class honours degrees will be considered on an individual basis, and normally only if applicants have additional qualifications and/or significant relevant professional experience.
  • GCSE Grade 4 (or C or accepted equivalent) in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics. If you do not already have the appropriate GCSEs, or if you are unable to provide proof of your grades, please refer to the GCSE Equivalency information below.
  • The ability to read effectively and communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written standard English.
  • Suitable personal and intellectual qualities required for teaching in secondary schools.
  • Applicants also need to demonstrate the commitment, attitudes and values appropriate to those of a secondary teacher and the potential to train as a teacher. Strong applicants often have experience in secondary schools, but this is not a requirement.
• Additional entry requirements
  • Advanced level qualifications (or equivalent) in English.
  • Experience of observing the teaching in a secondary school in this country.

Fees and finance

For information about our tuition fees please visit our Student Fees and Finance pages.

How to apply

Apply through the Department for Education (DfE) (Apply for teacher training - GOV.UK). You will need to create an account to apply. When you apply, you can make four choices, and you should complete all sections of the application in full.

Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS)

Achieve an additional qualification alongside your PGCE with the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies.

Although the CCRS isn't compulsory, it is recognised across the Catholic school sector as a desirable qualification that can expand on both your expertise and your vocational focus. The course aims to ensure you have the basic knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the beliefs and principles of the Catholic Faith while providing a basis for further study.

Program Outline

Leeds Trinity University PGCE Secondary English Program Extraction

Here's a detailed extraction of the sections you requested, based on the provided context about the Leeds Trinity University PGCE Secondary English program:

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Degree Overview:

• Focus: Equipping graduates with the knowledge and practical skills to effectively teach English as a secondary school subject.
• Duration: 1 year (full-time)
• Qualification: Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• Leads to: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) upon successful completion and meeting the Teachers' Standards.
• Structure: Two stages:
• Stage A (Introduction to teaching):
• Begins in September.
• Combines university-based training (SKAP sessions) with school-based experience (3 days/week initially, then 4 days/week).
• Emphasis on learning subject knowledge, developing teaching skills, and understanding the school curriculum.
• Stage B (Developing your knowledge and preparing for your new career):
• Begins in January.
• Includes a second school placement in a different school.
• Continues university-based training (SKAP sessions) on alternate Fridays until Easter.
• Focuses on further developing teaching skills, deepening knowledge of student learning, and extending teaching practice across the full age range.
• Benefits:
• Gain practical teaching experience in two different school settings.
• Receive ongoing support from university tutors, school mentors, and a link tutor.
• Develop confidence and expertise in English pedagogy.
• Become eligible for QTS, opening doors to a rewarding career in secondary education.

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Outline:

• Stage A (Introduction to teaching):
• University-based training (SKAP sessions):
Covers subject knowledge, curriculum understanding, and teaching methodologies.
• School-based training: Includes three days/week (initially) then four days/week of teaching experience in a chosen school.
• Stage B (Developing your knowledge and preparing for your new career):
• University-based training (SKAP sessions):
Continues on alternate Fridays until Easter, focusing on further developing teaching skills and exploring different approaches to teaching English.
• School-based training: Involves a second school placement in a different setting, allowing for deeper exploration of student learning and extending teaching practice across the full age range.
• Assessment: Ongoing throughout the program, with a focus on formative and summative assessments.
• Formative assessment: Occurs throughout both stages, providing feedback and guidance on teaching practice.
• Summative assessment: Takes place at the end of Stage B, using the Teachers' Standards as benchmarks to determine QTS eligibility.

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Teaching:

• Aims to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters active student engagement and participation.
• Employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Practical sessions
• Individual and group work
• Emphasizes opportunities for student-led learning and real-world application of knowledge.
• Collaboration with experienced lecturers and dedicated school mentors provides ongoing support and guidance throughout the program.

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Careers:

• Graduates are well-equipped to pursue a fulfilling career as a secondary school English teacher.
• Employment opportunities exist in both state and independent schools.
• The program helps graduates develop the skills and knowledge necessary to secure teaching positions and excel in their careers.
• Additional opportunities:
• Further postgraduate study in education or related fields.
• Leadership roles within schools.
• Curriculum development and teacher training positions.

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Other:

• The program aims to develop graduates into well-rounded and confident educators who possess the necessary skills and values to make a positive impact on the lives of their students.