Postgraduate Certificate in Education Secondary Initial Teacher Education Geography

Program Overview

The Secondary Geography - PGCE with QTS at UWE Bristol is a one-year program that leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). It equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to teach Geography to secondary school students (ages 11-16). The program emphasizes sustainability, reflection, and collaboration, preparing graduates to be confident and competent Geography teachers who can create engaging and innovative lessons.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Secondary Geography - PGCE with QTS

is a one-year program at UWE Bristol that leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This means that graduates will be qualified to teach Geography to secondary school students (ages 11-16). The program incorporates 60 academic credits at master's level and aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful and effective Geography teachers.

Key Objectives:

• Prepare students to be confident and competent Geography teachers.
• Develop students' expertise in Geography content and pedagogy.
• Equip students with the skills needed to create engaging and innovative lessons.
• Foster a strong understanding of the Geography curriculum and its key ideas.
• Emphasize the importance of reflection and critical thinking in teaching practice.

Program Description:

The program strikes a balance between university-based learning and practical experience in schools. This is achieved through:

• Lectures and seminars: Students will engage in discussions and learn key concepts through lectures and seminars.
• Directed tasks: Students will complete assignments and projects that deepen their understanding of the program's content.
• School-based experiences: Students will spend time in schools, observing and assisting experienced teachers.
• Intensive training and practice opportunities: Students will participate in workshops and simulations to hone their teaching skills.
• Independent study and online learning: Students will have the opportunity to explore topics independently and collaborate with peers online.
• Assessment tasks: Students will complete various assessments to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
• Reflection and debate: Students will engage in critical reflection and discussion to improve their teaching practice.
The program is designed to be future-oriented, ensuring that graduates are prepared to meet the demands of contemporary education. This includes a focus on:
• Sustainability: The program emphasizes the importance of education for sustainable futures and equips students with the skills to address environmental challenges.
• Innovation: Students will learn about innovative teaching methods and technologies, including GIS, to enhance their teaching practice.
• Adaptability: The program prepares students to be adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of students and the education landscape.

Outline:

Content:

The program covers a range of topics related to Geography education, including:

• Curriculum and pedagogy
• Becoming a transformational teacher
• Professional practice
• Field-based studies
• Enquiry learning

Structure:

The program is divided into modules, each with specific learning objectives and assessment methods. Some of the modules include:

• Curriculum, Pedagogy and Practice
• Becoming a Transformational Teacher
• Professional Practice A

Individual Modules:

• Curriculum, Pedagogy and Practice: This module focuses on the principles of Geography education, including curriculum development, teaching methods, and assessment.
• Professional Practice A and B: These modules provide students with practical experience in schools, under the guidance of experienced mentors.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and can include:

• Professionally focused assignments: Students will complete assignments that demonstrate their understanding of curriculum, pedagogy, and teaching practice.
• Final block school experience: Students will be assessed on their performance during their final teaching placement.
• Classroom practice: Students will be assessed against the standards set by the Secretary of State for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Experts deliver lectures on key topics related to Geography education.
• Seminars: Students engage in discussions and explore specific concepts in smaller groups.
• Workshops: Students participate in practical workshops to develop their teaching skills.
• Mentorship: Students receive guidance and support from experienced teachers during their placements.
• Online learning: Students access online resources and collaborate with peers through online platforms.

Faculty:

The program is led by experienced and qualified faculty members who are experts in Geography education.

Unique Approaches:

The program incorporates several unique approaches, including:

• Focus on sustainability: The program emphasizes the importance of education for sustainable futures and equips students with the skills to address environmental challenges.
• Emphasis on reflection: Students are encouraged to reflect on their teaching practice and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaboration: Students are encouraged to collaborate with peers and faculty members to share ideas and learn from each other.

Careers:

Career Paths:

Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of career paths as Geography teachers in:

• Secondary schools
• Sixth form colleges
• Independent schools
• Further education colleges

Opportunities:

Graduates will be qualified to teach Geography to secondary school students (ages 11-16). They will also have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of Geography, such as:

• Environmental Geography
• Human Geography
• Physical Geography

Outcomes:

The program aims to produce graduates who are:

• Confident and competent Geography teachers
• Able to create engaging and innovative lessons
• Reflective and adaptable practitioners
• Committed to education for sustainable futures

Other:

• The program is designed to meet the latest standards and requirements set by the Department for Education (DfE).
• Students will have access to excellent facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and classrooms.
• The program is offered on a full-time basis and starts on September 2nd.
• The application deadline for International students is June 14th, and for Home students is July 15th.
• The program is financed as an undergraduate course.

Full time courseFeesAmount (£) Home Annual (Per Year) Fee9250 Home Module Fee (15 Credit)1156 International Annual (Per Year) Fee15850 International Module Fee (15 Credit)1981 Offshore Annual (Per Year) Fee9250 Offshore Module Fee (15 Credit)1156 Indicative Additional CostsFeesAmount (£) Additional Course Costs Indicative Maximum Cost Per year550