Program Overview

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PGCE Secondary Design and Technology

Overview

Make a difference to pupils’ lives by becoming a Secondary teacher through our highly regarded teacher training course.

What you'll learn

• Learn from staff who are experts in a range of educational theories – in an institution that has been training outstanding teachers for over 70 years.
• Become a knowledgeable and resilient education professional who has developed your own resources, techniques and individual teaching style.
• What you’ll learn has been co-created with our partner schools to meet their needs, placing you in an excellent position for future employment.

Share your passion for Design and Technology

• Learn how to inspire, engage and motivate learners in Design and Technology using teaching methods that enable pupils to become successful independent learners and problem solvers, excited and challenged by the possibilities that Design and Technology brings.
• Subject sessions will allow you to explore and develop your subject knowledge in the context of the school environment.
• We'll model ways to instil a love of learning, and explore design challenges through the safe use of materials, equipment and new technologies.

Care

• Teaching is a caring profession and caring is at the heart of all that we do – whether it’s caring for you as our student, caring for your pupils or caring for each other as colleagues.
• We understand that every pupil is an individual and we equip you to support yours as an empathetic and emotionally resilient teacher.
• Wellbeing, and how to create a work-life balance, is central to all our PGCE with QTS programmes; our curriculum embraces equality and inclusion and challenges discrimination.

Collaboration

• We’ve partnered with over 60 schools across the South West of England.
• Working within a partner school, you’ll gain the skills you need to meet the challenges of everyday classrooms.
• You’ll learn to reach pupils who are disadvantaged, those with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and pupils who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL).

Creativity

• The Bath Spa ITE (Initial Teacher Education) Partnership believes that all children deserve the very best teachers.
• We teach you to adapt and respond to the changing needs of all pupils.
• As a Bath Spa Teacher (BST) you’ll develop innovative and creative teaching methods so that you can thrive in the ever-changing educational environment.

Critical thinking

• You’ll explore diverse perspectives on education, reflect on your own progress, and integrate theory into the practice of teaching.
• You’ll draw on the latest research to inform your work and contribute to an educational community that is active, inclusive and research-informed.
• Through this, you’ll develop your own unique identity and confidence as a teacher.

Course structure

• The PGCE Secondary programme covers all subjects and is studied full-time over one academic year.
• Your first school placement begins with familiarisation, where you observe your Training Mentors teaching the classes that you will eventually take over.
• You’ll teach parts of lessons before assuming responsibility for them.
• You’ll also learn about the curriculum in your subject, how schools work and how pupils make progress.

Course modules

• Positive Classroom Environments
• How Pupils Learn
• Adaptive Teaching
• Inspiring Learning

Opportunities

• Careers
• Facilities and resources
• Bursaries and scholarships

What we look for in potential students

• Teachers are role models for their pupils and must act with integrity at all times, while having the highest expectations of themselves and their pupils.
• They forge positive professional relationships and engage with wider communities.
• You’ll need to be suited to the teaching profession both personally and academically.
• We look for committed individuals with a professional approach and an exceptional work ethic.
• We value strong communication skills, adaptability and emotional resilience.
• Having a true passion for your subject will give you the edge.

Academic requirements

• In order to apply you'll need to have completed, or be in the final year of a UK degree (or an equivalent qualification).
• You're required to have a good honours degree or above in a subject that relates closely to one of the specialisms with Design and Technology.
• A degree that relates reasonably well might also be acceptable if you already have good practical skills that cover the types of processes used in school.
• You'll also need GCSE passes at grade 4/C or above (or recognised equivalents) in English and Mathematics.

Non-academic requirements

• Before being allowed to enrol, all teacher training applicants are required to complete a number of compulsory compliance checks, including:
  • Enhanced DBS check
  • Childrens' Barred List check
  • Prohibition from Teaching
  • Fitness to Train to Teach questionnaire

How do I apply?

• Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page to apply through the Department for Education's application system.
• If you need more guidance, please head to our how to apply webpages.

Interviews

• Once your application has been received and assessed, and if it is successful in making it to the next stage of the application process, you'll be invited to attend an interview (these are currently held online).
• At the interview, we'll assess your suitability and passion for teaching.
• The interview will include a short teaching exercise and a discussion of educational issues.
• We'll ask you about your experience to-date of working with children and young people.

Contact us

• PGCE Admissions Officer:
  • +44 (0)
• Course leader: Rhys Thomas
  • Email:

Related courses

• PGCE Secondary Art and Design
• PGCE Secondary Drama
• PGCE Secondary Music
• PGCE Secondary Business Studies

Key facts

• Award: PGCE Secondary Design and Technology
• School/s: School of Education
• Campus or location: Sion Hill
• Course length: One year full-time.