Program Overview
PGCE Secondary Physical Education
Overview
Make a difference to pupils’ lives by becoming a Secondary teacher through our highly regarded teacher training course.
What you'll learn
Explore the fundamentals of teaching through an integrated programme that encompasses both university and school-based training.
You’ll develop your understanding and practice through these core components:
- Subject and curriculum knowledge
- Behaviour management
- Assessment of pupils
- Planning for learning
- Adaptive teaching and inclusion
- Professional behaviours and responsibilities
- How pupils learn
- Pupil health and wellbeing
We’ll revisit these components to enable you to gain, apply and refine your knowledge and skills throughout the year.
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.
Throughout your training you’ll be supported by your Academic Tutor, who is a specialist in your subject. Your Academic Tutor nurtures and develops you as an individual and a professional, while working closely with your Training Mentors and Lead Trainers to provide vital support.
Your PGCE Secondary journey culminates in you developing independence and your own identity as a teacher. You’ll create your own resources, style and techniques for teaching, and build the confidence you need to bring your subject to life.
Throughout the year, you'll track and reflect on your experiences and gain evidence of your suitability to be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
How will I be taught?
Learn through doing – gain practical teaching experience (planning, assessment and the impact of these on pupils’ progress) during your placements in schools. Explore the professional role of a teacher, including safeguarding, working with colleagues and parents, taking responsibility for a tutor group, and extracurricular activities. Your Academic Tutor and Training Mentor will model good practice and provide regular feedback on your progress.
You’ll also learn through seminars, lectures and talks delivered by expert practitioners, with follow up question and answer sessions. You’ll be guided to reflect on your own progress and set targets, to read widely and to develop Physical Education subject knowledge. You’ll also learn from your peers – discussing what you’ve learned and sharing ideas with other BSTs as you develop your own identity as a teacher.
How will I be assessed?
Throughout the programme, you’ll gather examples of practice to reflect your progress at each of the four review points during the course.
Your Training Mentor will observe you regularly during school training, and provide personalised feedback to enable you to succeed as a teacher.
You’ll write reflective reviews; these are designed to help you further your knowledge and skills and to become a reflective practitioner.
Your subject knowledge and fundamental skills in Maths and English will be monitored throughout the programme.
You’ll also submit two subject-focused assignments at Level 7 to gain 60 Master’s-level credits and demonstrate the critical and academic knowledge you’ve gained in your subject.
Course modules
This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen. Please check the programme document for more information.
- Positive Classroom Environments
- How Pupils Learn
- Adaptive Teaching
- Inspiring Learning
Opportunities
Careers
As a graduate of our PGCE with a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you can begin your teaching career right away.
During the course, we offer support with applications and interviews so that you can give your teaching career the best possible start.
As an Early Career Teacher, you’ll be supported by your new employing school for a further two years, after which you might work to become a Head of Department, Assistant Head, Deputy or Headteacher, or take on a more pastoral role such as Head of Year.
Develop a wealth of indispensable digital skills that you can take into your future career. One of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, we provide all Bath Spa students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, giving you the tools to communicate creatively, whatever your course or chosen professional field.
Facilities and resources
Where the subject is taught
As a Bath Spa Teacher, you'll learn in a variety of locations within our wide partnership, both at the University and in schools.
Your main campus will be Sion Hill. Teaching will take place in rooms equipped with relevant texts, equipment, training materials, and electronic resources.
Resources
You'll have access to a range of facilities, including our Libraries.
Open access computer facilities are available. The University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Ultra) provides remote access to a wide range of resources.
Fees
2025 entry
- UK full time: £9,535
- International full time: £16,460
Additional course costs
You may need to pay additional course costs over and above your tuition fees, for example, for specialist equipment or trips and visits. Please check the course Programme Document (linked under the main image on this page) for details of any additional costs. You can also read our Additional Course Costs Policy for further information.
Funding opportunities
Please visit our Funding pages for an overview of the funding options that may be available, including scholarships and bursaries.
Entry requirements
You’ll need to be well suited to the teaching profession both personally and academically.
See 'What we look for in potential students' for more information.
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.
In your application, you should detail why you want to work with children and young people, and what experience, if any, you have of this.
Academic requirements
In order to apply you'll need to have completed, or be in the final year of a UK degree (or equivalent qualification). You're required to have a good honours degree in Sports Studies, Sports Science or PE.
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
You may also need to enrol in a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course.
Related courses
- PGCE Secondary Science
- PGCE Secondary Computing
- PGCE Secondary Drama
- PGCE Secondary Business Studies
Key facts
- Award: PGCE Secondary Physical Education
- School/s: School of Education
- Campus or location: Sion Hill
- Course length: One year full-time.
Bath Spa University
Overview:
Bath Spa University is a public university located in Bath, England. It is known for its focus on creative and professional subjects, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The university boasts a strong commitment to social inclusion and sustainability, reflected in its numerous awards and recognitions.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Bath Spa University offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy access to various facilities, including modern teaching spaces, creative technical workshops, and flexible studio spaces. The university also provides opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and events.
Key Reasons to Study There:
*
Strong focus on creative and professional subjects:
Bath Spa University offers a wide range of programs in areas such as art, design, media, music, education, and business. *Commitment to social inclusion and sustainability:
The university has been recognized for its efforts in promoting social inclusion and sustainability, making it an attractive choice for students who value these principles. *Vibrant campus life and strong sense of community:
Students can enjoy a lively campus experience with a supportive and welcoming environment. *Location in Bath:
The university is situated in the beautiful city of Bath, offering students access to a rich cultural heritage and a thriving city center.Other:
Bath Spa University has multiple campuses, including Newton Park, Locksbrook, and BSU London. The university also offers study opportunities through its UK and international partners.