PGCE Secondary Education: Design and Technology

As well as a UK-recognised Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject and GCSE Grade C or above, or equivalent, in English and mathematics, substantial knowledge and practical competence within Materials Technology and/or Electronic and Communications Technology must be demonstrated. A high level of confidence in any of the following areas would be suitable:

Product design

Electronic Engineering

3D Design

Engineering

If you have a related background however (i.e. it may not match exactly to the above), an additional subject enhancement course is available.

You must have some experience in teaching and working with children in an educational setting, this can be paid or voluntary work.

Interview and Selection

Once your application has been forwarded to subject staff, your suitability is individually assessed. If you appear suitable, you will be offered an interview where you are required to sit a short subject specific interview/ examination.

The main purpose of the interview is to:

ive you an insight into the nature of the course, the teaching profession and to assess your commitments to it

explore your subject strengths and areas for development

assess your ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English

arrange a partnership school visit as necessary

answer all of your questions

Over the one year course, you undertake two periods of University-based learning at Walsall Campus, and you spend at least 120 days divided between two different schools

Your University tutor is available to assist you throughout your training, and every effort is made to ensure you have a high-quality school placement, where you can learn from experienced teachers

All course modules provide examples of good practice in teaching which you will reflect upon as you develop your own teaching style - you will be expected to participate actively in your own learning and development

Teaching on the course reflects a variety of methodologies that will prepare you for life in the classroom including teacher-led debates, pupil-led exploration, peer-group discovery and the provision of individual targets

You will be assessed in a variety of ways including written assignments, school-based project and other school-based activities, and appraisal of practical teaching skills

Typical modules may include:

Observation of teaching, before undertaking ‘sheltered’ teaching activities, for example teaching parts of lessons or groups of pupils within a class

Progression to teaching single or short sequences of lessons

Further development through planned classroom activities

Development of teaching skills as you move to sustained sequences of lessons

Research in the University and school on the use of ICT in the teaching of your subject

PGCE: programme structure

The full-time route:

24 weeks of the PGCE course (total of 36) will be spent in schools. You will have one school attachment during the autumn term and another (in a different school) in the spring/summer terms. Each placement is organised so that it starts with time in the school and at University.

Your University Tutor is available to assist you throughout your training, and every effort is made to ensure you have a high quality school placement, where you can learn from experienced teachers.

We try to take your geographical location into account when placing you in schools. The University based elements of the course take place at the Walsall Campus.

The full-time route:

Starting in September and ending in June the full-time route is the quickest and most condensed way for non-experienced trainees to qualify.

The course comprises of two school placements and two periods of University-based teaching – September to October; January to February.

At least 120 days of your PGCE will be spent in schools. The requirements of teacher training mean that you must experience two different schools, and so two different placements are arranged by the university.

The flexible route

Available on a part-time basis if you are unable to study full-time. Similarly you may be suitable for the flexible route if you have some prior teaching experience, as exemption may be granted from some of the study requirements. The length and structure of your course will be dependent upon individual needs and will be negotiated with you, your subject tutor and your partner school.

The flexible course has two start dates: October and April each year. The course starts with an Initial Audit of your subject knowledge and school experience, and from this your Individual Training Plan is developed, outlining the modules you will study, when your school placements will take place and how long your course will last.

As a flexible trainee you have the option of studying part-time, via University or home-study options, but you must complete within a maximum of three years. The minimum time likely to complete will be four terms.