Durham University School of Education

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Primary

Lynn NewtonProfessor of Primary Education

& Admissions Tutor

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About this presentation

• The City of Durham and Durham University

• The School of Education

• The PGCE (Primary) Course

• What to expect when you come for interview

• Some things to think about

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Durham and the University

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The School of Education

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About the PGCE (Primary) Course

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University-

based

•Subject knowledge

•Pedagogy

School- based

•Professional knowledge

•Practice

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University-based: subject knowledge

Core

subjects

•Over 50 hours for each subject

•English; Mathematics; Science

Foundation subjects

•12 hours for each subject

•Art & Design; Design & Technology; Geography; History; Information & Communications Technology; Modern Foreign Languages; Music; Physical Education

Plus RE

•also 12 hours

•Stands alongside the National Curriculum subjects but reflects the Agreed Syllabuses of various religions

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University-based: pedagogy• e.g. topics like managing behaviour; planning

for teaching and learning; monitoring and assessment; inclusion; Every Child Matters (ECM); English as an Additional Language (EAL); applying for jobs and interviews ….

Core Issues and Skills

• Two day blocks organised around in depth explorations of contemporary issues e.g. synthetic phonics, safeguarding children; behaviour management. Professional

Conferences

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So a “normal timetable” week for 2011-12 looks like this …

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School-based experiences

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•Two weeks home area school based experience (HASE)

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•Weekly serial visits (Thursdays & Fridays)

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•Visits include alternative placements: e.g. Nursery / KS3 / SEN

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•First placement (T1- 3 weeks & T2- 3 weeks)

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•Final placements (Term 3, 8 weeks)

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•Enhancement placements (Term 3, 2 we

eks)

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•Travel arrangements

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School-Based: The Partnership – the school training centres

STC = School Training Centre

STCC = School Training Centre Co-ordinator (the University representative in the School Cluster)

The STCC:

- acts as your school mentor

- oversees your files, etc.

- arranges your various placements in the cluster

- observes lessons

- writes a significant part of your reference.

Your university tutor

SCHOOL 1 - STC

School 2

School 3

School 4

School 5

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So the 2011-12 year looks like this …

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Plan for your interview day … Documentation check

Meeting with Admissions Tutor –

questions about the PGCE course

Group activity

Piece of personal reading / writing

Personal interview

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Assignments and Assessments …

Academic …

- Essay (5,000 words) @ Masters’ level

- Mini-study (5,000 words) @ Masters’ level

- QTS Portfolio (5,000 words)

Professional …

- School experience portfolio

- English, maths & science workbooks

- Record of Achievement

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In addition ... You will be expected to attend the Pre-Course Day on July 2nd

2012 where preparation tasks are set.

Provisional registration with the General Teaching Council for England is required.

The PGCE credits can be used as Year 1 of the MA(QTS).

You need CRB clearance before starting – anyone not CRB cleared when school placements begin may be required to withdraw from the programme.

The PGCE is a very demanding course!

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Finally ....

- We would normally give conditional or unconditional offers but …

All PGCE places for 2012 entry will be offered conditionally at this time, dependent on government allocations through the Training and Development Agency (TDA).

- If you have any questions you can ask any of the staff you meet on your visit – we will be glad to help.

- We look forward to meeting you.