University of Wales Trinity Saint David, the United Kingdom
University of Wales Trinity Saint David| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGCE | find out | find out | find out | find out | find out |
Key Features
Modules
Professional Accreditations
PGCE with QTS
Course Tutor(s)
Assessment
Module 01 Principles of teaching, learning and pedagogy in secondary education
Module 02 Skills across the curriculum
Module 03a or 03 Investigating issues in secondary education
Module 04a or 04 Curriculum development and enhancement
Professional Teaching Experience
Career Opportunities
The South West Wales Centre of Teacher Education has excellent graduate employment rates with 99% of graduates going into employment or further study (DLHE 14/15).
Many school and college departments, both locally and nationally, are staffed with several of our teachers and many of our trainees have gone on to forge successful teaching careers at strategic, professional and management levels at home and abroad.
Our PGCE graduates usually remain in close touch with us as they make their careers in the teaching profession and they often become Subject Mentors on the programme. This creates a very strong, sustainable professional network of teachers which is a rich source of continuing professional development.
Recently our PGCE Biology graduates have gone on to work as Secondary Teachers in many independent and state schools in Wales, England and abroad including (but not limited) to:
Lucton School (Leominster), Chew Valley School (Somerset), Queen Elizabeth High School (Carmarthen), Eastern High (Cardiff), Ysgol Dyffryn Amman (Ammanford), St Teilo's Church in Wales High School (Cardiff), Holyrood Academy (Somerset), Mary Immaculate Catholic High School (Wenvoe), Bedwas High (Caerphilly).
Further Information
During the programme you will have access to good library resources, ICT facilities and dedicated laboratories. You will participate in sessions designed to improve your knowledge of lesson planning, practical work, managing pupils' behaviour, as well as the relevant aspects of current science courses in Key stage 3, 4 and 5. Opportunities will be given for you to carry out practical work and to consider safety issues.
The Science curriculum in Key stage 3 is now predominantly skills-based and you will have the opportunity to find out more about the skills framework and the National Curriculum. You will be prepared to teach the literacy and numeracy components of the curriculum as well as the Curriculum Cymreig and other skill areas. You will be introduced to the content of GCSE and 'A' level courses as well as to assessment. The importance of assessment for learning will be emphasised. You will find out more about cognitive approaches to teaching and about questioning as well as structuring lessons.
The fundamental aims of the PGCE Biology programme are to develop the skills of trainees, particularly the skill of critical evaluation, so that they can reflect on practice. You will have opportunities to teach during placements in secondary schools.
Crucially, your development as a teacher will be guided by an experienced teacher who will act as your mentor at your placement school. You will be encouraged to reflect on your teaching experiences in school in the light of discussion with your mentors and your tutor.
You will be encouraged to read widely to familiarise yourself with the factors, issues and educational theories that influence learning. Through reflection and regular evaluation of your own practice you will be expected to show gradual improvement in the standards of your own teaching and of pupils learning. Your success will be measured against criteria leading to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
If you are called to an interview you would need to undertake 30 minute Literacy and Numeracy tests and if you wanted to follow the course through the medium of Welsh, an additional Welsh Literacy test. You will be given a formal interview by a subject tutor and will be asked to undertake a presentation related to your subject area. You will also have an extended writing exercise and an opportunity to show subject awareness at school level. This may include a group discussion. You would need to demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for your subject. An interest in young people and how they learn is essential.
Related Courses
Entry Criteria
For the September 2015 entry you will need a B grade at GCSE in English and Mathematics and if you intend to follow your course through the medium of Welsh, a C grade in Welsh.
If you hold a C grade in GCSE English Language or Mathematics and are successful in other aspects of the selection process you will be given the opportunity to sit the equivalency test. If you are successful and you accept your place to study with us then you can start your programme as planned. Attendance at the workshops prior to the test is a compulsory part of the equivalency testing programme.
For further information please contact PGCE secondary admin: 01792 482111, S_PGCE@uwtsd.ac.uk
Good GCSE and A level qualifications including science subjects are generally expected. Students are expected to have a degree in Biology or a degree containing an appropriate number of modules showing evidence of degree level studies in biological topics.
The normal minimum entry requirement to the programme is a second class honours degree in Biology or in a strongly cognate discipline. 'A Level equivalent' qualifications, such as BTEC Advanced will also be taken into account. Details of particular subject entry requirements can be obtained by contacting the tutor named below.
If accepted onto our course, you will be required to obtain a clear enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service - formerly known as CRB, Criminal Records Bureau) clearance check as soon as possible.
If you were called to interview, it would be advantageous if you gained some work experience at a secondary school in order that you begin to realise what it means to be a classroom teacher and understand the demands that would face you in your chosen career.
The PGCE Secondary programme has a well-established link with the CANTEACH programme that supports and facilitates Canadian graduates' application to the PGCE Secondary programme.
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