PGCE (Secondary) Flexible Programme
This programme provides an innovative and high quality flexible route into teaching for people who want to qualify to teach Design and Technology, English, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, General Science), or Community Languages (Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Panjabi and Urdu).
Debra White, PGCE (Secondary): English – Flexible Programme
CX11 (Biology);
FX11 (Chemistry);
Q9X1 (Community Languages);
WX91 (D&T);
QX31 (English);
FX01 (General Science);
FX31 (Physics)
See general entrance requirements.
See Fitness to train: criminal convictions.
Please see further information on fees and costs.
about the content of the programme, please contact Jenny Bain, Design and Technology +44 (0)20 7919 7782 or Maggie Pitfield, English +44 (0)20 7717 2947 or Emma Snowden, Science +44 (0)20 717 2996 or Jim Anderson, Community Languages +44 (0)20 919 7358.
Educational Studies
UK and EU students admissions or call +44 (0)20 7919 7050. International (non-EU) students or call +44 (0)20 7919 7702.
Teaching is a rewarding profession. Student teachers work with young people to develop their understanding of the content of the National Curriculum as well as helping them to make sense of the world around them. To do this we are looking for graduates who are passionate about their subject and eager to work with new people.
The Flexible PGCE allows you to take up to two years to complete the programme. The programme is designed to be flexible in terms of timing and delivery, and can be particularly suitable for those considering a career switch, and for those with family and other responsibilities.
If you have not recently spent time in a secondary school, we strongly advise you to arrange at least one day’s observation through a local school before you attend the interview.
The subject specific modules of each course are based closely on its corresponding full-time subject programme.
The Flexible PGCE Programme offers both a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education. The Postgraduate Certificate in Education enables you to take 60 credits at Master’s (M) level.
Please note that we will not normally consider applicants who have previously failed to complete a full-time PGCE or Graduate Training Programme.
What you study
The programme consists of four modules:
| Module | Description |
|---|---|
| Subject Study 1 | Introduction to subject studies: supported self-study, together with compulsory attendance at College-based workshops and tutorials. |
| Subject Study 2 | Development of subject studies: supported self-study, together with compulsory attendance at College-based workshops and tutorials. |
|
General Professional Studies |
Supported self-study, together with compulsory attendance at College-based workshops and tutorials. |
| School Experience | |
| School Induction and Needs Analysis |
10 days (normally two full weeks) following a structured programme of activities. Following this, an individual training plan is put in place. |
| School Experience 1 | The equivalent of 10 full weeks following a structured programme of activities, and building up experience of classroom teaching. |
| School Experience 2 | 12 full weeks following a programme of teaching, together with a number of directed activities. |
A staged approach is taken within each of the four modules. Significant elements of the programme must be followed in sequence.
There are two major start dates, in September/October and January/February. The programme length varies according to your individual circumstances and how intensively you are able to work. We expect most students to complete over four to five terms (including study over the Summer vacation), and all students will normally be expected to complete within two academic years. You may be able to take limited periods of ‘time out’, in agreement with your College tutor.
College-based modules
You follow a substantial element of the programme through supported self-study, which enables you to work at home around other commitments. A compulsory programme of workshops and classes based at Goldsmiths provides the essential elements of face-to-face teaching and collaborative learning. There are a minimum of nine College-based workshop days across the programme, a combination of Saturdays and weekdays. Because of the significant self-study element on the programmes, you need to be well-organised and able to meet deadlines.
In some circumstances, you may be exempted from aspects of the self-study modules if you can show evidence of having completed an equivalent training course before you start the Flexible PGCE.
School-based modules
You complete the equivalent of 24 weeks in school over the three school-based modules. In some cases, previous relevant experience (such as teaching overseas) or experience of working with children in other settings (homework clubs or summer schools, for example) may count towards this total, if supporting evidence is provided.
Normally we expect you to arrange your other commitments to enable you to undertake the school-based modules on a full-time basis. In some cases it may be possible for you to complete School Experience 1 on a part-time basis, as three or four days a week over a longer period of time. However, School Experience 2 consists of full-time attendance in the school for one block of 12 weeks.
School placements
We will normally arrange your placement in a school which is already in partnership with us. Most of these schools are in the Greater London area. The timings of the two main blocks of school experience are arranged to meet your requirements and the requirements of the placement schools.
Application enquiries
Please see how to apply for information on applying to this programme.