SCITT PGCE provision at Goldsmiths

Goldsmiths, University of London has delivered teaching education for over 120 years and has established partnerships with SCITTs both locally and nationally.

Goldsmiths' PGCE partnership

We support the development of exceptional teachers for world-class schools through: 

• Promoting reflection to develop a strong sense of identity that is built upon a close connection between research and experience 
• Recognising inclusivity to be rights-respecting and recognise and challenge the political, social, economic and cultural dimensions of practice 
• Celebrating creativity to take informed risks and use imaginative and innovative strategies to support learning 
• Developing confidence and engagement to participate fully in steering the course of the profession locally, nationally, and globally 

Curriculum 

Our subject specialists have recognised expertise and take a research-informed approach to curriculum design. A cohesive connection between theory and practice is promoted across the curriculum. We work with our SCITT partners to ensure their curriculum supports masters level study. 

Programme structure 

Our SCITT students study two 30 credit masters level modules: 

• Module 1: this module focuses on overarching issues in school such as behaviour, motivation, relationships, high expectations etc. This can be tailored to meet the context of the SCITT partner 
• Module 2: the focus of this module is tailored to the curriculum focus of the SCITT provider 

Assessment 

We will work with new SCITT partners to develop the assessment strategies used. We recognise the different contexts of our partners and that the needs of schools vary. The focus of the assignment may differ depending on location of the training and students’ workload will be protected.  

We have a supportive approach to assessment. Students have access to examples so that they can see effective practice. Actionable feedback will be provided on their draft assignment and final feedback will feed into the next assessment via the assignment feedback form. 

We have high expectations for all students, if their work does not meet level 7 criteria, students will be given further tutorial support prior to resubmission. Alternatively, students can choose to have work assessed at level 6 to receive a Professional Graduate Certificate of Education. 

Models of partnership 

We offer different models of partnership based on the level of input from Goldsmiths. SCITT partners can opt for a model where Goldsmiths tutors teach the whole module and take responsibility for assessment, whereas others may wish to share these responsibilities. Cost of the provision is dependent on the model chosen. 

Support for Goldsmiths students

We have a range of systems within the university to support all students, including SCITT students working remotely. This support encompasses three strands: 

• Wellbeing support: we recognise the pressures that an intensive training year may place on students. We support student teacher’s wellbeing, including their mental health including access to wellbeing advisers, counselling and support from the disability and inclusion service 
• Library support: students have access to a well-resourced library including e-resources, over 1,000 education-based e-journals and 4,000 education e-books. Students have access to support from the Academic Support Team and the education subject librarian 
• Academic support: students receive teaching on academic reading and writing to support their transition to masters level study. Each student is entitled to one hour of tutorial support per module, including feedback on assignment drafts  

Students also have access to our virtual learning environment, IT support, a dedicated Goldsmiths email and an invitation to graduation to celebrate their success.