Course information
UCAS Teacher Training code
Q3X1; QX31 (Part-time)
Length
1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
Course overview
This programme offers a balance of theory and practice to give you a thorough grounding in all aspects of the National Curriculum for English, including post-16 teaching.
You will learn how to make use of a wide range of teaching approaches through practical workshop sessions and seminars with trained professionals, and also through your direct involvement with one or more culturally diverse London schools.
Through practical and theoretical application, you will be taught all aspects of the planning and evaluation of lessons, assessment, marking and examination syllabuses.
By the time you reach Qualified Teacher Status you will have developed the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to become a responsible professional who can make positive and informed contributions to educational policy.
After an introduction to the National Curriculum and other recent developments, you explore issues around:
- writing, reading, speaking and listening
- culture and prejudice
- assessment and marking
- public examinations
- classroom organisation and management
- bilingualism
- the place of Drama, Media Studies and IT in the English classroom
- teaching English to different age ranges
- literacy
- language awareness teaching
- how best to meet different needs and interests in mixed-experience classrooms, including those of bilingual and bidialectal pupils, and pupils with Special Educational Needs
A key feature is the inclusion of specialist Drama, Voice and Media Studies workshops, enabling you to develop a broad repertoire of teaching skills and experiences.
Methods of assessment in English focus primarily on individual written work, but also take into account group tasks, presentations and video work.
Formal assignments explore aspects of: planning and selection of resources; assessment practices; and current debates about English as an academic/school subject.
School Direct
It is also possible to study this course via our School Direct programme. Please visit our School Direct page to see which schools offer this subject.
Additional costs
As well as your PGCE fees, you will have to cover your travel costs to your school placements.
We produce reading packs electronically and in hard copy format. There’s a small charge for the hard copy reading packs. You may also be asked to contribute towards trips and some materials for your modules.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Francis Gilbert
Structure
In the Autumn Term, two days of most weeks are devoted to the College-based English Method programme. These subject sessions have a seminar/workshop format.
Teaching practice is in two main blocks, each in a separate school. During the school-based weeks of the Autumn Term, there are opportunities to observe teachers, to ask questions, and to speak with your school-based mentor – either the head of the English department in the school or another experienced member of staff.
Much of the Spring and Summer Terms are devoted to school-based work. Normally, two English students are located at each school so that, as well as teaching classes on your own, you may also be able to undertake joint teaching, including joint preparation and marking.
Download the programme specification for this degree to find out more about what you'll learn and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
How to apply
You apply for this PGCE through the UCAS Teacher Training website. Our institution code is G56 GOLD.
Please take a look at the information on applying, including the specific qualifications or experience you need for this course.
There's no closing date for primary or secondary applications, but we advise you to apply early to avoid disappointment.
Learning & teaching
A range of teaching methods are employed across the PGCE programmes, including:
• Taught subject sessions
• Taught General Professional Study sessions
• Practical workshops
• Core lectures
• Group tutorials/seminars
• Individual tutorials
• Individual and group presentations
• Supported self-study
As with the other PGCE courses, you’ll be given the opportunity to work with children in a wide range of contexts. These might include focused interventions with individuals or groups, or larger scale events for the community.