PGCE in Music (11-18)
Course code: W3X1
Mode of study: Full time
Location: Canterbury Campus
Introduction
Music is a vital and dynamic aspect of the National Curriculum and is an important human practice throughout the world. The 11-18 PGCE Music course prepares students to teach this challenging and fulfilling subject in a way which reflects the essence of music itself i.e. a unique practical and creative discipline in which we can understand and express our ideas. The course allows student teachers to develop their graduate musicianship in the context of the classroom and thus empower young people to use music as part of their lives.
The aims of the course are:
- to challenge assumptions about the nature of music and music education
- to analyse the various theories and practices of music education through active learning
- to place listening, composing and performing, in a wide range of styles and genres, at the centre of the student teacher’s learning experience
- to experience working alongside teachers in music departments
- to give access to the latest teaching and learning resources
- to develop the student teacher as a reflective and enthusiastic practitioner
- to develop skills which complement the student teacher’s existing expertise
- to help student teachers develop a well-principled philosophy of music education which they are able to use in the profession as the basis of their practice.
The course is organised in partnership with schools in Kent and Medway, and beyond. We use the expertise of teachers in partnership schools and tutors in University sessions to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required for teaching music to young people, across the full secondary age and ability range.
Content
Professional Placement – Module 1
You will have opportunities to teach pupils at Key Stage 3 (aged 11-14) and those following 14-19 examination courses such as GCSE, A Level and BTEC.
You will work in two contrasting placement schools and in each you will be supported by both a curriculum mentor and a professional mentor. The curriculum mentor will offer advice on subject specific issues. You will have opportunities to develop teaching, learning and assessment strategies. You will develop understanding and skills in a safe practice environment through planning lessons, teaching and evaluating. The professional mentor will be able to offer advice about generic and whole school issues.
Professional Studies – Module 2
Professional studies sessions aim to inform you about aspects of professional practice which are central to your work, whatever your subject, including pastoral care, learning and assessment theory, behaviour management, meeting the needs of individual pupils and groups and inclusion.
Curriculum Studies in Music – Module 3
The music curriculum studies sessions hope to reflect perspectives on good classroom practice, and for this reason the practical work will be permeated by the fundamental activities of performing, composing, listening, reflecting and evaluating in groups, as a class and as individuals.
The sessions will employ the following strategies:
- lectures, talks or demonstrations by tutors, student teachers and mentors
- discussion in small and large groups
- examination of documents, readings and research in the field of music education
- student teacher presentations in relation to a topic or specific school based work
- being taught as a ‘class’ or small group by tutors, mentors and student teachers
- collaborative teaching
- sharing good practice and expertise (pedagogical or musical)
- workshops
- study of DVD/video evidence e.g. teachers in action.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the entry requirements you will need the following:
- A degree with at least half of it in Music but the Music component of your degree might include Western Classical music, music from other cultures, or popular music.
- Most importantly, you need to be a passionate and practising musician.
