PGCE in Psychology (14-19)
Course code: C8X1
Mode of study: Full time
Location: Canterbury Campus
Introduction
The 14-19 PGCE in Psychology is an innovative and intensive nine month programme preparing graduates for the demands of teaching the 14-19 age range in the Secondary and Further Education sectors. Candidates will be awarded a PGCE and recommended for Qualified Teacher Status, enabling them to teach in schools. The programme is also designed to provide a strong foundation for working in the Lifelong Learning sector, especially FE.
The course is organised in partnership with Schools and Further Education colleges where student teachers spend 24 out of the 36 weeks teaching.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Your learning takes place for 12 weeks in the University, where you will experience a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical workshops. These will prepare you for professional placement and help you to reflect on professional issues and your own development. During the 24 weeks on placement, you will learn through a combination of observation, individual, group and whole class teaching, discussions with mentors, attendance at school/college training events and professional meetings.
Content
Professional Placement – Module 1
Teaching experiences include opportunities to teach GCSE, A-level, AVCE, GNVQ and National Diploma Programmes, and may include Key Stage 4 in a second subject.
You will teach on two main placements. Both are a combination of secondary school and FE college experience. You will work during placement with a subject mentor, who provides opportunities to try out particular skills in a safe environment, planning lessons and evaluating performance.
There will be opportunities for some students to undertake research and teaching on an additional placement in a range of settings, which may include settings other than schools and colleges related to the field.
Professional Studies – Module 2
Professional studies sessions aim to inform student teachers about aspects of professional practice which are central to their work, whatever their subject, including pastoral care, behaviour management, meeting the needs of individual pupils and groups, and pupil assessment.
Curriculum Studies in Psychology – Module 3
These involve work in two related strands: practical concept-based workshops and lecture/seminars, which together enable student teachers to develop a clear personal rationale, and practical strategies for teaching Psychology in the Secondary and Further Education sectors. In the practical workshops, student teachers examine and explore key concepts that underpin the various curricula and syllabi for Psychology.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the entry requirements you will need the following:
- A degree in a subject related to Psychology or in some exceptional cases an unrelated degree if you have worked in employment related to Psychology.
We welcome candidates with experience in business and industry, particularly where this work has enhanced your knowledge, skills and understanding in Psychology.
