Introduction 

This innovative programme is organised in partnership with a number of major Further Education colleges and other centres for Post Compulsory Education such as Adult Education providers, prisons and other public and private sector education and training organisations in London and the South East.

Who is it for?

The PGCE (Post compulsory) is an extremely demanding, but very rewarding, pre service programme for graduates who wish to teach in the Life Long Learning Sector (120 credits at NQF level 6) . We have nine partnership colleges who offer placement opportunities for students across London and Kent. You will be fully supported throughout the programme both within your placement college and from the University team. Within your placement college you will be allocated a mentor from your subject specialist area, and you will be allocated a personal tutor from the University team. You will be expected to attend placement 4 days per week after the initial 4 weeks full time university attendance.

It should be noted that when in your professional placement you will be required to participate in all areas of professional development, tasks and duties. You must ensure adherence to college codes of practice, including conduct, dress and values.

It is important to note that students are not placed geographically and should therefore be prepared to travel.

Subject areas available:

• Business administration
• Construction and related subjects
• Design and technology
• Engineering
• English, media studies and performing arts
• Health, social care and public services
• Information and communications technology (ICT)
• Mathematics
• Skills for life – literacy and ESOL
• Skills for life – numeracy
• Science

For full details of bursary areas and other information, visit: www.hefce.ac.uk

The Post Compulsory Sector 

The Post Compulsory sector includes all education and training following compulsory school education. Students in this sector can be found in a wide variety of learning contexts, such as:

• Further Education and Tertiary Colleges
• The training departments of companies or public sector organisations like the Fire Brigade, local government or health service
• Sixth Forms and Sixth Form Colleges
• Adult Education Centres
• Work-based learning contexts
• Community Education Centres

About the Programme 

The emphasis of the course is on turning subject experts into competent and reflective, critical and professional teachers and trainers. That is, people who not only have thorough subject expertise but who are able to teach in broad curriculum areas and are equipped to handle the challenges presented by the wide range of Post Compulsory learners and contexts.

Students will spend the first four weeks of their programme at the University in order to prepare them and develop the generic skills required for teaching and learning. This will be followed by a parallel programme of four days per week in placement to focus on the practical elements of teaching, develop students’ skills in the delivery of their subject specialism as well as acting as a thorough preparation for employment in the sector. Attendance at the university for one day a week allows for full integration of theory and practice and the opportunity to reflect and debate upon the diverse range of experiences that students will engage with.

Students will be expected to successfully complete six modules which will allow students to develop their skills, abilities, understanding and practice in the following areas:

• the ability to plan and prepare teaching and learning sessions
• assess learning
• opportunities for further research in relation to issues important to the students in their own specialist area
• communication skills – delivery, whole and small group facilitation
• underpinning theories and principles of learning and teaching
• development of transferable skills such as presentation, time management, research, planning, organisation
• curriculum ideologies and development
• experience a range of teaching environments

Students will also be required to complete observations of experienced practitioners and make full use of the development feedback offered when they themselves are observed.

Students on placement will be supported by a curriculum mentor in addition to personal tutors from the University team. The placement is fully supported by the placement institution and the University where you will be able to seek and be offered guidance, advice and tips to support your professional development and practice.

Students will also be required to engage in a complementary teaching experience which can take place in a range of settings such as Adult and Community Education, prisons education or within a private or public sector organisation. This will offer breadth as well as depth to the programme of professional teacher training.

Assessment

Assessment is through the successful completion of six modules, each of which comprise a range of written assignments and teaching related tasks such as the production of lesson plans, Schemes of Work and reflections on own development and practice. Students will also need to successfully complete eight observations of their teaching, 150 hours of teaching and satisfactory achievement against teaching standards. A wide range of teaching and learning strategies will be employed on the programme including: lectures, seminars, tutorials, self-study, guided reading, role-play, case studies.

The six modules will allow students to develop their skills, abilities, understanding and practice in the following areas:

• Planning and preparing teaching and learning sessions
• Assessing learning
• Researching in relation to issues important to own specialist area
• Communicating with others, including individuals, whole and small group facilitation
• Applying underpinning theories and principles of learning and teaching to the practical arena, including curriculum ideologies and development
• Developing transferable skills such as presentation, time management, research, planning and organisation

Teaching transforms lives. The course is intensive and demanding. The rewards are exceptional. One of our previous students who now works in a 6th form, says “I have survived my first two weeks due to your amazing teaching and tutoring”. She finds the work hard but she is stimulated, engaged and thoroughly enjoys teaching – how many other jobs offer those terms and conditions!

“A well-designed, taught programme with a skilful blend of theory and practice.” Ofsted Inspection Report 2006

“The quality of the teaching by the University team continues to be very good” External Examiner Report 2008.

“Teaching has been one of the best parts of the course; lecturers clearly have great experience and knowledge in their fields.” Student Representative feedback January 2008.

“Throughout my course, I have received fantastic support from my Personal tutor and my Mentor.” Student feedback 2009

Qualified Teacher Status  

The course is designed for those seeking employment in the Post Compulsory sector and those who obtain the PGCE will not be eligible for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) required for teaching in the compulsory sector. However, PGCE students may be recruited by schools and onto the graduate teacher scheme and may be subsequently granted QTS as a result of their additional learning and experience. The programme is endorsed by Lifelong Learning UK and those obtaining the PGCE will be eligible to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.

Financial Support for Students

Please click on the following link for further information and/or visit www.hefce.ac.uk

Entry Qualifications 

To be selected for an interview applicants should have the following:

• a degree or equivalent with a good academic record
• • adequate competence in literacy, numeracy, ICT and communication skills
• academic and/or industrial and commercial experience related to your chosen curriculum area
• some experience of observing lessons in a Further Education College
• can demonstrate involvement with young people or adults in the community
• in the personal statement of the application form applicants need to indicate sound reasons for wanting to teach in post-compulsory education

Important Information 

Offers of a place are only made after an interview. All offers are subject to placement .At the interview the selection criteria include:

• an awareness of the world of Post Compulsory education and realistic expectations on what a career in this area might involve
• demonstration of practical knowledge about Further Education e.g. shadowing experience
• production of a satisfactory written piece relating to the profession
• overall enthusiasm, openness, perception about their own experience, a capacity to work collaboratively, initiative energy, self confidence, potential for persistence, capacity for empathy
• potential interpersonal skills for classroom teaching and management
• the candidate’s academic and/or relevance of industrial/commercial experience

How to Apply

An application form and reference forms for the Post Compulsory PGCE can be downloaded below:

• Application Form
• Academic Reference Form
• Second Reference Form

Copies can also be obtained from Admissions & Recruitment (Postgraduate Office), Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, CT1 1QU.

Telephone: 01227 782900
Fax: 01227 863438
or email: admissions@canterbury.ac.uk

> Faculty of Education Website