We believe that History has a central role to play in the curriculum in schools today. History continues to be a popular subject in schools. We are looking to recruit student teachers who can demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the discipline of historical study, who can articulate why history education should continue to play a central role in pupils’ secondary school experience, and who can show that they are enthusiastic practising historians.

We recognise that student teachers join the course with a range of subject knowledge expertise, but through a carefully planned programme, we will ensure that they will be able to teach confidently across the age and ability range.

There is a comprehensive subject knowledge audit to complete before the course begins and individual action plans are prepared to ensure all student teachers are able to meet the subject knowledge demands of teaching the National Curriculum and GCSE and Advanced Level courses. Regular reviews are held, where student teachers are encouraged to review the progress they have made against agreed targets. Student teachers are offered a wide range of support, including on-line learning support.

The History Subject Studies course prepares student teachers to teach active, enquiry-based lessons, where pupils are challenged to think and question. The programme includes a variety of teaching and learning opportunities for the student teacher and draws upon the experience and expertise of a number of History teachers in our Partnership Schools. The approach to University Subject Studies sessions attempts to reflect good classroom practice. Student teachers will be introduced to a wide range of learning and teaching strategies. These include a strong emphasis on collaborative models of working and learning, the examination and analysis of materials and peer group teaching and assessment.

The Subject Studies course is constantly evolving to meet the changing demands of teaching in the secondary phase. The History PGCE course prides itself on being dynamic and responsive to student teachers’ needs and their evaluations. Strong emphasis is placed on understanding and using Information Communication Technology to promote good learning and teaching in the History classroom. The course also has a strong commitment to developing a clear understanding of how to exploit the local environment to enhance our understanding of the past. History has a clear role to play in the teaching of Citizenship. Cross-curriculum sessions help student teachers to explore the role they have to play in the teaching of Citizenship.

How to Apply 

Applications for the full-time PGCE 7-14 and 11-18 are made electronically via the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) www.gttr.ac.uk

There is no general closing date, but each programme or subject pathway is closed when it becomes fully subscribed. Early application is strongly advised, both because some subject programmes fill quickly, and because it will help you to plan for your PGCE course if you can get early confirmation of a place.

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