The Certificate in Education (Post-Compulsory), awarded by Canterbury Christ Church University, is designed to meet the needs of teachers in further and/or adult education and trainers in the public sector.

It has been developed by practitioners for practitioners and is assessed through the satisfactory achievement of the Further Education National Training Organisation (FENTO) / Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) Standards.

This is a two year part-time programme. Year 1 covers FENTO requirements for Introductory and Intermediate Level entry into the profession. Year 2 leads to full Certification. Course members may exit at various points in the programme in accordance with the requirements of their current post.

Holders of the Certificate in Education (Post-Compulsory) may proceed to a Foundation Degree, which will commence in 2006 and then onto a BA (Hons) Professional Studies (Post-Compulsory Education and Training) at Canterbury Christ Church University.

Gina Donovan - Programme Director

Programme Aims

The broad aim of the programme is to enhance knowledge, skills and professional attributes through a series of assignments requiring critical understanding, demonstration of skill, and professional reflection.

The emphasis in Year 1 is on preparation for competent classroom delivery; the emphasis in Year 2 is on an understanding of the broader professional context for a PCET teacher or trainer and critical evaluation and professional reflection.

Specifically, the programme aims to enable course members to become effective, critical and thoughtful Post-Compulsory teachers and trainers. To this end it aims to develop in course members:

The range of professional attributes and theoretical perspectives necessary to provide an effective learning environment for their students
Knowledge and understanding of a range of social, political, pedagogical, economic and curriculum issues affecting Post-Compulsory education and training.

The ability to develop and evaluate professional initiatives relating to PCET

Entry Requirements

Entry to the programme is for teachers/trainers who:

• can show evidence of a subject/vocational qualification and/or relevant experience;
• are able to demonstrate at interview their ability to profit from the programme;
• can show that they are able to meet the teaching requirement of the programme, which is minimum of 60 hours concurrently with Year 1 and a further 60 hours concurrently with Year 2 (all within Post Compulsory education and training).
   

Teachers who have gained a City & Guilds 7307 may apply for direct entry to Year 2 provided the qualification was gained no earlier than 5 years prior to entry to the Certificate in Education programme.

Programme Contents

Mode of Delivery and Location

The Certificate in Education (Post-Compulsory) is delivered by a team of tutors from a consortium of colleges. The colleges at present offering the programme are: Bexhill College, Canterbury College, Lewisham College, Mid Kent College, Orpington College, South Kent College and Thanet College.

Canterbury Christ Church University also offers the possibility of the programme being taught in public service or industrial organisations who can satisfy our venue specifications and are teaching within a context approved by the DfES (please see FENTO statements at the end of this section).

Assessment

In Year 1 a written assignment will require students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding. Practical assignments will require students to meet Standards aimed mainly at 'competent’ performance. In Year 2 written assignments will expect students to engage in critical analysis and evaluation of both the context of PCET and their own practice. Practical assignments will require students to meet Standards aimed mainly at professional development and critical reflection.

* please see FENTO statements

How to Apply

Applications should made to the Consortium college closest to you

Additional Notes

This programme attracts a mandatory award to cover tuition fees, etc. Details of these awards are available from your Local Education Authority.

Registration is normally in the first two weeks of September. You may apply for an interview to register at any point in the year preceding the proposed year of entry.

Statement from FENTO

"It has been agreed with DfES that appropriate teaching practice is within publicly funded provision in the following settings:

1. Further Education *, including FE provision taught in HE settings
2. Adult and Community Education or
3. Basic Skills provision within Further and Adult Education

* as defined in the 1992 Further and Higher Education Act"

Contact details

Gina Donovan
Tel: (01227) 826507