The PGCE course team are excited to work with you as you begin on your final stage towards becoming a teacher and achieving your dream. It is our privilege to support you on this journey and we look forward to welcoming you in September.

Claire Harris (PGCE Primary Education Course Director)

Planning your transition into the course

We know that you are excited about getting started on the course. To support your smooth transition, we have collated a range of information that will be useful as you make your plans. This includes the course timetable, sources of support and a range of pre-arrival tasks. Please ensure that you engage with these prior to the course start date and be ready to discuss these with your tutors when you arrive.

Please follow this link to a padlet containing important course information and the pre-arrival tasks: PGCE Primary Education Padlet Link

School Experiences

We know that engaging with school placement experiences is the highlight of the course for our students, as they begin to put their teaching skills into practice. We have a team who manage the organisation of our placements for our students and they will be in touch with you to gather all the information to complete this task. You will need to consider the following information.

We ask students to state a preference for the age-phase of their placements. It is very important to note that this is a preference only and cannot be guaranteed. Whilst we do our best to place students within their preferred age-range, we have to work within a range of parameters including:

• The offers received from local schools;
• Government requirements;
• Students' living and transport arrangements;
• Students' medical needs and caring responsibilities.

The age-phases that you are asked to choose between are as follows:

• 3-7: Placements will be in the Foundation Stage (including Nursery & Reception) and Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)
• 5-11: Placements will be in Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6).

Because the course prepares students to teach across the Primary age range, employability and the overall qualification awarded are not affected by the choice made.

Students should note that while we provide a contribution towards travel costs, students are expected to contribute to the travel to placement themselves. Students are advised not to purchase season tickets or travel cards until they know the school in which they are placed and the suggested mode of transport. You should also be prepared to travel up to 1½ hrs each way to placement.

Voluntary observations in schools (EYFS/KS1/KS2)

Whilst it is not a requirement, you are advised to seek as much voluntary experience in schools as is possible. When in school, focus on the roles and responsibilities of the teachers, the curriculum the impact on children’s learning. You will find this greater understanding and awareness invaluable as you begin the course.

Your welcome and induction will be week commencing the 9th September 2024. We look forward to meeting you then.