PGCE Primary Education

Overview & facilities

Primary school teaching is varied, challenging and rewarding. It demands a high level of understanding across a range of subjects, advanced skills in teaching and an empathy with the learning needs of young children. The courses that prepare people for this work are similarly varied, challenging and rewarding.

The course covers Key Stages 1 and 2, age range five to eleven years. Successful completion of our programme, combined with the Training Development Agency (TDA) tests in English, mathematics and information communication technology ICT, leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The course has a strong commitment to preparing students to teach in multilingual, multicultural, multifaith settings and schools in London and in its surrounding areas.  Diversity in society is seen as a strength and forms a cornerstone of the programme.  This recognition and focus will enable students to work towards equality and inclusion.

Middlesex works in close partnership with primary schools and settings in Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Waltham Forest, Harrow, Essex and Hertfordshire.

Content & modules

During the University based component of the course you study the subjects of the National Curriculum and religious education for the primary age range, with their appropriate pedagogy. You are introduced to the practical aspects of classroom management and explore some wider issues concerning early years and primary education. Course content reflects the Every Child Matters agenda and current initiatives and development in education.

The school based component is focused on two placements in different schools. One placement will be in Key Stage 1 and the other in Key Stage 2. Initially you will assist the class teachers and then take responsibility for the classes for a substantial period in the spring and summer terms. You will be placed in our partnership schools where teachers have been trained to act as mentors to support and assess you. You spend 90 days of the course in school.

All University-based modules are assessed by coursework.  School-based modules are assessed against the standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Each module is assessed on a pass/fail basis.  All modules are compulsory and must be passed.  You do not have an automatic right to reassessment for the school-based modules.

This is an intensive five-days-a-week programme, during which you may also have directed work to carry out during the Christmas and Easter holiday periods. You should expect a teacher's normal-length working day during your school placement.

Modules

All modules listed below are compulsory.

Foundation Subjects
You will consider the role of foundation subjects in school and their place in the primary curriculum. You will develop the knowledge to successfully teach these subjects at FS, KS1 and KS2 and understand assessment of these subjects at this level. You will become familiar with a variety of approaches which are suitable for different ages and abilities in these subjects. You will develop knowledge and understanding of short and medium term planning in these subjects and consider the ways to promote moral, spiritual and cultural dimensions in the curriculum. You will take a critical attitude to the subjects they teach and to develop children’s critical thinking skills.

ICT Across the Curriculum
You will develop an understanding of ICT in education. You will be given the opportunity to develop ICT capability for professional application along with an understanding of how ICT should be integrated into the subjects of the National Curriculum. You will build a comprehensive understanding of techniques for planning, teaching and assessing ICT National Curriculum experiences both discretely and within other subjects. You will critically evaluate selected ICT resources and materials suitable for the Key Stage 1 and 2 curriculum, in the light of planning issues arising in school. You will apply technical skills in the use of hardware and software to new situations.

Preparation for School Experience and School Experience 1
The University based part of the module unites theory with practice and develops experiences and understanding gained on the day link visits. You will explore teaching and learning styles, examine the role of the class teacher, evaluate planning for teaching and learning in a Key Stage 1 classroom, reflect upon strategies for the organisation of space and resources and the management of children and additional adults; and gain knowledge of how to manage assessment for learning. Within this module a six week placement is undertaken. This is a paired placement in which you will work collaboratively with other students with the support of the class teacher and mentor. You will take on the role of teacher for 70% of the timetable.

Teaching Mathematics at Key Stages 1 and 2
You will be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the requirements of the National Curriculum. You will plan for effective learning and identify and remediate children’s possible errors and misconceptions. You will be required to work autonomously to audit, extend and develop your own mathematical subject knowledge. You will identify and evaluate effective strategies for assessing children’s learning in mathematics and develop a range of resources and critically reflect upon their use in the classroom. You will develop an understanding as to how language and ICT supports teaching and judge where strong cross-curricular links can be made. You will analyse research data and critically evaluate how research has contributed to the knowledge of how to teach mathematics.

Professional Studies
You will critically review the values, aims and purposes and general requirements of the curriculum guidance for the Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum and gain a familiarity with the framework for personal, social and health education. The module will cover the statutory frameworks relating to teachers' responsibilities including the Special Educational Needs (SEN) code of practice and child protection. You will critically review the role of governing bodies, league tables and of how the results of Ofsted inspections may impact on teaching and learning.

School Experience 2
This module provides an extended, individual school experience at Key Stage 2 during which you build upon your experience at Key Stage 1 and teach 80% of the timetable for six weeks. You will have a preparation period of ten day link visits and a week for planning and resourcing. This is followed by the practical six week block. You will plan, implement, observe and assess children’s learning and evaluate your own teaching.

Teaching English at Key Stages 1 and 2
You will develop the knowledge and skills required for the teaching of Primary English at Key Stages 1 and 2, so you are able to teach speaking, listening, reading and writing as set out by the National Curriculum and National Primary Strategy. You will look to provide wider dimensions to learning to foster creativity across the curriculum. You will demonstrate knowledge of various approaches to the teaching of reading and writing and be able to critically evaluate those approaches. You will demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of stories, poetry and drama. You will recognise the importance of inclusion and management of all abilities.

Teaching Science at Key Stage 1 and 2
You will develop your subject knowledge and understand the pedagogic requirements to plan, teach and assess science successfully at Key Stages 1 and 2. You will work autonomously to audit, extend and develop your own science knowledge. You will identify and remediate children’s common misconceptions and select effective strategies for assessing children’s learning. You will plan for effective learning in a diverse classroom, applying the QCA Scheme of Work for Science. You will plan and carry out scientific investigations and utilize a range of resources. You will analyse research data and draw conclusions based on evidence. You will develop an understanding of the health and safety and ethics to be considered when teaching science.

Entry & applying

For PGCE Primary, you will need a 2.2 degree or above. Degrees in all subjects are considered but if your degree does not have 50% content in a National Curriculum subject, you must have two good A-level passes in National Curriculum subjects (English, science, mathematics, ICT, art, design and technology, music, physical education) or religious education. Additionally you must have GCSE grade C in mathematics, English and science.

It is essential that you undertake at least two weeks work experience in a UK or Republic of Ireland Primary education context before applying.

You should apply for the course via the Graduate Teacher Training Registry.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL (paper based) 600 or TOEFL (internet based) 100 with specified minimum scores for each component. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements

We suggest that you contact UKNaric to check that your qualifications are equivalent to our basic entry requirements. 

Fees & funding

For PGCE Primary, the tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
For PGCE Primary, the tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for non-EU students is £10,600.

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

Careers & placements

Our Careers Service offers you a range of support both while you’re studying with us – and after you’ve graduated.

Placements

Work placements are integral to the PGCE Primary Education degree. Our course is well-known for having a strong and committed partnership with local schools, whose mentors and class teachers train with the University. As a student, you will have the opportunity for rich and varied placements in the multilingual, multicultural and multifaith schools.