In collaboration with the PGCE English (QTS) and PGCE Drama (QTS) programmes we offer an alternative pathway for training teachers who wish to teach both English and Drama. Details of PGCE Drama (QTS) can be found at mdx.ac.uk and details of the PGCE English (QTS) can be found at mdx.ac.uk.
Language is at the heart of everything we do. It sustains thought; it provides clarity of instruction and develops community. As an excellent communicator, this is your chance to strengthen young people's English skills through writing, reading, and spoken language. Whether chairing a lively debate or navigating a class through a complex Shakespeare extract, or developing authentic writing for real audiences, you will become an inspiring influence for all pupils.
On the PGCE English with Drama (QTS) course, we are passionate about language and literature in all its forms. We will equip you with the skills and experience necessary to both educate and inspire secondary English and drama pupils. In English you will explore language, literature, expression and the role of communication. In drama you will learn how to engage pupils through both the practical and theoretical nature of lessons.
Our ambitious curriculum has fully embedded the Core Content Framework for Initial Teacher Training to develop strong English subject knowledge and pedagogy and with the additional experience of teaching drama at KS3. Through interactive workshops, tutorials and seminars this one-year full-time course enables you to meet the national Teachers’ Standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with English as the main subject and drama as a second subject area.
During your studies, you will undertake teaching placements in at least two complementary secondary schools, acquiring a range of skills in English and drama pedagogy. We have excellent relationships with schools in and outside London and through this highly personalised programme, schools are carefully selected to suit each individual. Key experts from our partner schools are on hand to offer invaluable mentoring and support as well as input on the curriculum. We are proud of the comprehensive support we offer our PGCE trainees in every aspect of the course.
The programme provides an understanding of English across all key stages and drama in KS3. This involves an in-depth coverage in a range of topics including:
You will critically evaluate the effectiveness of a wide range of resources and your own lesson plans. You will analyse research data and critically evaluate how research has contributed to the knowledge and understanding of how to teach English effectively.
The programme is designed to provide 120 days in schools with two school experiences (Secondary Professional Development 1 and Secondary Professional Development 2). Each placement provides a sustained teaching experience over the complete teaching week.
The remaining 60 days of the programme is university based, where lectures, seminars and practical workshops in a blended learning environment. The course will comprise a range of presentations, discussions and practical workshops where exemplar material can be selected from a specialised subject context.
The two school experiences assess your ability to demonstrate you are able to apply the knowledge, understanding and skills of the ITE curriculum to your teaching practice, and fully meet the Teacher Standards by the end of your training programme:
English is assessed through coursework, by undertaking an assignment about Monitoring and Assessment.
We aim to combine the best of our pre-pandemic teaching and learning with access to online learning and digital resources which put you more in charge of when and how you study. We will keep you updated on this throughout the application process.
Your timetable will be built around on campus sessions using our professional facilities, with online sessions for some activities where we know being virtual will add value. We will use technology to enhance all of your learning and give you access to online resources to use in your own time.
You will receive final arrangements for your teaching and a full course timetable before you start. Delivery may differ in light of block teaching requirements, with theory sections covered online and practical sessions delivered in specialist spaces on campus.
Outside of these hours, you will be expected to do independent study where you read, listen and reflect on other learning activities. This can include preparation for future classes at university in addition to preparation for your teaching responsibilities whilst on school placement.
Definitions of terms
Support
You have a strong support network available to you to make sure you develop all the necessary academic skills you need to do well on your course.
Our support services will be delivered online and on campus and you have access to a range of different resources so you can get the help you need, whether you’re studying at home or have the opportunity to come to campus.
You have access to one to one and group sessions for personal learning and academic support from our library and IT teams, and our network of learning experts. Our teams will also be here to offer financial advice, and personal wellbeing, mental health and disability support.
Graduates will look to move into a position as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) in a secondary school setting.
Our employment rates are extremely high. Typically over 95% of our PGCE graduates in employment or further study six months after graduation. As a newly qualified teacher, your salary will be between £25,714 and £32,157, depending on where you teach.
Teachers can find career progression in both the classroom and the school's management structure. You might aspire to become the head of a department, age group or curriculum. And through developing your leadership skills and experience, you could progress to a senior management position, such as deputy head or head teacher.
For more information on salary and career progression, visit the Department for Education's website.
Alexandra is a Senior Lecturer and her other responsibilities also include PGCE well-being tutor and oversight of students registered with the dyslexia and disabilities unit at Middlesex University.
As a former Professional Coordinating mentor at a London school, Gareth is very familiar with training programmes and the needs of both schools and trainees.
