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What to expect

Teaching and Learning

Participation in the PGCE course is an active process. Although there are lectures and presentations, much of the course centres on workshops, seminars and school and classroom activities. Activities emphasise team work and require trainees to share the responsibility for their learning. Throughout the course, trainees are given guidance and support by mentors in school as well as their university tutors.

Assessment

The practical teaching requirements and formal written assignments are designed not just to provide evidence that trainees have reached the required Standards but also as useful learning activities in themselves. Assessment is continuous — there are no final examinations.

All trainees also have to pass the Skills Tests in literacy, numeracy and ICT set by the TDA in order to be awarded QTS.

School Experience

School experience forms the backbone of the PGCE course.

The pattern of school experience allows trainees to gain deepening insights into teaching and learning, and systematically supports the development of professional knowledge and teaching skills.

University tutors and school teachers work together to manage school experiences, to link these to university‑based activities and to direct trainees to appropriate reading.

The main phases of school experience currently are:

1. An initial primary school placement
2. A two days per week Autumn term placement, plus a four week miniblock teaching placement
3. A fifteen week block teaching placement during most of the Spring term and the early part of the Summer terms
4. A period of Professional Enrichment during the Summer term

"The fabulous experiences I had during my PGCE at York definitely gave me the very best start for everything I have done so far in teaching".

Lesley Welsh (York PGCE 2000-1), BECTA award winner and distinction in 2006 Teacher of the Year Awards.

 

Last Updated: September 13, 2011 | educ21@york.ac.uk

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