English

Our English PGCE programme prepares you to become an effective, creative and reflective teacher of English. The course integrates theory and practice both on school placements and in university sessions. Sessions at University, which are of a highly practical and interactive nature, are led by tutors with current and recent school experience; they are closely linked to a programme of classroom experience in our Partnership schools. All aspects of your training are focused around supporting you to meet the Teachers’ Standards.

I really think the course has been fantastic — a great balance between theory and practice, excellent support from the curriculum area tutor and assignments that were challenging but ultimately rewarding.

English trainee

As the course progresses, you will learn how to apply your existing subject knowledge to secondary English classrooms and have opportunities to develop further your subject knowledge, focusing on some of the requirements of A’ Level English Literature and English Language as well as exploring how Drama, Media and ICT can enhance your professional toolkit. Key issues for teachers such as effective behaviour management, meeting the needs of a diverse pupil population and assessing pupil learning are focused on in specific training sessions but also threaded through the programme to ensure your professional knowledge and skills are well developed by the end of your initial teacher training year.During the course you will have opportunities to refine your professional expertise and pursue areas of emerging interest so that your training is a truly tailored experience. Throughout the course you will benefit from a strong system of mentoring in Partnership schools and individualised pastoral support from University Tutors.

Want to apply?

We welcome applications from all people, whatever their background, who possess a good academic profile (including an undergraduate degree), have some recent/current experience of working with young people, particularly in classroom contexts, and who already have a strong interest in education. We are looking for people who have excellent communication skills (spoken and written) and who are organised, reflective and adaptable.

Due to changes in current Government policy, we are now able to encourage people to apply to us who have the interest and talent to teach English, but who may not have an undergraduate degree in English. If you do not have an English related first degree, you must have either a postgraduate degree in English or an A’ Level in English Literature and/or English Language (Grade B or above). There is now an opportunity to top of your English subject knowledge by working through an on-line Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course prior to starting the PGCE course. Government funding is available for those completing an SKE in English. SKEs will be discussed at interview with individual candidates.

Please do get in touch if you would like advice on the suitability particularly of your profile prior to starting the application process.

Department of Education

English

Want to apply?

English UCAS codes

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