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School experience and calendars

School experience forms the backbone of the PGCE course.

The pattern of school experience allows Beginning Teachers to gain deepening insights into teaching and learning, and systematically supports the development of professional knowledge and teaching skills in action in the classroom.

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

The main phases of school experience for the University of York PGCE includes: 

Secondary

• Two days per week serial visits experience in the first placement school during Induction Phase
• A first placement, consisting of two teaching placement blocks either side of Christmas through to February half term.
• A second teaching placement in a second school consisting of two teaching placement blocks either side of Easter (ten to eleven weeks) through to early June.
• A Summer Term Professional Enrichment experience in June, in educational settings of the Beginning Teacher's choice to further develop or explore areas of interest in the Beginning Teacher's early career.
• A primary school placement.

Primary

• The first placement runs across the Autumn Term, where you will build up to taking on the role of the teacher for 50% of the time
• The second placement (in a different school) takes place between January and June, where you will build up to six weeks acting as the teacher for 80% of the time.
• Both practices are interwoven with taught university-based sessions to enable you to reflect on your developing skills and understanding.
• The programme ends with professional enrichment where you are able to select bespoke opportunities to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding, as well as undertaking an experience based in a secondary school.

If you're training with our Lead Partner, the structure of your course may differ from the core University of York PGCE. 

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Contact us
education-pgce-admissions@york.ac.uk
01904 323576