What Makes This Course So Special?
Come and join a community of practitioners teaching your specialist subject in the post-16 sector, all working towards a teaching qualification. You will share ideas about learning and teaching, and form new professional networks and friendships. We support you in developing your own confidence in, and understanding of, your subject. We also guarantee you a stimulating year’s study!
Course Intro
These courses are for you if you are currently teaching either literacy/communication, numeracy/maths or ESOL to adults or young people over 16, you already have a teaching qualification (such as a primary, secondary or PcET PGCE or Cert Ed) and want to continue your professional development with a nationally recognised specialist qualification.
On these courses you will have the opportunity to review and extend your subject knowledge, and develop professionally. You will be challenged to look at your practice afresh and to develop new insights and approaches. You will be guided and supported by our specialist teacher educators, all of whom are experienced teachers in their field, enthusiastic about their subject and committed to enhancing your experience. You will also be encouraged to learn from others in the group, share good practice and develop links with teachers from other organisations.
In addition, the courses meet the Lifelong Learning UK National Standards and subject specifications.
What you study
You study in a subject-specialist cohort with opportunities to share good practice and professional experience with others in the group.
You will deepen your understanding of English language, literacy or numeracy (as appropriate) as a subject area. This will include knowledge of key questions, theories and concepts in your subject, as well as the development of your own personal skills in the subject area.
Through assignments such as individual student case studies, presentations and seminars, teaching practice and reflections on theory and practice, you will extend your own practice and deepen your understanding of learning and teaching in your specialist subject.
We will consider how the theories of learning and assessment can be applied to the teaching of your subject. You will be encouraged to analyse and critique policies and practices relating to the teaching of your subject, and to develop your own considered approach to teaching language, literacy or numeracy.
Where Next?
It is expected that the specialist certificate will increasingly become a requirement in the sector. Furthermore, evidence from past years shows that completion of such courses enhances the career and employment potential of course members. Progression routes include the BA and MA Post-compulsory Education & Training programmes for those who wish to continue with graduate and postgraduate studies, respectively. The School’s MA programme offers specialist routes for further, advanced study including the MA TESOL.
Interview Required
Yes. There is also a subject-specific (ie numeracy skills or language/literacy skills) assessment at interview, which must be completed satisfactorily.
Assessment
Assessment is closely connected to your teaching and professional development. Methods include presentations, microteaching, case studies, seminars, teaching practice observations and critical evaluations of your own practice. No formal written exams.
Student Soundbite
“What has been interesting and useful for me is seeing how the things I have learnt through hands on experience link in with theory. At other times, theory has caused me to challenge the things I thought I knew, and in doing so I have developed fresh approaches to my teaching.”