What Makes This Course So Special?
This course equips you to become a confident, broad subject knowledge based and innovative teacher. The PGCE Design and Technology qualifies you to teach at all levels and is recognised throughout the world.
To enhance employability you also have the opportunity to take the Health & Hygiene Certificate, Workshop Health and Safety Certificate, to develop ICT study skills, and accreditation in school based ICT packages including ProDesktop, Art Cam, SpeedStep & Electronics in Schools.
Course Intro
This Secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education is for Design and Technology or other closely related subjects and graduates who wish to qualify to teach Design and Technology in secondary schools.
A variety of learning and teaching methods are used to simulate the secondary classroom experience including demonstration, discussion, collaboration, microteaching, problem solving and presenting. These experiences will help you to develop further your communication skills which are vital to classroom success and effective learning and teaching. Central to the course is your personal professional development. You will be actively engaged in reflection on practice during school placement and beyond as you seek employment and prepare for Newly Qualified Teacher Induction and Early Professional Development.
The course is taught in English but fluent Welsh speakers may opt to undertake their school experience in Welsh-medium schools.
What you study
The course is organised into two distinct areas:
University-based study
During these 12 weeks you will concentrate on the study of Design and Technology in relation to the school curriculum.
Opportunities for further skills development will be provided in a workshop context paying significant attention to Health and Safety considerations. Practical applications in your specialist subject will be developed in line with school practice and policy. You will also be introduced to a wide range of current issues, including Inclusion, Personal and Social Education and Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship, which complement the main curriculum.
Significant attention will be given to child welfare issues, including child protection, and related school policies and procedures. In addition, you will engage with research at Masters Level.
School-based experience
Twenty two weeks of the course are spent on block school experience in two partnership secondary schools where you will gain experience at Key Stages 3 and 4. Prior to each stage of school focused activity, you will undertake directed observation tasks which will support your knowledge of school policies and practice. School mentors will work in partnership with University tutors to ensure that you gain a developing knowledge and understanding of assessment for learning and behaviour for learning strategies to help motivate learners and support your learning.
In Wales, you do not have to take the National Skills tests to be recommended for the award of QTS.
A programme specification for this course is available.
Where Next?
Since Design and Technology is designated a priority subject in secondary schools there is a high demand for teachers with the PGCE qualification. On qualification, you may apply for teaching posts, both within and outside Wales.
Many student teachers proceed to postgraduate study while in their teaching post. Courses include MA Education & ICT and MA Education Leadership & Management.
Interview Required
Yes. Tutors will be looking for a commitment to teaching, the personal and academic qualities required for secondary teaching, a good degree in a suitable subject and experience of working with teenagers.
Assessment
Assessment is based on written assignments and project work as well as practical teaching competence. Assignments will be directly related to work in schools, wherever possible, with opportunities for you to develop your own particular interests within your subject specialism. This will be pursued significantly as part of an assessed classroom-based research project.
Student Soundbite
“The tutors work hard to make sure we get the best possible preparation for our practical school teaching experience; from guest presentations from the Intellectual Property Officer to lesson planning and understanding our role as a teacher.”