PGCE Secondary English with Media/Drama (Postgraduate Certificate of Education)

Overview

This is a full-time course providing training and education for teaching in the 11-16 age range, with some training for post-16. The overall philosophy of the course strives to integrate the three areas of English, media and drama. Central to this integration is a multimodal approach to the subject, exploring the many ways in which young people learn to read, interpret and represent the world today. There is also a constant focus on developing innovative approaches to teaching the four key concepts of the new National Curriculum for English: competence, creativity, cultural understanding and critical understanding.

In University subject sessions you will encounter a range of experiences. The teaching and learning style used in these sessions models an active learning approach that we encourage students to transfer into the classroom. In school, you will be encouraged to incorporate media and drama as part of the English curriculum and there may also be opportunities for you to teach drama and/or media as discrete subjects, if you have the appropriate knowledge and experience.

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

Applying and entry

PLEASE NOTE There is no official closing date for this course, but you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only consider your application if there are places available on the course.

Tel: 020 7133 4202
Email: admissions@londonmet.ac.uk

You must hold a degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject classification 2.2 or above. For applicants with degrees in subjects other than English, you will need an A Level or equivalent in English, including English Literature. You must demonstrate good subject knowledge in English and be able to critically analyse a range of texts.In addition, you need GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in English and mathematics. It is possible to take a test set by the institution if you have a GCSE Grade D or equivalent.

We are looking for creative trainees with very good subject knowledge in English, an interest in the links among English, media and drama study, and a commitment to teaching in a diverse urban setting. You are advised to visit an inner city secondary school to observe a range of lessons, including English at Key Stages 3 and/or 4.

Course contents

You will have two substantial periods of school experience in different secondary schools. You will also spend three days in a primary school, which you must arrange yourself. School-based work consists of structured observation visits, classroom projects and longer-term placements.

The course structure provides for increasing responsibility for management and pupil assessment. University-based work involves a strong emphasis on provision of models for your own teaching.

Assessment
There are four elements to assessment. Practical teaching experience is assessed in relation to the Standards for Qualified Teacher Status. Two written coursework assignments focus on curriculum development in the subject area and broader issues and policies in education. A Professional Practice Portfolio is compiled across the year, detailing personal experiences and reflections on your development as a teacher, largely in relation to your practical teaching experience. There are no examinations.

Careers

If you complete the course and pass the relevant TDA skills tests, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status for teaching Key Stage 3 (age 11-14) and Key Stage 4 (age 14-16). The training programme also includes some elements of post-16. The majority of previous trainees have gained Qualified Teacher Status and have entered the teaching profession.

Funding

If you are a UK/EU applicant, you may be eligible for a government training salary. For more information, contact the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) on 0845 6000 991 or www.tda.gov.uk.

Read about London Metropolitan University PGCE graduate Phil Beadle in The Independent article, Passed/Failed: An education in the life of Phil Beadle, a Teacher of the Year and writer