PGCE Secondary Music (Postgraduate Certificate of Education)

Overview

The PGCE in Secondary Music is a one year, full time course, designed to produce creative, professional teachers of music for pupils in the 11-16 age range. Some training for post 16 is also provided. The course focuses on teaching in a multilingual urban context, contemporary music production and technology, and performance from a wide range of cultural contexts.

Faculty of Social 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

Applicants normally need to have a degree classification of 2.2 or above. You should have a UK degree or equivalent in music or a related subject, such as a performing arts degree with a major focus on music. 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 musicians with the ability to inspire young people. You should have an enthusiasm for music and a desire to engage students and raise achievement. You should be interested in working in urban schools with a commitment to diversity and inclusion and should visit a secondary school to observe lessons in musical education before coming for interview.

Course contents

The course focuses on professional study, with University-based and school-based components. You will work collaboratively with colleagues to extend your musical skills and develop your presentation skills. Professional issues such as planning, class management, assessment and evaluation are an integral part of the course. School-based work consists of structured observation visits and two classroom projects. 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. Throughout, the emphasis is on practical and creative music making.

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 teaching. 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 bursary. For more information, contact the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) on 0845 6000 991 or www.tda.gov.uk

Student profiles

Read a student profile: Gareth James