PGCE Secondary English

Bath Spa University

Skilled teachers make a difference to the lives of those they teach. This teacher training course is designed to enable you to become a qualified, passionate teacher of English in Secondary schools. We encourage you to embrace the professional qualities and attributes that successful teachers need, including: the ability to inspire, engage and motivate learners in your subject, a commitment to inclusion and your pupils’ wellbeing, impeccable personal and professional conduct, and the ability to reflect on your own progress and continue to develop. Learn how to inspire, engage and motivate learners in English by creating classrooms full of rich and meaningful exchanges with language and literature. Become familiar with teaching methods that promote pupils' independence and pride, and encourage them to feel excited and challenged by the possibilities that English brings in shaping their lives. In subject sessions we work together to explore key aspects of this core subject, focusing on ways to inspire a love of learning through dialogue, engaging activities and deep subject knowledge. We aim to create energised and enthused practitioners who consistently reflect on their practice to develop and improve. More, we aim to support the next generation of active professionals who will engage with, and make valuable contributions to, their subject communities.Course structureThe PGCE Secondary programme covers all subjects and is studied full-time over one academic year.Your first school placement begins with familiarisation, where you observe your Training Mentors teaching the classes that you will eventually take over. You’ll teach parts of lessons before assuming responsibility for them. You’ll also learn about the curriculum in your subject, how schools work and how pupils make progress.Throughout your training you’ll be supported by your Academic Tutor, who is a specialist in your subject. Your Academic Tutor nurtures and develops you as an individual and a professional, while working closely with your Training Mentors and Lead Trainers to provide vital support.Your PGCE Secondary journey culminates in you developing independence and your own identity as a teacher. You’ll create your own resources, style and techniques for teaching, and build the confidence you need to bring your subject to life.Throughout the year, you'll track and reflect on your experiences and gain evidence of your suitability to be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).Careers:As a graduate of our PGCE with a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you can begin your teaching career right away.During the course, we offer support with applications and interviews so that you can give your teaching career the best possible start.As an Early Career Teacher, you’ll be supported by your new employing school for a further two years, after which you might work to become a Head of Department, Assistant Head, Deputy or Headteacher, or take on a more pastoral role such as Head of Year.

School of Education