PGCE Secondary Course Leader: Karen Gladwin
The Department of Education's Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a one-year, full-time course for graduates wanting to train as teachers. The PGCE Secondary is offered in seven subjects: English, geography, history, mathematics, modern foreign languages, music and science.
The PGCE KS2/3 (7-14) is offered in mathematics, modern foreign languages and science.
The PGCE course trains confident, effective and imaginative teachers by dividing the teacher training between the University of Sussex and its partner schools - in Brighton, Hove and throughout Sussex. The strong relationship between local schools and the University mean that most of our trainees obtain jobs in the area. Teaching at Sussex is modelled on the most successful, active methods of learning that PGCE trainees need to develop in schools. Sessions take the form of:
- seminars
- practical workshops in which trainees work in groups, planning lessons and refining subject knowledge using ICT
- student presentations - based on research or reflected in their teaching
- lectures and directed study days
Imaginative sessions led by visiting speakers bring trainees from all subject areas together, showing how links can be made across the curriculum. The University provides comprehensive and personalised support for its trainees throughout the PGCE.
Masters level assessment
Since September 2005, the Department of Education has offered the PGCE as a genuinely postgraduate qualification, as well as a firmly established route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Our PGCE enables trainees to develop their thinking about teaching at Masters level via a range of academic assignments that carry a total of 90 Masters level credits. We have a great deal of experience in supporting trainees through their assignments and most of our students are succussful. All students register for the PGCE but may exit early with a Professional (rather than Postgraduate) Certificate in Education. Although obviously not of the same level as the Postgraduate Certificate, the Professional Certificate is nevertheless well regarded by schools and still enables a new teacher to achieve QTS.
Timetable
The PGCE course takes a minimum of 36 weeks to complete, starting around the second week of September and ending in late June of the following year. You will spend the equivalent of 24 weeks training in-school.
Your studies will start with a two week intensive induction. The rest of the autumn term is divided between school experience (four days per week) and study at the University of Sussex (one day per week) which comprises taught sessions and debate/reflection. In the spring and summer terms you will spend longer periods training in-school supported by strategically-timed University-based sessions.
Further information and applications
If you would like more information about the PGCE Secondary course, please contact:
Karen Gladwin
Lecturer in Education
Room 202, Essex House
University of Sussex
Falmer
Brighton
BN1 9QQ
T: +44 (0)1273 877226
E: K.A.Gladwin@sussex.ac.uk
ITE Admissions
T: +44 (0)1273 678405
E: iteadmissions@sussex.ac.uk