Course Convenor for the PGCE in Music: Duncan Mackrill
It's an exciting time for music education with many new initiatives and a music curriculum which recognises the importance of music in the lives of young people and emphasises creativity and innovation. Throughout the Music PGCE course you will be encouraged to consider your pivotal role as a musician in bringing together music from both in and outside of the school environment, helping young people to make sense of their learning and nurturing their development.
Having an identity as a 'musician in the classroom' and the ability to facilitate creative music making are fundamental attributes of a successful music teacher. You will build on your existing skills as a musician and develop your subject knowledge in previously unfamiliar areas - whether your background is traditional western classical, popular music, world music or music technology. You should be open to new styles and genres and prepared to broaden your musical horizons.
The Music PGCE is highly interactive and delivered through seminars, discussions, tutorials and practical workshops - such as singing, improvisation, composing and world music. Imaginatively run seminar groups and workshops - often led by visiting specialists - develop your confidence and expertise in areas such as approaches to GCSE and AS/A level, creative teaching and learning strategies and directing extra-curricular musical activities.
You are supported in the use of music technology, but not expected to have good skills in this area before you begin the course. We encourage 'hands on' sessions to develop skills and consider how it can be effectively integrated in the classroom.
The emphasis of the course is on applying knowledge gained in seminars to the classroom. Visits to schools allow the opportunity to observe and participate in good practice - for example in the use of gamelan and samba in the classroom in which students usually have little experience.
In September 2005 the PGCE Music Course Convenor was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy.
Loans, fees and grants
Student loans are available to cover your tuition fees in full. Most trainee teachers can borrow up to £9,000. The loan can be repaid in instalments once you have completed your studies and are in a job earning in excess of £21,000 per year.
A maintenance loan is also available to help with accommodation and other living costs. If you're living away from home, the current maximum loan amount is £5,500.
Fees for 2012/13 can be seen here under Secondary Music.
You may also be eligible for an annual training grant of up to £3,250 if you are training to teach on a full-time under- or postgraduate programme to gain QTS. These grants are means-tested.
The following table illustrates training bursaries available in 2012/13. The TDA commissioned a grade comparison exercise of all international awards considered comparable to the British BA (honours) degree standard. To help determine postgraduate bursary eligibility, trainees with a degree from outsidee the UK should consult their chosen training provider for more information or visit teach.gov.uk/pgfunding
ITT Specialism | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Physics, mathematics, chemistry, modern foreign languages |
Other priority secondary specialisms and primary |
General science and non-priority secondary specialisms |
||
Training bursary 2012/13 |
Trainee with first |
£20,000 | £9,000 | |
| 2:1 | £15,000 | £5,000 | £0 | |
| 2:2 | £12,000 | £0 | ||
Alternative funding opportunities can be researched here.
If you are offered a place on this programme, or any of our PGCE programmes, you will be sent all the information you will need on how to apply for any of the above mentioned loans, grants or bursaries
What professionals say about the Music PGCE
The last full Ofsted report for Teacher Training in Music in the University of Sussex's Department of Education was very good with top grades awarded for the quality of the training, assessment procedures and the trainee's effectiveness in planning, teaching and class management:
"The provision made for training in the use of music technologies is excellent... The programme of professional training is equally well constructed... The tutor provides the trainees with a model of very good teaching."
"This is a very successful programme which produces enthusiastic practitioners with much potential in the teaching profession. Standards of student performance and achievement are high." (External Examiner's Report)
What our students say about the Music PGCE
"The support I received was brilliant. I was placed in schools according to my personal needs and felt supported throughout the year."
"Sussex offers a stimulating and challenging course in a friendly and supportive atmosphere."
Further information and applications
If you have any questions/enquiries, or would like to apply for the PGCE in Music in the Department of Education, please contact the Admissions Coordinator either by email or telephone:
ITE Admissions
Department of Education
School of Education and Social Work
Essex House
University of Sussex
Falmer
Brighton
BN1 9QN
E: iteadmissions@sussex.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1273 877888
Course Convenor
E: D.R.Mackrill@sussex.ac.uk
