PGCert. What the headteachers say. What the inspectors say. Postgraduate Certificate in education

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1 PGCert Postgraduate Certificate in education A major strength of the course is the very effective way that trainees individual needs are identified and very good quality, differentiated support is provided. What the headteachers say Brunel placement students are enthusiastic and committed. They introduce new ideas, new practice and reinstate school priorities. Head of Sparrow Farm Junior School, Feltham

2 Lisa The Brunel teaching faculty are friendly, supportive and all are experts in their fields. The course leaders reliably bring in experts from local boroughs, adding to the network of people who contribute to every student s professional development. Throughout the entire development process, Brunel continues to provide support, encouragement, advice and expertise if and when it is required. Trainees are well prepared to teach in a diverse and inclusive society. Here, in the School of Sport and Education at Brunel University, we offer PGCert courses in Primary and Secondary Education. The range of Secondary specialisms on offer includes Mathematics, the Sciences, Physics with Mathematics, Computer Science and Information and Communications Technology and Physical Education. Each of our PGCert courses lead to a University award of Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCert) with recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). A leading centre of Education and with roots in initial teacher training and Education dating back to 1798, we are able to provide first class, internationally acclaimed teacher training. With more than two centuries of experience in Education, we pride ourselves on producing high-quality, reflective teachers with the skills, knowledge and confidence to help others develop and learn. If you are committed to a career in teaching and are looking for a friendly and supportive environment, please read on. Where will I study? In a prime location Brunel s relaxed, traffic free campus is located on the western edge of the capital and offers a pleasant environment, as well as the benefit of on-site facilities and accommodation, all within easy travelling distance of central London, Heathrow Airport and the national motorway system. This location of the University has many benefits for our trainees and our growing network of local, national and international contacts. Trainees are well placed, not just for travelling, but for enjoying the social and cultural facilities of London, without the drawbacks of living in the centre of the capital. Whatever you are looking for in the way of social life be it the arts, nightlife, pubs, clubs, sport or music it is never too far away. In a multicultural environment Brunel s location and its diverse and well-established network of partner schools provides rich opportunities to mix with people from different cultures and backgrounds with a variety of experiences, both inside and outside the University. More importantly, you will gain invaluable experience of teaching in vibrant, multicultural schools across West London and neighbouring counties. In a friendly supportive School Teaching is professionally and personally demanding. You will be encouraged to: challenge your views of Education, develop ideas for improving teaching and learning for every pupil, to enhance your subject knowledge; and to develop effective pedagogical and management skills. You will be guided and ably supported in this by University tutors, personal tutors and school-based mentors. The term student-centred learning accurately describes the approach adopted at Brunel. Why Brunel? Experience in Teacher Training The School of Sport and Education has a strong national reputation for research in inclusive Education, raising learners attainment, developing philosophy for children s thinking and supporting able pupils. A distinctive feature of students experience of studying Education in this School is that the process of learning is informed by cutting-edge research undertaken by staff. The School has a long tradition of innovation and excellence in both research and teaching: 2

3 Anita I really enjoyed the PCGE course at Brunel. The balance between college and practical teaching placement provided me with fantastic experience and knowledge to confidently enter the teaching profession. I received excellent support and guidance from my college tutor while on placement. Both schools in which I was placed by the college were extremely helpful and supportive of my career development. The rigour and precision of self evaluation in the primary phase effectively identifies areas for improvement. we were the first in the field of Teacher Training and Education in the UK and we remain leaders in developing new routes into teaching and other Education-related fields. Our postgraduate courses have received excellent and good ratings by Ofsted and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Good career prospects A Brunel PGCert in Education with recommendation for QTS is a recognised symbol of quality Initial Teacher Training. This is demonstrated by our high employment rates and feedback from past trainees, our partner schools and Ofsted inspectors. Our extensive involvement in the training of teachers has enabled us to develop an extensive network of former trainees who hold positions of responsibility in schools across the country. Many of our past trainees continue their professional development on our MA Education programme, which is designed to further enhance career development. Teaching from expert and committed staff We all know what a difference a good teacher can make to children and young people s lives: they can affect an individual s attitude to a subject and to school in general and play a crucial role in the provision of an excellent Education for every pupil. For this reason Brunel University employs only experts in the field of Education and its disciplines individual academics and practitioners who are wholly committed to training generations of teachers to the highest possible standard. Indeed many of our tutors are nationally and internationally recognised researchers, highly regarded for input on Education policy issues. Whilst subject expertise and research excellence are an important feature of our Education courses, all Education tutors at University and in schools have extensive professional teaching experience in the subject area(s) and age ranges for which you are training. Therefore you will be trained by professionals who have in-depth understanding of the realities of the classroom and of Education in the 21st Century. For more information on staff expertise consult our web site at: /about/acad/sse Unique skills Our courses will teach you skills that are unique to Brunel Education programmes. For example, we house one of the leading centres in the country for research into able and gifted children and programmes to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds aspire to University Education. (Brunel Able Children s Education Centre) This staff expertise will prepare you to help pupils of all abilities to develop their potential. For more information about research activities in Education within the School visit: / about/acad/sse Lively up-to-date courses The School of Sport and Education is a vibrant research centre. The innovative work that our tutors carry out feeds into the PGCert courses and ensures that course content is engaging, timely and relevant to teacher training in the 21st Century. The research undertaken by Education tutors today may well feed into government policy tomorrow, which is policy that you as a teacher will have to implement at ground level in schools. /about/acad/sse All our Education courses have been developed in collaboration with partnership schools and the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL). This ensures not only the highest possible quality of provision, but also relevance in reflecting national and school-level priorities in Education. The Courses Full-time What does the Brunel PGCert involve? The exact content of your PGCert programme will vary depending on whether you choose to train as a primary or a secondary teacher. In general however, the programmes serve to develop curriculum subject knowledge and pedagogy, whilst also addressing wider issues in Education, such as Teachers Responsibilities, Classroom Management, Inclusive Practice, Personalised Learning and Assessment. School-based training School-based training is a compulsory element of all PGCert programmes (Initial Teacher Training). How much of my time will I spend in schools? Each programme integrates school and University experience, incorporating at least 120 days of school experience which will normally be taken in serial and blocks of time, in at least two schools. The importance of school-based training How do you teach a successful lesson? How do you engage children and make them think? How do you manage pupils learning? These are all important day-to-day challenges that you will encounter as a practising teacher. 3

4 A key strength is the highly reflective trainees who demonstrate secure subject knowledge and effective management of pupil behaviour based on positive relationships within lessons. During school-based work, you will develop and extend your knowledge, skills, competence and experience to work across either the primary or secondary age range, depending on your specialism. You will develop your: Professional values and practice Subject and pedagogic knowledge Skills in planning Ability to monitor and assess children s progress Understanding and skill in supporting and meeting a range of learning needs Experience in other activities that are part of the teacher s role, such as pastoral care, out of school learning and meeting parents, all the while gathering evidence of the Teachers Standards (NCTL, 2012) Where will I do my school-based training? Our current partnership schools are mainly located in the West London area and adjoining home counties. We have developed close links with a number of very good schools over a number of years, and offer placements within schools that provide an appropriate training experience. Every PGCert course has school placements what makes yours different? Carefully chosen placements We carefully choose our placement schools to make sure that they are suited to the needs of our trainees. We can do this because we have a well-established schools network that has been developed over many years. This has real benefits for you as a potential trainee. Ask any newly qualified teacher what factor most affected the quality of their in-school training and they will say the staff at that school, in particular the head teacher and the class teacher with whom they worked. Support every step of the way At Brunel you are allocated a school-based mentor, selected for their experience and expertise, who is there to help you develop and learn when you are in the classroom. The importance of this person should not be underestimated. Teaching is a very challenging profession and with the help of your school-based mentor and your University tutor we aim to make sure that you have support every step of the way, encouraging reflection and development. PGCert Secondary Education with recommendation for QTS What we offer Brunel s School of Sport and Education offers the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Secondary Education with recommendation for QTS courses in the following subjects: Mathematics Science with Physics Science with Chemistry Science with Biology Physics with Mathematics Computer Science and Information and Communications Technology Physical Education Course aims The Secondary PGCert with recommendation for QTS programme is designed to ensure that you: Are properly prepared and qualified to work in schools in the age range years, with post 16 enhancement Experience a variety of schools Receive training relevant to your subject and the whole school experience. Upon successful completion of your programme you will be supported in reflecting on your experience and looking forward to your continual professional development, especially during the induction year of teaching. When does the course start/how long does it last? The PGCert is an intensive programme, which combines courses in principles and methods of teaching with practical school-based teaching placements. It lasts for 36 weeks from early September to late June. A variety of experience Our location and network of diverse schools mean you will gain highly-valued experience learning to teach pupils from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. 4

5 Catherine As an overseas student at Brunel I have had a wonderful experience. The support and encouragement from all the staff was outstanding. If ever I had a problem I felt that any of the PGCE staff were there to help and assist me. I felt very welcome to the course and University from day one with several social and formal events to make everyone feel at ease and relax amongst the cohort. Home never seemed as far away once I met some people and began the course! I really feel I have made a new family with the people on my course and have found that this bond was a source of support and relief several times during the year. Course content The courses are organised in three University and school -based modules, complemented by two blocks of school experience. 1. Education Studies I The focus of this module is on issues of common interest to all secondary school teachers, such as: Whole school and government initiatives Classroom Management Inclusive Education Teachers responsibilities Reflective practice and professional learning Assessment and its role in promoting learning. 2. Education Studies II This module aims to give you a firm grounding in theory and practice of curriculum planning, its implementation in the classroom and strategies to assess learning. This includes the role of information and communications technology in your subject area. You will also focus on teaching issues of particular concern to your subject specialism. 3. Education Studies III This module aims to develop your subject knowledge and understanding as applied to secondary school learners. Learning styles and differences, and how these impact on the management of personalised learning, are considered within the context of your subject. For further information about the course content for your particular subject specialism visit: / about/acad/sse Teaching and learning methods Various teaching and learning methods are used on the programme, for example: Groupings of different sizes and compositions to provide as much variety of experience as possible Lectures, seminars and workshops Modelling of classroom practice Group-work, independent learning and investigation, and guided discovery Observation, portfolio preparation, self-evaluation and reflection on teaching practice Guest speakers who are experts in their fields Visits to particular types of schools, for instance primary schools and special schools Fieldwork with pupils, and other visits to relevant places relating to the school curriculum. Assessment There is one written assignment per module. Assignments for Modules 2 and 3 above each carry 30 M-level credits. You will be recommended for a University PGCert award with recommendation for QTS within your specialist subject area on successful completion of all the requirements of the course. Assessment for the QTS component includes a summative profile and a portfolio of evidence related to school-based work. Entry Requirements for Secondary PGCert courses See page 6 or visit our website at /about/acad/sse PGCert Primary with recommendation for QTS Course aims The Primary PGCert with recommendation for QTS programme at Brunel offers you the opportunity to qualify as a teacher of children in the age range 5 11 years. Course content Course content is currently under review. At present we offer the following taught modules: 1. Investigating Professional Practice. This module focuses on issues, policies and national priorities which impact upon the work of primary teachers. 2. Learning, Teaching and Assessing the Primary Curriculum. The focus of this module is on the Core Subjects English, Mathematics and Science. 3. Specialisms. Trainees will have the opportunity to specialise in an aspect of primary education. The specialisms available are subject to change but currently our specialisms include mathematics, special education needs, PE and Creativity using ICT. In common with most PGCert courses, over 50% of the course takes place in schools. School-based experience includes an initial phase in school, followed by three blocks of fulltime school-based experience. The schools where this takes place are all in partnership with Brunel University which gives you, as trainees, many added benefits (see page 4). 5

6 James You will make tremendous progress in a very short time on the Primary PGCert course. Developing into a confident qualified teacher with the support of a very supportive staff and diverse cohort of schools in a year is quite an achievement. Good luck! A key strength is the highly effective use of outstanding resources to support both training provision and opportunities for extending the Education experience of trainees and enrichment for pupils in schools. Before beginning the University-based part of the course, you are required to arrange two weeks of structured observation in a primary school at key stage 1 and key stage 2. We also encourage you to spend at least one day in a secondary school of your choice. Once offered a place on the course you will receive a Pre-Course Pack which includes information about the training tasks that you should complete in school. In order to be considered for a place on the course, candidates need to have had recent and relevant experience of working or volunteering in a primary school. Candidates attending interview are advised to bring supporting evidence of this experience and a form is available to download on the Brunel website providing an opportunity for school-based senior members of staff to comment on the experience. Assessment The PGCert Primary programme carries 60 M-level credits: You will be recommended for a PGCert award on successful completion of all the requirements of the course. Recommendation for QTS will be made for all those who successfully demonstrate the Teachers Standards for QTS as shown in the requirements for University and school-based work; Teachers Standards (NCTL, 2012). Applications advice The Primary PGCert programme is very popular, with four or five applicants for every available place. You are advised to apply as early as possible in the academic year prior to proposed entry. Entry qualifications and general information You will find your programme rewarding and exciting, with endless possibilities for learning. In order to help you make an informed choice about applying, the following information about the nature and demands of the programme will prove helpful. Who may apply? We welcome applications from candidates who: Have a relevant first degree. Normally a 2.1 or First class honours degree or equivelant. NB. Please check the web course details for further information /courses Are graduates of other universities, subject to special regulations At the time of applying to the course, possess a GCSE/GCE (Grade C or above) or CSE (grade 1) pass in English Language and Mathematics or their equivalent, and Science (for primary programmes). Passed National skills tests in English and Mathematics Please note places are only offered to applicants to Brunel University who: Are committed to Education. Experience of working with young people is normally required, preferably related to the relevant age range Are able to communicate clearly and grammatically in spoken and written English, and are able to read effectively Meet the requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach Are able to secure clearance from the DBS. (To this end, applicants are asked to complete the DBS check from when called for interview). Provide a reference deemed satisfactory. We are committed to a policy of inclusion; understanding diversity enriches the Education process. Trainees are recruited from all backgrounds. We welcome applications from all. We are proud of our strong equal opportunities ethos. 6

7 Trainees benefit from the effectiveness of the highly qualified leadership team in responding to national initiatives and driving forward innovation. How to apply You can obtain specialist subject information from the: School of Sport and Education Brunel University Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK For enquiries about courses: Primary Education Tel: +44 (0) Secondary Education Tel: +44 (0) For specific admissions enquiries: Tel: +44 (0) For course and admissions enquiries: Tel: +44 (0) (This is a switchboard number. Please ask to be directed to the School of Sport & Education) sse-tpo@brunel.ac.uk To make a formal application, you need to obtain the University postgraduate prospectus from Course Enquiries Tel: +44 (0) In order to obtain application/registration forms candidates must contact the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) at: Rosehill New Barn Lane Cheltenham Glos. GL52 3LS The candidate should name Brunel University, School of Sport and Education, as first choice and return the forms and appropriate fee to the GTTR. A candidate s application can only be considered after the receipt of the Entry Form from the GTTR. Applications are dealt with by the University in partnership with the schools. Your application will be screened carefully and, if considered suitable, you will be invited to attend interview. The interviews are designed to enable tutors to make a professional judgement to ensure that you possess the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to become a teacher and meet the specified entry requirements. Offers of a place can only be made on satisfactory completion of the interview process. Please note that the decision of the academic tutor is final. In order to give you the best possible start and to suit your individual needs, you may be required to undertake certain developmental activities before the offer of a place is confirmed. For example, you may need to undertake some school experience, satisfactorily complete a degree, or complete directed study tasks, or a subject knowledge enhancement course. Before beginning the course you will be required to have passed the National College for Teaching and Leadership Skills Tests in mathematics and English. Government regulations state that individuals who fail to pass the Skills Tests after three attempts will not be permitted to join the course. It is essential that applicants spend several days in one (or more) school observing lessons in their specialist subject as well as in other areas of the curriculum and across the age range for entrants to the secondary PGCert and across the curriculum for those joining the Primary PGCert programme. Protection of Children Act All applicants for Initial Teacher Training courses should note that institutions are required by the Department for Education to check the possible criminal background of all those who apply to work with children. The School of Sport and Education reserves absolute discretion to withdraw any offer without challenge in the light of any information received. 7

8 A strong feature of provision is the effective focus on national priorities so that trainees are well prepared to teach early reading in primary schools. The quality of training is consistently high. Tutors bring a good range and depth of experience and expertise to the course. Bursary Information There are bursaries available for eligible trainees for further details please visit: A range of incentives and financial support are available both during and after your training. All financial support is subject to conditions and although you are not guaranteed funding, you may be eligible for financial support. Check the TA website for details: For further information about Brunel University, or about accommodation, fees and finance, requirements for entry into the United Kingdom etc, or for a copy of the prospectus, contact: Course Enquiries Brunel University Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH Tel: +44 (0) for a practical, imaginative approach Brunel University is named after the celebrated nineteenth century engineering genius, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, famous for a range of ambitious and highly innovative projects. The ethos of our worldrenowned namesake is reflected in the design of our degree courses which combine academic rigour with a practical, entrepreneurial and imaginative approach. And all our courses are underpinned by our research. a modern, self-contained campus within a 45-minute tube journey of London All our up to the minute facilities are located on a single campus which means that everything is close at hand; as are Central London and Heathrow Airport. and for excellent student support. Brunel Graduate School organises a range of activities and generic training sessions specifically for postgraduate students. Students with disabilities are also well looked after at Brunel, for further details, visit /life/welfare. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this brochure and the University will take all reasonable action to deliver these services in accordance with the descriptions set out in it. However, the University reserves the right to vary these services, using all reasonable efforts to offer a suitable alternative. All costs, rates and prices stated in this brochure are subject to amendment and should be taken as a guide only