University of Sunderland

PGCE Information Technology Secondary Education

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

This programme will enable you to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), equipping you with the skills you'll need to be an effective and efficient teacher of you subject at secondary level.

One strand of the programme, based in the university, gives you a grounding in theory and practical issues.

A second strand, approximately two thirds of the programme, involves active participation in school and college placements. The focus is on the professional application of the teaching and learning process in the 11-18 age range (14-19 age range for business education). Your teaching experience will be organised by the School Placement Officer.

All applicants to this course are required to have undergone the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure process prior to commencement of study on their chosen programme. Presently the CRB levy a cost of £36 for processing of each enhanced disclosure. Applicants are also required to complete a medical pro forma.

The provision of DES Circular 9/93 concerning the disclosure of criminal convictions of those with access to children apply to all Education programmes.

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Course Content

Year 1
The Professional Year
The programme comprises academic modules and work-based learning with the option of doing up to 60 credits at Masters level as an integrated part of the programme.

This programme is in the process of re-approval but the format is likely to be:

September - January

• 1 academic module covering generic teaching/learning issues and subject application. 2 days in university, 3 days in school, 7 weeks in total.

• 1 teaching practice in a secondary school or college of approximately 6 weeks full-time.

• 1 elective Masters level module.

January - June

• 1 academic module building upon work done earlier and generic teaching/learning and subject application, 2 days a week.
• 1 teaching practice of approximately 10 weeks - full-time placement.

• 1 option module which can be at Masters level.

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Entry Requirements

Applications are welcome from holders of a degree, at least half of which should normally be IT or an IT related subject. We will also consider other recognised equivalent qualifications.

All applicants must have GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.

Applicants will also be required to pass the Teaching Agency skills tests in literacy and numeracy before they start their course.

Applicants, who do not possess these two GCSEs, or their equivalent, may be given the opportunity to take a University Entrance Test in these subjects. Access to this test is only available after a satisfactory interview.

All successful applicants will be interviewed.

Entry to Teacher Training
Entry to Teacher Training programmes is governed by the following regulations:

All students must have passes at grade C or above in GCSE Mathematics and English or a recognised equivalent qualification. For Primary Education, applicants are also required to have Science at grade C or above.

Students may in certain circumstances be allowed to sit a special test for one or both of Mathematics and English for secondary teacher training programmes. Access to this test is only available after a satisfactory interview.

Students who intend to follow a programme of Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after graduation are reminded that entry to all such programmes is also governed by these regulations.

The latest requirements for initial teacher training include the requirements for a CRB check.

Provision for medical assessments are based upon the DFEE Circular 8/92 and apply to all Education Programmes.

How to Apply

Applications for PGCE programmes should be made through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR). Please apply online at GTTR.

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

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Teaching and Assessment

Work based learning and teaching placements form the core of the programme, supported by seminars and tutorials, lectures, project and group work. Assessment is based on written assignments, evidence profiles and assessment of teaching practice.

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Work Experience

The main part of the programme is spent in at least two partner schools or colleges. All PGCE students will spend a minimum of 120 days in a secondary school or college.

See (*Structure of the Professional Year).

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Career Opportunities

As a holder of Qualified Teacher Status, you will be able to undertake secondary teaching posts throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.

There are very good employment prospects for those completing the IT PGCE programme. The employment rate was 98% for those trainees qualifying in June 2003. An induction period of one year or equivalent, in a recognised school, is necessary for employment in a school in England.

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Supplemental Information

*Structure of the Professional Year

The professional year programme enables students to develop those professional skills that will ensure efficient and purposeful teaching, concentrating on the practical issues of day-to-day teaching in classroom, workshop and laboratory.

The programme enables students to:

1. develop teaching standards expected of newly qualified teachers;
2. apply educational knowledge and skills in making informed judgements on educational issues in school and classroom;
3. develop competence to implement the National Curriculum and other school/college syllabuses;
4. examine their teaching in relation to the educational needs of their pupils (including pupils with special educational needs and gifted pupils), the whole curriculum including cross curricular elements, the wider social, cultural and technological context;
5. develop a critical and open attitude to the teaching of the subject and to wider educational issues;
6. demonstrate professional values and realise their contribution to the wider role of the teacher in schools and colleges.

In total students spend a minimum of 120 days in schools or colleges

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Facilities

*World Class Web/Design Tools*
The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.

Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.

CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.

Further information is available from: http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/

For information regarding locations of PC or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.

If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.

Please visit:

http://www.student-software.co.uk/

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Related Courses

• Teaching and Learning with ICT
• Teaching and Learning with ICT

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