University of Sunderland

PGCE Primary Education with Enhancement in the Teaching of French (5-11 years)

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

Introduction

This programme is a one year route to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and contains two 30 credit modules at Master's level (one third of a degree at Master's level). It will equip you with the skills you will need to be an effective and efficient teacher in primary schools (5-11 years).

One strand of the programme, based in the university, gives you a good grounding in classroom theory and practical issues. A second strand involves active participation in school placements, putting your studies into practice. Throughout, you will be encouraged to reflect on your personal development.

There are currently approximately 15 generic places available and competition is high. In addition there are 15 French enhancement places offered for our programme for those who hold appropriate qualifications and experiences in French. If you are interested in this enhancement option and feel that you may be appropriately qualified, please contact our Recruitment Department (0191 515 3193)  for further details.

The programme is a demanding and challenging one which requires the full commitment of its students. The yearly timetable usually runs from the start of the school year in early September until the end of June.

Students who are offered a place with enhancement in the teaching of French will be required to spend, as part of their school experience, 1 week in schools in France. The University does not take half terms. The timetabling of University based teaching usually takes place each week from approximately Monday to Friday, 9am until 4pm. Applicants are kindly asked to carefully consider any domestic commitments before application.

Before the programme begins, you will arrange to spend five days experience in a primary school which will be supported by a task handbook.

Please note that students may not enter any school without an enhanced DBS clearance check.

Further time spent in school during the programme is organised by the School Placement Officer. If funding remains available, there will be a residential trip organised for the weekend before the start of your university studies in September.

All applicants to this course are required to have undergone the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)Enhancement Check process prior to commencement of study on their chosen programme.

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

The content will cover the TDA requirements for the award of Qualified Teacher Status with respect to:

1. Professional values and practice

2. Knowledge and understanding of the primary school curriculum

3. Knowledge and understanding of teaching and assessment

Modules comprise:

• Education Studies (MA Level)
• English in Primary Education (Level 3)
• Mathematics in Primary Education (Level 3)
• Science in Primary Education (Level 3)
• Foundation Subjects in Primary Education (MA Level)'
• 'Theory linked Practice' days: students will spend nine separate school serial days over the course of the programme
• School experience 1: students will spend ten weeks teaching in English schools, split into two phases, plus one week in a French School for those taking an enhancement in French
• School experience final: students will spend eight weeks teaching in English schools

In addition session relating to ICT and French will be offered.

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Entry Requirements

Degree
Applications are welcome from holders of a good honours degree (classification 2:1 or above), preferably with at least half of it in a National Curriculum subject including.

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

Where a degree forms less than half of a National Curriculum subject, applicants are expected to further demonstrate the relevancy of their degree to the programme, the National Curriculum and to KS1/KS2 teaching and should very briefly outline the degree content within the application form.

GCSE and A Levels
DfEE circular 8/92 requires all students to have GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in English Language, Mathematics and at least one Science. All applicants are expected to have met this requirement prior to applying for a place on the programme.

All applicants should demonstrate that they have an educational background which will support the ten subject primary curriculum.

Grade C or above in a range of other National Curriculum GCSE subjects and in A-level subjects, with at least one A-level subject being a National Curriculum subject, or equivalents, are additional indicators of the strength of an application, as is recent experience of English mainstream state primary schools i.e., within the past two years, personal statement, and reference.

Applicants wishing to undertake enhancement in French (XR11 programme) must also have an appropriate qualification in French. This qualification may be formal, for example a degree in the subject or good grade at A level to at least grade C  or above (or equivalent)  and may include experience of understanding and speaking the language, for example through having lived in France, being bilingual or a French National. 

Relevant School Experience
Applicants are expected to show substantial recent experience (at least two weeks, but preferably more) of working within English state mainstream Primary classroom(s) at KS1 and/or 2 during the past two years.

Applicants are asked to provide the start and finish date of any experience, the name of the school and the class year group under the appropriate heading on the application form. 

Relevant Work Experience
Where applicable, applicants are expected to demonstrate the relevancy of any appropriate work experience to the programme and to the teaching profession at application stage.

Selection of applicants for interview
Applications will be considered, one against the other and candidates with the strongest overall profiles, as evidenced through their written application's personal statement, relevant backgrounds, experiences and references will be invited for interview.

Applicants selected for interview will undergo tests in English Language and Mathematics, deliver a three minute presentation (in French for French enhancement students), take part in group tasks and discussion and be prepared to answer questions and discuss any aspect arising from their application form during an individual interview.

In addition to an candidates written application, performance at interview, will be considered  with the strongest candidates offered places.

The results of the English and Maths tests, personal qualities, knowledge and understanding of the primary school teacher's role, key educational issues and a demonstrated commitment to the programme and the teaching profession will be taken into account and considered against others.

The extent of recent and relevant experience within the mainstream English KS1/2  Primary School and classroom, in comparison to others, will also continue to be a consideration.

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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

Teaching placements form the core of the programme, supported by lectures, workshops and practicals. Assessment is continuous and takes a variety of forms.

Your school experience is assessed by partner schools in liaison with the University using the 'Standards' supplied by the TDA (2007) Qualifying to Teach.

Your subject knowledge is audited through the use of individual profiles and short tests.

You will also be required to pass the TDA basic skills tests in English, Mathematics and ICT.

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Work Experience

The main part of the teaching programme is spent in at least two partner schools at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 in England. In total you can expect to spend at least 90 days in school as part of this programme.

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Career Opportunities

As a holder of Qualified Teacher Status, you will be able to undertake primary teaching posts throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. Employment rates for PGCE students are good.

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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.

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Related Courses

• PGCE Primary Education (5-11 years)
• Primary Education

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