Primary PGCE
Course Structure
You will spend a minimum of 24 weeks in schools and engage in 16 weeks of lectures, workshops and directed study time.
There are currently three written assignments and three blocks of teaching practice.
Trainees undertaking the general primary and early years pathways begin the taught course together, participating in a period of joint study in phase one. The programme is then tailored in phases two and three to target the specific needs of each group.
All trainees successfully completing the academic and practical components of the course will be awarded a Primary Post-Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) on completion of their training. Kingston University serve as our validating partner and award the PGCE. Wandsworth Primary Schools' Consortium are accredited to make the recommendation for QTS.
What is the daily schedule like?
Centre-based training sessions typically run from 9.30am through to 3.30pm with additional personal study required outside of these hours to meet the course requirements.
During teaching practice blocks it is typically expected that trainees are in school between 8am and 5pm in order to prepare for the day and engage in all required planning, preparation, assessment and staff training activities.
Effective organisation and time management is key to success on the programme. Tutors and mentors will provide support and guidance to ensure you use time efficiently and manage your workload effectively through this intense training year.
Who delivers centre-based training?
University tutors, consultants from the Local Authority, independent subject specialists and outstanding classroom practitioners all contribute to the taught course.
The taught course is delivered both on-site in our training suite, as well as off-site at consortium schools.
The Taught Course supports your developing understanding of topics within the three course modules:
- Primary Professional Practice (L6)
- The Reflective Teacher (L7)
- Perspectives on Policy, Practice and Professionalism for Teachers (PPPT) (L7)
The quality of the taught course is systematically evaluated via WPSC’s own self-evaluation processes which include regular feedback from trainees, school-based mentors, internal and external examiners and Ofsted.
What is the academic component?
In line with the government’s drive to produce a highly qualified teaching workforce, we offer a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). While some providers offer QTS-only routes, we believe that the PGCE is crucial in developing the critical thinking required in our profession and that it enables you to compete effectively with other candidates when job-seeking.
In order to be awarded a PGCE at the end of the course, candidates must not only successfully pass two Level 7 academic modules but also pass the Level 6 Professional Practice module.
- Primary Professional Practice (L6)
- The Reflective Teacher (L7)
- Perspectives on Policy, Practice and Professionalism for Teachers (PPPT) (L7)
The PGCE award provides 60 credits (one third of an MA) towards a Masters Degree. These credits can be used with Kingston University or any other participating university.
For more information about the the content of each academic module please take a look at the PGCE Curriculum page.
How are placements organised?
Placements are arranged on your behalf in consortium schools located across the Wandsworth Borough.
You will not be matched with a school at the point of recruitment onto our course. Instead, we get to know more about you during the induction period and then assign you to a school which more accurately suits your needs.
Autumn placements are typically confirmed in late September and spring/ summer placements are confirmed in December.
Can I train in a school I have worked in before?
Typically, we will place you at schools which are new to you to ensure you gain experience across settings with varied approaches and needs. However, we will consider arranging a placement in a school which is familiar to you already, should that be beneficial to you and the school.
How is my teaching assessed?
Assessment of the Primary Professional Practice module is through observation of your practice by mentors and link tutors, and through the submission of a Professional Development Portfolio.
Assessment of the 'Reflective Teacher' and 'Perspectives of Policy, Practice and Professionalism' academic modules is through the submission of related assignments.
