PGCE Primary (3-7 with SEND)

Key details

PGCE PRIMARY (3-7 WITH SEND)

Start Year

2023

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Postgraduate Certificate in Education

UCAS course code

E003

Duration (years)

A teacher who is knowledgeable and skilled can have an amazing impact on a child during their time at school and beyond.

Teaching in the 3-7 age range, you will play a vital role in motivating children to be engaged and excited about their learning.

Developed in close partnership with primary schools throughout East Anglia, our Primary PGCE course is designed to help you become a confident and capable teacher who can motivate children and manage a class effectively, with a focus on special educational needs and disabilities.

Upon successful completion of your PGCE, you’ll graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 90 Master’s level credits.

You’ll join this 10-month, full-time course in September and finish the following July. You’ll spend the majority of time in schools – with at least 120 days (24 weeks) in placements and up to 60 days in taught sessions. Your placements will usually be in two different schools, helping you to develop an understanding from contrasting experiences. You will also undertake an additional two-week placement in a complex needs special school.

About

UEA’s PGCE is based on the principle that you can only inspire and teach children well if you really understand them. We aim to develop reflective and inspirational teachers, who value and build upon the rich variety of backgrounds and experiences children bring to the classroom.

We’ll prepare you to plan, teach, assess learning and manage children’s behaviour effectively. You will be well prepared to teach across the primary curriculum, and to work with other professionals in the classroom.

UEA’s Primary PGCE has a long-standing reputation as a successful teacher training programme. The latest Ofsted report (2022) notes: “Leaders have designed a rigorous and ambitious programme which supports trainees well to become reflective and resilient professionals. Leaders have carefully considered the knowledge that trainees should learn. Leaders have chosen the course content and delivery based on up-to-date, evidence-based research. They ensure that trainees are learning the most pertinent information to teach using highly effective approaches.”

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

Assessment

During the year, you will complete a small number of assignments which will give you the opportunity to demonstrate a critical and analytical approach to teaching and learning. Assignments will build upon your work in school placements and support you in becoming a better-informed teacher in the future. Each summative assignment is supported with a formative submission, designed to help you develop your skills in communicating at Master’s Level.

Feedback

All formative and summative assessments provide you with feedback on your skills in communicating in an appropriately professional, yet academic manner. We aim to provide feedback in a timely manner, so that you are able to respond to this before the next submission point.

Qualified Teacher Status

At regular, frequent intervals you will be provided with formative assessments and feedback based on your classroom practice at that point. This will support you and tutors in identifying strengths and areas for further development with the aim of a successful award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at the end of the course. This also includes aspects of subject knowledge development and personal and professional conduct.

Structure

Through the taught element of your course, you’ll enjoy a programme of training related to the primary curriculum that’s designed to support your overall professional development.

You’ll undertake two main school placements – one in Key Stage 1 and the other in Key Stage 2. Placements are, where possible, arranged in contrasting schools, giving you a breadth of school-based experience.

For your first placement, you may be paired working with another student in the same class, giving you valuable peer support and opportunities to work collaboratively. By your second placement, you will be ready to go it alone.

In addition to your two main placements, you will undertake an additional short placement in a complex needs special school.

Teaching and Learning

The taught element of the course at UEA provides you with a programme of training related to the primary curriculum and is designed to support your overall professional development. UEA tutors and experienced teaching staff from the partnership will deliver these sessions. Practical, participatory taught sessions will support the development of your subject, curriculum and pedagogical knowledge and understanding, and will address a range of professional issues. Tutors will work with you on a regular basis to address your learning needs and help you to identify ways to build on areas of interest and strength and achieve your aspirations.

The school-based training programme is structured carefully to provide you with opportunities to develop your competence and confidence as a beginning teacher through learning from classroom observation, teaching experience and ongoing reflective practice. You will progress from working with individuals and small groups of pupils to planning and teaching your own lessons. Ongoing professional dialogue and regular observations of your teaching will support your professional development. You will receive guidance and constructive feedback to support the development of the quality of your teaching and your pupils’ learning.

From day one, you’ll be treated as a member of staff and will be able to attend staff meetings and staff development days whenever appropriate. Your class-based mentors are experienced teachers who are trained in mentoring skills.

Throughout your course, you will have full access to UEA resources, including our extensive library facilities and Student Support Services.

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Open Days

Assessment for Year 1

Assessment

Feedback

Qualified Teacher Status

Compulsory Modules

PY PGCE PUPIL PROGRESS ASSIGNMENT

Code EDUP7003Y

Credits 30

This module prepares trainees to meet the subject knowledge requirements in English, maths and science as detailed in the Standards required for the award of Qualified Teacher Status. Trainees are prepared through taught university sessions combined with self-directed activities.

PRIMARY YEARS TEACHING PRACTICE AND QTS

Code EDUP7004Y

Credits 1

The primary PGCE prepares trainees to teach either 3-7 or 5-11 year old children working with partnership with local schools, where trainees are based for their school experience. Two main placement schools are assigned to ensure that trainees meet with two contrasting environments. Trainees are supported by school-based tutors and university tutors on placement.

FOUNDATION SUBJECTS INCLUDING INCLUSIVE PRACTICE ASSIGNMENT

Code EDUP7007Y

Credits 30

This module prepares trainees to teach the foundation subjects of Art, Computing, Design Technology, Geography, History, Modern Languages, Physical Education and Religious Education. The module is delivered through university practical taught sessions with self directed activities and school based teaching. The module caters for trainees with varying prior experience of knowledge in these subjects.

ENGLISH

Code EDUP7008Y

Credits 0

This module will focus on preparing trainees to teach the core subject of English in the primary school through a combination of university taught sessions, self-directed activities and school based practice. The course provides for varying levels of previous experience in English subject knowledge and aims to substantially increase personal confidence and expertise in teaching primary English.

MATHS

Code EDUP7009Y

Credits 0

This module will focus on preparing trainees to teach the core subject of mathematics in the primary school through a combination of university taught sessions, self-directed activities and school based practice. The course provides for varying levels of previous experience in mathematics subject knowledge and aims to substantially increase personal confidence and expertise in teaching primary mathematics

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING UNDERSTANDING CHILDREN ASSIGNMENT

Code EDUP7010Y

Credits 30

This module focuses on developing trainees understanding of early years and primary education including the roles and responsibilities of the teacher; research into effective teaching and learning; understanding issues within educational theory and the development of personal reflective practice. This module includes time spent in university and school placements and compromises of lectures, seminars and peer sessions at UEA accompanied by self-directed tasks in school with school mentors supporting trainees learning and development.

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Open Days

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Entry Requirements

Degree classification

2:2 or above preferred

Degree subject

All degree subjects considered

GCSE offer

Before making your application you must have a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or its equivalent* in English Language, Mathematics and in a natural Science subject (ie Biology, Chemistry, Physics or a combination of these) regardless of your date of birth.

*Please note: It is at the discretion of the individual Initial Teacher Training provider as to whether an appropriate level has been satisfactorily achieved. We therefore strongly urge candidates with equivalent qualifications to check with us that these are acceptable before making their application.

We are able to consider GCSE equivalency tests taken via equivalencytesting.com only, with grades of A*-C or 4-9.

Additional entry requirements

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN: Disclosure of Criminal Background for Those with Access to Children
All applicants for the PGCE course will be required to obtain an Enhanced Criminal Records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The enhanced disclosure will be used to assess suitability for the programme and information provided may be discussed with the external members of the School's Safeguarding Sub-Committees. Candidates are responsible for payment of the DBS fee. General information about this process can be obtained from the Disclosure and Barring Service Website.

Satisfactory Health Check

You will need to demonstrate your fitness to teach by completing an Occupational Health Assessment. This will give us information about any special needs you may have, and enable us to assess whether the University and placement areas will be able to provide support. It is therefore, in your interest to provide full answers to the questions.

Students for whom english is a foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
PTE (Pearson): 67 (minimum 64 in all components)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date. Other tests such as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English are also accepted by the university. Please check with the Admissions Office for further details including the scores or grades required.

Interviews

Interview required; please be aware that we cannot guarantee that all candidates who apply will be shortlisted for interview.

Intakes

This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

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Course Reference Number: 7893605

How to Apply

MAKING YOUR APPLICATION

Candidates can submit their application by using the GOV.UK service called Apply for teacher training. Please note, UEA is not responsible for content on external websites linked from this page.

PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION

Candidates are encouraged to prepare thoroughly. Application forms should be able to demonstrate not only your depth of subject knowledge but also your enthusiasm and commitment to a career in teaching. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the information available from the Department for Education. These sources will help you to gain knowledge of the current issues facing teaching, specifically in the subject area for which you are applying. During interview you will be expected to be able to answer questions about these issues, and what has prompted your desire to choose teaching as a career.

Candidates are selected on the basis of their application form, interview and references.

Discover tips on completing your application, including writing your teacher training personal statement, choosing your references and preparing for interviews

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The University of East Anglia operates an equal opportunities admissions policy. We aim to ensure that no applicant receives less favourable consideration on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin or religious belief. More on equal opportunities.

Students with a Disability (including Dyslexia)
The University welcomes students with disabilities and is working towards the provision of an inclusive environment for all its students, staff and visitors. More on disability support.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:

PGCE Admissions Office
Email: edu.pgce.admiss@uea.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1603 592855

EU and International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.

September 2023 opportunities. Discover more

Scholarship Finder

Explore our generous range of scholarships to support your study.

FIND OUT MORE >

Will a Master's help my career?

Discover why further study can have a positive career benefit.

FIND OUT MORE >

Course Reference Number: 7893605

PGCE PRIMARY (3-7 WITH SEND)