A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a programme that can lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK. A PGCE is a combination of academic study and practical teaching experience, and can be completed part-time or full-time.
What is PGCE with QTS?
A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a comprehensive one-year training programme designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to teach the primary curriculum. This course offers a perfect blend of theory and practice, helping you develop research-informed teaching strategies while providing ample opportunities to apply them in real classroom settings.
Over the course of your training year, you’ll spend the majority of the working week gaining invaluable school experience. You’ll delve deep into the intricacies of the education system, honing your practical teaching skills along the way. Upon successful completion, you’ll emerge not only with a PGCE but also with QTS, ready to embark on an exciting career as a qualified primary school teacher.
Benefits of Initial Teacher Training
The PGCE with QTS programme by NITE offers a deep dive into primary education, blending cutting-edge teaching methods with practical experience. You’ll grow in confidence and competence through outstanding support and two contrasting school placements, which comprise two-thirds of the course.
The curriculum covers essential pedagogy, including learning theories and child development, alongside national curriculum subjects and the early years foundation stage framework. This balanced approach to university training and in-school experience ensures you’ll develop the comprehensive skills and knowledge needed for a successful teaching career.
Course Structure and Content
The course is designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to teach the primary curriculum. You will explore key aspects of primary teaching, including managing behaviour, planning and assessing learning, and teaching methods.
The course is divided into four modules:
- Behaviour and Classroom Management
- Curriculum Delivery and Assessment
- Development of Teaching
- Practical Teaching Practice
The course also emphasises the importance of professional practice, ensuring that students are prepared for the standards and compliance required in their future careers.
You will undertake a second school placement to broaden your experience in teaching. The course focuses on teaching practice, with a strong emphasis on school placement and practical teaching experience.
School Placements
During your PGCE with QTS, you’ll spend 120 days in schools, working with pupils across primary and early years age ranges. You’ll collaborate with seasoned teachers, honing your professional skills and knowledge. Over two placements, you’ll gradually take on more responsibility for children’s learning.
This hands-on experience exposes you to diverse classroom settings and pupils from various backgrounds. As you’ll be attached to each school for an extended period, you’re expected to fully immerse yourself in school life, demonstrating your commitment to the profession.
Teacher Training Courses: What to Expect
The course is designed to train teachers to work in partnership with schools and educational settings. Teaching is a challenging and rewarding career with high job satisfaction, and our aim is to train teachers who can make a difference in children’s lives.
You will have the opportunity to work with experienced teachers and gain practical experience in a primary school setting. The course includes lectures, seminars, practical workshops, field trips, and work with pupils. Peer-led critical support groups will also feature in the programme.
Facilities and Resources
- Spend most of your time putting your skills into practice within a school environment.
- The rest of the time will be spent being taught by highly experienced professionals.
- Our facilities are designed to provide you with the best possible learning environment and to support your development as a teacher.
- You will have access to specialist facilities, with classrooms, studios and laboratories specifically designed for teaching in your specialism.
- The library has an excellent range of teaching resources to help you plan and teach your lessons.
How to Apply and Entry Requirementse
To enrol on the PGCE with QTS from NITE, you’ll need a minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree and a GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and mathematics, as per Initial Teacher Training Criteria. We recommend gaining school-based experience beforehand. You’ll need to obtain satisfactory DBS clearance before enrolment.
Career Prospects and Job Opportunities
PGCE graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects, with over 95% in work or further study within six months. Upon completion, you can apply for early career teacher positions in primary schools. Many graduates progress to middle and senior management roles.
The course provides a pathway to a master’s qualification. A career in primary teaching offers rewarding challenges and the opportunity to significantly impact children’s development and futures.
Further Requirements and Next Steps
You must be in a role or secure a role in a school, with a focus on teaching practice and alternative UK placement schools.
You will be required to pass both teaching experiences and should be aware that you may need to teach beyond the typical end point of the programme if you require additional time in school to meet the programme requirement.
You will be expected to engage in the full life of the school as a committed professional.
The PGCE with QTS is a comprehensive course that will prepare you for a career in teaching. You will gain a thorough understanding of the education system and practical teaching strategies, and have the opportunity to apply them in a practical setting.
With excellent relationships with schools across London and the surrounding area, you will have the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and become a qualified primary school teacher.
For more PGCE courses check out the list of courses here and for more professional development visit our sister company Connedx Education Academy.
For further information get in touch with us today, Neil Rintoul or Sarah Tate will be happy to discuss your options and offer you support services when choosing a master’s degree, professional development and career planning.
If you would like any more information, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at info@theteachertrainingcollege.co.uk or call us on 0330 390 0529.
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