PGCE

 What it involves

The everyday life of a teacher involves reviewing and evaluating the success of our actions and planning new and sometimes different approaches as a consequence. Studying for a PGCE involves critical reflection and analysis which takes this thinking a step further. It involves ‘stepping back’ and viewing educational issues in a broader and more objective sense, engaging thoroughly with published academic research and educational theory.

The Bath Spa PGCE involves the completion of three written assignments throughout the training year. As this is a professional qualification, though, it must also be stressed that successful completion of the award also requires you to achieve QTS.

In brief, the PGCE requires the following academic pieces:

Assignment 1: A critical exploration of how the learning of pupils with SEND is supported in

the classroom. (15 credits)

Assignment 2: A critical analysis of how learning can be planned for and developed in a

lesson, considering the use of pedagogy. (15 credits)

Assignment 3: A critical reflection of how learning can be planned for and developed over a

series of lessons, considering curriculum and formative assessment. (30 credits)

Support

Guidance for assignment completion as well as the requirements of level 7 writing skills is incorporated into the MSC’s professional training programme. Trainees are also allocated a Bath Spa tutor who will provide feedback on assignment planning documents and draft sections. 1-2-1 tutorials with both BSU and MSC staff are also available to trainees to provide further guidance.

Qualifications

Trainees that have all three PGCE assignments successfully assessed at level 7 (Master’s level) will be awarded a PGCE in addition to QTS; there are up to 60 M level credits awarded for the PGCE which can be used towards the qualification of Master in Education at a later stage in the teacher’s career. If a trainee fails an assignment twice at Level 7, they can discuss, with their Bath Spa tutor, the possibility of transferring to the Level 6 PrGCE qualification.

Paying for the PGCE

For fee-paying trainees the PGCE is included in the total course fees. If trainees decide to opt out of the PGCE aspect, they will be refunded the costs of the PGCE.

For salaried trainees, the PGCE is charged as an addition. This can be paid for by the trainee or employing school (school funded route).