1. Preparing to apply to a Secondary PGCE Steven Chubb, University of Cumbria

2. Welcome to this PGCE webinar!
Thank you for your interest and for signing up today.
Tutors involved in the webinar – Steven Chubb and Peter Tankard (both Secondary PGCE)
We aim to cover those aspects you need to consider when applying for a PGCE with QTS (Secondary)
Please save questions to the end and we will leave time to deal with them

3. Who am I? PGCE (Core) Secondary Programme Leader
School Direct tutor – Preston Alliance (Broughton)
PGCE Secondary Geography subject lead
MA (Education) tutor

4. Why do you want to be a teacher?
What are your own beliefs and values about children, teaching and education?
What sort of teacher do you wish to be?
Why do you want to be a teacher?

5. What is a PGCE with QTS? (Cumbria version)
PGCE - an academic award (60 credits at Master’s Level)
It is studied alongside your work in school.
QTS (Qualified teacher status) – success on your two school placements means you are recommended for QTS.
You will have a minimum of 120 days in school
Your learning blends the theoretical and the practical
It usually takes an academic year (10 months) – from September to June

6. Where can I study?
We offer our PGCE on the Lancaster campus as well as through about 10 different school direct partners.
It is all the same course, but different locations.
School Direct bases- Carlisle, Lancaster/Lytham St Annes, Kendal, Preston, Warrington, Huddersfield, Blackburn, Haslingden, Darwen, Hackney, North Manchester

7. School Direct or Core route?
Same course, different locations.
Both routes lead towards the PGCE with QTS and
include Masters Level credits (60)
Same assignments and assessed school placements
Many shared staff – University and school staff
School Direct – based in ‘lead’ school
Core – based at University

8. The PGCE year – 2018

9. Academic Assignments
7001 Linking theory to practice within the subject (30 credits)
7002 Assessment for Learning within subject (10 credits)
7003 National priorities and subject (20 credits)
+ Teaching Portfolio (PGSC9001)

10. University based or School Direct - similarities
Both routes lead to the same qualification – PGCE with QTS
Both routes have the same assignments and hand in dates
Both routes have the same placement pattern and length
Both routes share many of the same placement schools
On both routes you are a Cumbria student and so have access to all of the University services

11. University based or School Direct - differences
Interviews are conducted either at school or University for either course
The School Direct alliance or the University will place you in one of their placement schools.
In September and January teaching blocks you are based either at University or in lead school dependent on your course
You will develop an identity based around your course location

12. What do our students say? (2016-2017 cohort)
‘I am grateful for inputs from inspirational tutors’
‘The subject knowledge days were interesting, inspiring and made me passionate to teach Science’
‘A good mix between the University course and school placements ensured I left the PGCE course with the toolkit I need’
‘The academic part of the course provides a great base from which to put the theory into practice’
‘It was the hardest year of my student life but the most rewarding and happy as well’

13. Applying for a PGCE - what do I need to know?
Do your homework!
Use UCAS and University websites to research the courses available
Where do you want to be based for your PGCE year?
What constraints do you have on your time/situation?

14. What qualifications do I need to have?
English and Maths passes at GCSE
Preferably an A level or equivalent in your teaching subject
A first degree in a relevant subject – preferably a 2:1 or a first
Passes in Professional Skills tests in Numeracy and Literacy

15. Anything else?
You will need to show that you have had recent school experience
You will need to talk about and draw on this at interview
You will need to be able to explain why you want to be a teacher!

16. The Professional Skills Tests
Tests in English and Maths assessing your understanding at GCSE level
Computer based tests
In two sections - mental arithmetic (with headphones) and on-screen questions Duration - 48 minutes
English
Will assess - spelling, grammar, punctuation and comprehension Duration - 45 minutes
Maths
All trainee teachers are required to pass the tests so that you can enrol onto the course
Compulsory for entry

17. Essential Information on skills tests
First attempt is free resits are £19.25
Deadline for completion is
asap for this September
Visit DfE to find practice tests
sta.education.gov.uk
Test centres administer various types of tests – this may limit the availability for booking
3 attempts to pass, if you fail 3 times you are barred from resitting for 24 months
Take all identification, including any proof that you require extra time

18. PGCE Bursaries
There are various bursaries available for different subjects, ranging from:
Physics – £ if you have a First or PhD
Maths, Chemistry, Computing, MfL, Geography – up to £25 000
Biology – up to £15 000
D and T – up to £12 000
English, History, RE and Music – up to £9 000
(SKE courses are also available in some subjects)

19. Come and visit us! PGCE Open Day – Lancaster campus 19th August 2017
If you have any questions please contact the University Enquiry Centre on

20. Applications - FAQs Q. When should I apply?
As soon as possible....places on some routes are very limited in number.
Q. To which route should I apply?
Only you can decide! Consider location, ethos, support levels and facilities available. Visit!
Q. How can I prepare for the interview?
Think through your reasons and experiences. Try and ensure some recent school experience.
Q. Will I get a job at the end of the course?
A. Jobs are not guaranteed – depends on your applications and flexibility. We will support you though and we have a very strong track record for jobs across our partnership