The year 1 PGCE programme consists of 3 modules. All modules are practice based and aim to enable trainees to develop and refine their ability to teach and play a full part in the life of a school. The practical aims will be supplemented by the learning of key aspects of educational theory and policy together with fundamental aspects of assessment and teaching practice. The programme aims to develop trainees’ ability to link theory to practice through reflection and feedback. The dual pathway is designed to meet the diverse needs of trainees by offering an integrated approach to initial teacher education by combining Higher and Master’s level study with the opportunity to gain a PGCE at both level 6 and 7. The programme provides a pathway for further Master’s level study. The programme assesses trainees against the Core Content Framework and the Teacher’s Standards.

Module 1: Educational Principles –The Fundamentals of Teaching and Learning (20 credits)
Trainees will be required to demonstrate awareness of how children learn, basic philosophical principles underlying educational theory and teaching practice.
Module 2: Development of Effective Practice (20 credits)
Trainees will be required to demonstrate understanding of the complexities and diversity required in teaching and assessment for learning.
Module 3: Consolidating and Reflection (20 credits)
Trainees will be required to reflect on their learning as well as professional development and show how educational theory is linked to teaching practice.

Throughout the course, trainees will be required to demonstrate competence in their teaching by showing that they meet The teachers’ standards as defined by the DfE.

The PGCE is offered as a one-year (academic year comprising 10 months) school-based course, and leads to the award of a PGCE. Students are registered at Level 7 to achieve 60 credits at level 7 and 60 credits at level 6. Students who successfully complete 60 Level 7 credits achieve a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and can carry 60 credits towards future study at Master’s level.

Those who fail to complete sufficient credits at Level 7 but successfully complete 60 credits at Level 6 will be able to carry 30 level 6 credits forward that can be accredited on a full MA course if they wish to do so. The exit award at Level 6 will be a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education.

The final award at level 6 is awarded Pass/Fail. The pass mark at level 6 is 40%.
Results at level 7 will be amalgamated to an average % and the final award at level 7 will be classified thus:
50% Pass
60% Pass with Merit
70% + Pass with Distinction

Academic learning for modules 1-3 is assessed with a written assignment which represents the culmination of theoretical knowledge and practical application through reflective practice and are all assessed against the same learning objective-based criteria that run synchronously throughout the course.

Practical application is assessed throughout the course and trainees must meet the DfE teacher standards in order to pass the course.

Students must pass all modules in order to be awarded the qualification.

This programme aims to develop critically aware teachers who have a clear understanding of child development and how children learn so that they can reflect on how it impacts pupil learning and informs their practice as teachers. In addition the programme aims to develop teachers who:

• Reflect on their personal and professional development and respond positively to feedback through critical analysis of their practice and target-setting
• Research their own practice and reflect on effective strategies for effective teaching and learning
• Critically analyse, engage in and reflect on educational issues, philosophies and initiatives
• Take responsibility for their own learning and study independently
• Function as independently-minded professionals capable of contributing to wider educational debate

• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (Link);
• Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement(s) (Link);
• National Teachers’ Standards
(Link)
• Core Content Framework
(Link)

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of Buckingham and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.