UoS PCET/PGCE Year 1

Course overview

The PCET/PGCE is a teacher training qualification that equips you to educate learners over the age of 14 including adults, sharing your knowledge and helping others fulfil their potential. You may be teaching apprentices, trainees or students in further education and sixth form colleges or training colleagues within your organisation. This is a valuable opportunity to gain a recognised University qualification as you improve your teaching skills.

This course also prepares you to register for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, which is a key qualification for teaching in further education and can be gained in the year after you finish the programme.

You will be supported by a mentor in your subject specialist area.

Information for new and returning students studying University of SunderlandCertificate in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) In-service and Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) In-service at Bishop Auckland College
Following the Government guidance that all schools and colleges should fully re-open from September and providing there are no new lockdown measures or further local restrictions introduced, Bishop Auckland College are preparing to welcome new and returning students into college for the new academic year.

We will make all reasonable efforts to provide the Certificate in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) In-service and Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) In-service course and student experience as outlined and we will use a variety of teaching methods to ensure this is the case, including blended learning depending on the course requirements. We will continue to follow Government guidance on how to minimise the risk and protect our students, staff and the employers we work with. It may, however, be necessary to make changes in response to COVID-19 whilst we continue to follow government guidance.

For further advice on your course, please contact Andrew Dixon at andrew.dixon@bacoll.ac.uk.
You can find regular updates of our Covid 19 measures by visiting www.bacoll.ac.uk

University weblink:
https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/education/pgce-in-service/

University weblink:
https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/education/undergraduate-pcet-in-service/

Course requirements

These courses are for people who are already working as teachers or trainers. Applicants must meet the following entry criteria to be able to join the programme:

Academic qualification Professional Graduate PCET route:

· An honours degree, 2:2 or higher in a relevant subject

· GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent qualifications) in Mathematics and English. If you have studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

Academic qualification Professional Certificate PCET route:

· Level 3 qualification or higher, in a vocational or another specialist subject

· GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent qualifications) in Mathematics and English. If you have studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

Additional entry criteria applicable to both routes:

· A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check that has an issue date within 3 years at the start date of the programme

· A completed medical pro forma

· If you are invited for an interview, you will be asked to complete a pre-interview written task, and complete a literacy assessment.

· 50 hours of appropriate Teaching Practice Hours each academic year

The University of Sunderland and/or any Partner FE College are not responsible for securing Teaching Practice Hours on your behalf. If you are unable to complete the compulsory Teaching Practice Hours, then under no circumstances (other than any negligence on the part of the University or any of its Partner FE Colleges) will the University of Sunderland or any Partner FE College be held liable for any loss you may sustain.

If English is not your first language, please refer to the University of Sunderland English Language requirements:

https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/help/applying/entry-requirements/what-english-language-qualification-do-you-accept/

Entry requirements

• Maths at grade C/4 or level 2 functional skill
• English at grade C/4 or level 2 functional skill
• A degree in subject specialism at least a 2:2 or a Level 3 in subject specialism.
• Secure teaching hours of 50 per academic year (We can not find these teaching hours for prospective students)
• A mentor who teaches within the subject specialism
• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• A completed medical pro forma (based on DFEE Circular 8/92)
• All perspective trainees will be asked to complete a pre-interview written task, participate in a group activity and complete a short in-house literacy assessment.

No trainee can begin the course without the above, if they do they will incur costs.

All documentation must be scanned to demonstrate the above as UOS will request that we send to them.

I would advise that all students visit the UOS site below for more information, it gives a clear outline of what we offer.

https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/education/pgce-in-service/

What will I do?

Year 1

Preparing to teach in the lifelong learning sector
Practical teaching and professional development
Developing theories of teaching, learning and assessment in post-compulsary education and training
Year 2

Contextualising policy and curriculum in PCET
Enhancing learning through innovation and change
Practical teaching and professional development
Individual action research project
You will attend at least one weekly planned learning session of 3 hours per week in College.

You will be taught by methods that encourage you to reflect on your professional development and in ways which will help you to engage with relevant educational research and current government policy developments related to the sector.

These consist of lectures, seminars, tutorials, tutor and self directed learning, student centred learning, group work, independent research and self-directed study. Group discussions, presentations, research tasks and workshops.

Observation of your teaching practice will be undertaken by your tutor and your chosen mentor at least 4 times each year within your teaching or training location. This will enable you to identify key strengths and reflect upon areas for development. You will also be expected to critically self-reflect and evaluate your teaching/training practice in order to set actions and goals to improve.

The College Virtual Learning Environment is used as a discussion forum to share your own practice and experiences with other students on the course.

You will be assessed through a range of assignments, group work, reports, seminars, practical workshops at the University of Sunderland, presentations and observed teaching practice.

What will it give me?

The course will give you a teaching qualification to be able to work in the Further Education and Training sector.

Materials needed

You will be required to purchase a range of relevant stationery and it would be beneficial to have a range of reference books to develop your knowledge and understanding of theory related to the sector.

What can I do when I finish?

Successful completion of the two year qualification can lead to further study on the BA (Honours) Degree in Education and Training (Post Compulsory Education), and the MA Education (Generic) at the University of Sunderland.

You could also apply for Professional Formation/Qualified Teaching and Learning Skills status (QTLS) which is the professional status that you gain via the Society of Education and Training.

Alternatively a teaching or training role within the further education and training sector.

What next?

If you would like to apply, please click the "Apply Now" section below and follow the steps. Thank you!