PGDE Secondary (Home Economics)drafted

Program Overview

The PGDE Secondary (Home Economics) program at Queen Margaret University is a one-year, full-time course that prepares graduates to teach Home Economics in Scottish secondary schools. The program combines theoretical learning with extensive practical experience, including two 18-week placements in different secondary schools. Graduates are guaranteed a one-year teaching position in a Scottish school after graduation and are eligible for full registration from the GTCS.

Program Outline

PGDE Secondary (Home Economics) at Queen Margaret University

Degree Overview:

The PGDE Secondary (Home Economics) program is a one-year, full-time course designed to prepare graduates for a career as a Home Economics teacher in Scottish secondary schools. The program offers a unique opportunity to learn and teach practical food and textile skills, while also engaging critically with contemporary issues like sustainable consumption, food poverty, and inclusive practice. Notably, the emphasis on social justice and wellbeing in the discipline sets this program apart.

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to teach Home Economics effectively in a secondary school setting.
• Foster critical thinking and engagement with real-world issues relevant to Home Economics.
• Develop expertise in food and textile preparation and knowledge of relevant technologies.
• Advocate for sustainable lifestyles and health and wellbeing through Home Economics education.

Program Description:

The PGDE program combines theoretical learning with extensive practical experience. The curriculum consists of:

• Placement: Two 18-week placements in different secondary schools across Scotland, providing invaluable hands-on teaching experience.
• Campus Learning: A blend of independent and collaborative learning through workshops, research, and written assignments.
• Outdoor Learning: Engaging in cooking and practical activities in the university's dedicated Outdoor Learning space.

Unique Features:

• Guaranteed employment for one year in a Scottish secondary school after graduation for Scottish students following the GTCS Teacher Induction Scheme.
• Focus on historical and contemporary expertise in Home Economics, drawing on the university's 145-year history in the field.
• Faculty comprised of qualified Home Economics teachers and secondary education specialists.
• Broad range of learning experiences, including food preparation, textiles, sustainability, and outdoor learning.
### Outline:

Module Structure:

• Reflective and Critical Practice (Placement modules) (40 credits): Focuses on achieving the GTCS Standard for Provisional Registration.
Assessed through observation of teaching practice and maintenance of an e-portfolio of evidence-based practice.
• Home Economics in the 21st Century (40 credits): Equips students with the skills to teach practical food and textile lessons and engage with research to inform transformative learning approaches.
Assessed through research-based assignments, including a recorded presentation and an essay.
• Education: Theory, Practice & Research (1) (20 credits): Develops critical and reflective skills in classroom-based research and enquiry through a literature review focusing on practice-based research.
• Education: Theory, Practice & Research (2) (20 credits): Enhances research skills by creating a plan for a research proposal and presenting it to a live audience.

Course Schedule:

• Full-time program lasting 36 weeks, divided into 18 weeks of campus teaching and online learning, followed by 18 weeks on placement.
• Class sizes limited to 28 students per course.

Individual Modules:

• Reflective and Critical Practice (Placement modules): Observes teaching practice in schools and fosters reflective practice through e-portfolio development.
• Home Economics in the 21st Century: Equips students to teach practical food and textile lessons using innovative approaches informed by research.
• Education: Theory, Practice & Research (1): Guides students through the process of conducting classroom research and producing a literature review.
• Education: Theory, Practice & Research (2): Develops research skills by creating and presenting a research proposal.
### Assessment:
• Variety of assessments: The program employs diverse assessment methods, including observation, written assignments, presentations, and research projects.
• Focus on accessibility: Assessments are designed to optimize accessibility for students with various strengths and abilities.
• Emphasis on communication: Assessments encourage students to develop strong written and oral communication skills.
• Modeled assessments: Students are exposed to various assessment formats used in teaching to help them incorporate these methods into their own teaching practice.
### Teaching:
• Pedagogic approach: The program foregrounds critical thinking, student collaboration, independent learning, engagement with global issues, interprofessional learning, practical experience, and critical reflection.
• Emphasis on practical skills: The program provides intensive upskilling in food and textile preparation through practical workshops and activities.
• Collaborative learning: Encourages peer-to-peer learning and group work.
• Inquiry-based learning: Promotes active learning and problem-solving through inquiry-based activities.
• Debate and contention: Encourages open dialogue and critical discussion of key issues within the field.
• Outdoor learning activities: Incorporates outdoor learning experiences to connect with nature and apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting.

Faculty:

• Qualified Home Economics teachers and secondary education specialists with extensive experience in research and teaching.
• Staff dedicated to supporting students in their professional development and achieving their teaching goals.
### Careers:
• Guaranteed job opportunity: Scottish students are guaranteed a one-year teaching position in a Scottish school following graduation through the GTCS Teacher Induction Scheme.
• Full registration: After successful completion of the probationary year, graduates receive full registration from the GTCS.
• Competitive salary: Starting salary for newly qualified teachers in Scotland is £32,217, with an additional £8,000 for those completing their probationary year anywhere in Scotland.
Salary increases incrementally over the first six years to £48,516.
• Opportunities for career advancement: The teaching profession offers various opportunities for career growth and development, including specialization in specific areas of Home Economics or leadership roles within schools.
### Other:
• Entry requirements: Successful applicants must meet the requirements set by the GTCS, including a degree with specified credits in relevant subjects like food studies, textile technology, and nutrition.
• Accreditation of prior learning: Applicants may be exempted from certain modules based on previous qualifications and experience.
• Disability support: The university provides support services for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education and a successful learning experience.
• Cost of living: Students are responsible for any additional expenses incurred during placement, including travel and accommodation.
• Criminal records check: Students must pass a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) check.