Program Overview
Roehampton University's PGCE Primary program is a year-long course that equips aspiring teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary for a fulfilling career in primary education. With a strong emphasis on Froebelian principles, students immerse themselves in hands-on experiences through 20 weeks of school placement and engage in research-informed modules focused on subject knowledge, pedagogy, and professional development. Graduates are highly sought-after by schools, ready to lead in shaping the future of education while inspiring and positively impacting the lives of young learners.
Program Outline
You will undergo 20 weeks school placement with excellent mentoring. Build your confidence as a teacher, ready for your first job. We are ranked in the top 3 universities in London for the quality of our research in the field of Education (REF 2021), reflecting the world-class expertise of our staff. Ofsted rates our primary age courses as "Outstanding" (2023 report).
Outline:
Level 7
Core route
- Professional Studies - Core: The focus is on pedagogy rather than subject specific content so that students develop the wider knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to achieve the Teachers’ Standards (DfE 2021) and enter the teaching profession. The module draws together the taught and school experience elements of learning through guided analysis of learning using videos, planning and, as the course progresses, students’ own in-school experiences.Embedded within the module is exposure to, and opportunities to reflect on, good and outstanding practice through effective partnership with local schools including through intensive training and practice (ITaP) experiences. The course is mapped against the Core Content Framework (DfE, 2019) drawing on literature from this document as well as other seminal research to provide a secure evidence base from which students can develop and evaluate their practice.
- The Core Curriculum - Core: The Core Curriculum module focuses on subject knowledge and pedagogy in the core subjects: English, Mathematics and Science. It links closely with the Professional Studies module and the pedagogical understanding contained therein. The teaching and learning strategies adopted in this module aim to reflect, model and exemplify the range of approaches that students will encounter within primary teaching and learning and encourage students to become independent, autonomous learners. Students will be encouraged to analyse and evaluate the teaching and learning approaches they encounter within partnership schools. Principles underlying ongoing practice will be explored in the light of theory and research. Through this approach, students will be encouraged to generate their own provisional teaching and learning theories and to inform these through experience, critical reflection, discussion, research and reading. Curriculum area units aim to introduce students to key concepts and enable them to develop professional competence, including planning appropriate learning intentions, teaching and assessment strategies. They aim also to enthuse students about the value of the subject within the curriculum and to inspire them to become passionate teachers of English, mathematics and science. Embedded within the module is exposure to, and opportunities to reflect on, high quality practice through effective partnership with local schools including through intensive training and practice (ITaP) experiences.The course is mapped against the Core Content Framework (DfE, 2019) drawing on literature from this document as well as other seminal research to provide a secure evidence base from which students can develop and evaluate their practice.
- The Wider Curriculum - Core: The Wider Curriculum module focuses on subject knowledge and pedagogy in the foundation subjects and RE, allowing students to meet and exceed the requirements of the Core Content Framework (2019). It links closely with the Professional Studies module and the pedagogical understanding contained therein. As well as being separate subjects, opportunities will be given, where possible, to make connections between subjects and learning in this module to allow for broad areas of learning and thematic work.Throughout the module, taught units draw upon the students’ current stage of professional development and reflect current themes from the Professional Studies module. Learning to teach the primary curriculum involves reflective evaluation of the cycle of planning, teaching and assessment. Critical, reflective practice is therefore an overarching aspect of this module, aiming to develop students’ critical evaluation, through analysis of the curriculum and their understanding of effective learning and teaching in order to improve their practice.
- School Experience: This module places students in the school environment, via two placements in contrasting settings. It facilitates students’ professional development in the five areas of professional learning (APLs - behaviour management, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, professional behaviours), which align with the five core areas of the Core Content Framework (DfE, 2019). Students will apply, in practice, the knowledge, skills and behaviours that define great teaching, as taught in their Professional Studies, Core and Wider Curriculum modules. Intensive training and practice (ITaP) placements will form part of the school experience. Students will train to teach children aged 3-11 and their assessed placements will be within this age range. For students on a Lead Partner route or Apprentices, placements are arranged by the Lead Partner or apprentice employing school.
Apprenticeship Pathway
- Professional Studies - Apprenticeship: Professional Studies is the core module in the PGCE Primary Programme. Its focus is the core knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to support a teacher as they achieve the Teachers’ Standards (DfE 2012) and enter the teaching profession. The emphasis will be on the ‘whole’, e.g. ways of interlinking key aspects of practice and the wider role of the teacher. As the students move through this module of study, there will be an increasing emphasis on analysing the primary practices experienced by the trainees with a consideration of contemporary issues and research. School Direct students have the same input and assessment as core students. They will be drawing on a different range of experience to inform their understanding of the course owing to the structure of their placements in their host schools.
- The Core Curriculum - Apprenticeship: The Core Curriculum module focuses on subject knowledge and pedagogy in the core subjects: English, Mathematics and Science. It links closely with the Professional Studies module and the pedagogical understanding contained therein. The teaching and learning strategies adopted in this module aim to reflect, model and exemplify the range of approaches that students will encounter within primary teaching and learning and encourage students to become independent, autonomous learners. Students will be encouraged to analyse and evaluate the teaching and learning approaches they encounter within partnership schools. Principles underlying ongoing practice will be continually explored in the light of theory and research. Through this approach students will be encouraged to generate their own provisional teaching and learning theories and to inform these through experience, critical reflection, discussion, research and reading. Throughout the module, taught units build on students’ developing knowledge and understanding, and reflect current themes from the Professional Studies module. Learning to teach the primary curriculum involves reflective evaluation of the cycle of planning, teaching and assessment. Curriculum area units aim to introduce, enthuse and develop professional competence, including planning appropriate learning intentions, teaching and assessment strategies.
- The Wider Curriculum - Apprenticeship: The Wider Curriculum module focuses on subject knowledge and pedagogy in the foundation subjects: Art and Design, Computing, Design and Technology, Modern Foreign Languages, Geography, History, Music and Physical Education, as well as in Religious Education. It links closely with the Professional Studies module and the pedagogical understanding contained therein. As well as being separate subjects, opportunities will be given, where possible, to make connections between subjects and learning in this module to allow for broad areas of learning and thematic work. Throughout the module, taught units draw upon the trainees' current stage of professional development and reflect current themes from the Professional Studies module. Learning to teach the primary curriculum involves reflective evaluation of the cycle of planning, teaching and assessment. Critical reflective practice is therefore an overarching aspect of this module, aiming to develop trainees' critical evaluation, through analysis of the curriculum and their understanding of effective learning and teaching in order to improve their practice. Curriculum area units aim to introduce, enthuse and develop professional competence, including planning appropriate learning intentions, teaching and assessment strategies.
- School Experience: This module places students in the school environment, via two placements in contrasting settings. It facilitates students’ professional development in the five areas of professional learning (APLs - behaviour management, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, professional behaviours), which align with the five core areas of the Core Content Framework (DfE, 2019). Students will apply, in practice, the knowledge, skills and behaviours that define great teaching, as taught in their Professional Studies, Core and Wider Curriculum modules. Intensive training and practice (ITaP) placements will form part of the school experience. Students will train to teach children aged 3-11 and their assessed placements will be within this age range. For students on a Lead Partner route or Apprentices, placements are arranged by the Lead Partner or apprentice employing school.
Lead Partner Pathway (full-time and part-time)
- School Experience: This module places students in the school environment, via two placements in contrasting settings. It facilitates students’ professional development in the five areas of professional learning (APLs - behaviour management, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, professional behaviours), which align with the five core areas of the Core Content Framework (DfE, 2019). Students will apply, in practice, the knowledge, skills and behaviours that define great teaching, as taught in their Professional Studies, Core and Wider Curriculum modules. Intensive training and practice (ITaP) placements will form part of the school experience. Students will train to teach children aged 3-11 and their assessed placements will be within this age range. For students on a Lead Partner route or Apprentices, placements are arranged by the Lead Partner or apprentice employing school.
- Professional Studies – Lead Partner: Professional Studies is the core module in the PGCE Primary Programme. The focus is on pedagogy rather than subject specific content so that students develop the wider knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to achieve the Teachers’ Standards (DfE 2021) and enter the teaching profession. The module draws together the taught and school experience elements of learning through guided analysis of learning using videos, planning and, as the course progresses, students’ own in-school experiences. The course is mapped against the Core Content Framework (DfE, 2019) drawing on literature from this document as well as other seminal research to provide a secure evidence base from which students can develop and evaluate their practice.
- The Core Curriculum - Lead Partner: The Core Curriculum module focuses on subject knowledge and pedagogy in the core subjects: English, Mathematics and Science. It links closely with the Professional Studies module and the pedagogical understanding contained therein. The teaching and learning strategies adopted in this module aim to reflect, model and exemplify the range of approaches that students will encounter within primary teaching and learning and encourage students to become independent, autonomous learners. Students will be encouraged to analyse and evaluate the teaching and learning approaches they encounter within partnership schools. Principles underlying ongoing practice will be explored in the light of theory and research. Through this approach, students will be encouraged to generate their own provisional teaching and learning theories and to inform these through experience, critical reflection, discussion, research and reading. Curriculum area units aim to introduce students to key concepts and enable them to develop professional competence, including planning appropriate learning intentions, teaching and assessment strategies. They aim also to enthuse students about the value of the subject within the curriculum and to inspire them to become passionate teachers of English, mathematics and science. Embedded within the module is exposure to, and opportunities to reflect on, high quality practice through effective partnership with local schools including through intensive training and practice (ITaP) experiences.The course is mapped against the Core Content Framework (DfE, 2019) drawing on literature from this document as well as other seminal research to provide a secure evidence base from which students can develop and evaluate their practice.
- The Wider Curriculum - Lead Partner: The Wider Curriculum module focuses on subject knowledge and pedagogy in the foundation subjects and RE, allowing students to meet and exceed the requirements of the Core Content Framework (2019). It links closely with the Professional Studies module and the pedagogical understanding contained therein. As well as being separate subjects, opportunities will be given, where possible, to make connections between subjects and learning in this module to allow for broad areas of learning and thematic work.Throughout the module, taught units draw upon the students’ current stage of professional development and reflect current themes from the Professional Studies module. Learning to teach the primary curriculum involves reflective evaluation of the cycle of planning, teaching and assessment. Critical, reflective practice is therefore an overarching aspect of this module, aiming to develop students’ critical evaluation, through analysis of the curriculum and their understanding of effective learning and teaching in order to improve their practice.
Assessment:
Each module has its own assignment which must be passed to be awarded the PGCE. The three modules covered during the year are:
- Professional Studies: For the Professional Studies assignment you will write about how children learn focusing on a key priority area.
- The Core Curriculum: In the Core Curriculum, the focus will be on English, Maths or Science and you will plan a sequence of lessons which you will deliver relating to a current area of research in your subject. A written essay will then provide a rationale for your lessons and an evaluation of the learning which took place.
- The Wider Curriculum: The Wider Curriculum assessment allows you to focus on one foundation subject.
Teaching:
Our subject rooms are set up to include resources you will find in a primary classroom environment.
Careers:
Take the lead in shaping a sustainable future in education. Graduates of PGCE Primary go into careers in:
- Teaching
- Management and leadership roles within schools and other education settings
- Charity roles
- Policy advice
- National assessment
- Curriculum development.
Other:
Roehampton has been providing teacher training through its colleges for over 180 years. Do you want to inspire young people and help change lives? Would you like to enjoy a great starting salary and a rewarding career? Teaching offers all of this. Being able to educate and inspire future generations, seeing young children grow and develop with your help is unlike any other job. The opportunity to review pedagogy in other schools is also provided. We will help you build your CV, prepare for interviews, and meet and learn from successful graduates working at the top of their careers.
September 2024 entry tuition fees
UK: £9,250 EU and International: £17,325
University of Roehampton: A Summarization
Overview:
University of Roehampton is a public university located in London, England. It is known for its beautiful campus environment and its focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning experience for students.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to support students, including:
Academic Support:
Non-academic and academic support services are available to help students succeed in their studies.Financial Support:
Financial guidance and support are provided to students who need it.Careers Support:
Careers advice and employability services are available to help students prepare for their future careers.International Student Support:
Specific support services are available for international students.Mature Student Support:
Support services are tailored to the needs of mature students.Care Leavers Support:
Dedicated support is provided for students who are care leavers.Commuting Student Support:
Support services are available for students who commute to campus.Application Support:
Guidance and support are provided throughout the application process.Student Life and Campus Experience:
University of Roehampton offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can expect:
Safe and Sustainable Campus:
The campus is located in a safe and sustainable environment in southwest London.Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options are available for students.Colleges:
The university is divided into colleges, providing a sense of community and belonging.Sports and Activities:
A wide range of sports and activities are available for students to participate in.Study Abroad Opportunities:
Students have the opportunity to study abroad at partner institutions.Meet Our Students:
The university provides opportunities for prospective students to connect with current students.Key Reasons to Study There:
Ranked in the Top 15% in the World:
University of Roehampton is ranked in the top 15% of universities worldwide according to the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings.Top 10 for Postgraduate Satisfaction:
The university consistently ranks in the top 10 for postgraduate student satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey.High Undergraduate Student Satisfaction:
University of Roehampton is ranked #8 in England for undergraduate student satisfaction in the National Student Survey.Inclusive and Supportive Campus:
The university prides itself on its inclusive and supportive campus environment.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various academic areas. These include:
Undergraduate Courses:
A variety of undergraduate programs are available, including foundation degrees.Postgraduate Taught Courses:
A range of postgraduate taught courses are offered.Postgraduate Research Courses:
The university offers postgraduate research opportunities.Online Postgraduate Degrees:
Online postgraduate degrees are available for students who prefer flexible learning.Higher Technicals:
Higher technical qualifications are offered in specific fields.Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeship programs are available in various industries.Short Courses and Professional Development:
The university offers a range of short courses and professional development programs.International Pathways:
International pathways programs are available for students who need to improve their English language skills or academic qualifications.Other:
- General entry requirements: