We seek to produce teachers who are reflective practitioners and who will be:
- enthusiastic and confident in the classroom
- pedagogically skilful and adaptable
- specialists in the teaching of their academic subject
- able to see their subject in the context of the whole curriculum
- competent in a number of areas that cross secondary school curriculum boundaries
- able to work as part of a team
Why choose Chester?
We are:
- An innovative and forward-looking institution with a strong record of graduate employment
- One of the oldest teacher education institutions in the UK, and have trained and supported generations of successful teachers
- A dedicated, knowledgeable, experienced, friendly and supportive PGCE team who put the welfare and support of our trainees as a number one priority
- Small enough to provide a personal approach to your learning and teaching needs, but large enough to offer a broad range of subjects and experiences
- Working with a Schools Partnership which is well established yet offers diverse and well supported placements, in which all partners work closely together to ensure coherence of training in terms of both practice and theory.
Features
A distinctive feature of the course is Subject Enrichment Week, which falls in the block between the two school placements. This has been designed to consolidate and extend particular aspects of subject knowledge.
For example this year trainees have been given the opportunity to work and live in a Sikh Community in London, be part of an outdoor education experience at the Conway Centre, deliver workshops at the Science Discovery Centre, deliver MathaMagic workshops for Primary pupils, and be part of a cross-cultural and educational experience based in Venice.
This dimension of the Chester PGCE course has been designed to inspire trainees on personal and subject related levels and then encourage them to translate this into classroom practice.
Click ’ >next: modules’ below for details of subjects
Programme Structure
The subjects available are:
Drama, Maths, MFL, PE, RE, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Please scroll down for further details on each subject.1
DRAMA
The International Dimension has been a unique feature of the PGCE drama course at Chester for many years and is seen nationally as an aspect of very good practice both by Ofsted and by other institutions, some of whom are endeavouring to replicate the Chester experience.
This year the cohort were involved in an Enrichment Week in Venice with Art trainees, providing opportunities for trainees and tutors from Art and Drama to learn with and from each other and work with Italian educators and pupils.
The Subject Enrichment Week is always based in a European city and to date has included Barcelona, Amsterdam, Venice, and Prague. Trainees are given the opportunity to work with teachers, performers and academics from schools, theatres and university, as appropriate, during the course of the week. Trainees are also encouraged to consider the historical and cultural context of the theatre and educational drama practice they engage with in comparison to that of the UK.
A journal of thoughts and experiences is also developed during this time. On their return to the UK, trainees devise group or individual projects which form the basis for schemes of work and practical workshops which are delivered to partnership schools.
"What a rollercoaster ride this year has been, exciting in its twists and turns, ups and downs, and definitely the best year of my life!" (Reflective statement from Drama trainee 2007-2008 Cohort).
MATHS
Maths PGCE trainees enjoy a variety of educational experiences, including a subject enrichment week ‘Mathamagic' working with Primary and Secondary pupils, looking at physical, practical, engaging and collaborative mathematics activities and competitions.
Applicants may apply for the Mathematics Enhancement Course to study prior to the PGCE in order to gain a deeper understanding of mathematics.
Quote from Maths Reflective Assignment: "I learned so much, worked so hard and actually changed so much as a person, and I've got a job as well, what more could I ask?"
MFL
A distinctive feature of the course is Subject Enrichment Week, which falls in the block between the two school placements. The purpose of this week is to consolidate and extend particular aspects of subject knowledge. Modern Foreign Languages trainees pursue individually directed work in their chosen countries. Many choose to visit schools abroad to look at how languages are taught. It offers a welcome opportunity to brush up on second language proficiency and collect resources for use in the classroom.
- "The MFL course is well structured and taught. It ties in neatly with the development of teaching in school."
- "I have been able to explore many ideas and aspects of MFL methodology and theory and put them into practice in school."
- "Friday sessions in University during the first placement are an excellent idea and were very useful."
- "Subject enrichment week in Austria was a brilliant idea- very motivating." (Comments from previous trainees)
PE
PE Trainees preparing for Sea Level Traverse during Enrichment Week
The subject element of the PGCE course aims to develop a sound understanding of the principles and practice of Physical Education. The learning process involves developing approaches to acquiring skill; making and applying decisions; developing physical and mental capacity; evaluating and improving performance and making informed decisions about healthy active lifestyles.
Trainee evaluative comments in relation to the teaching of Swimming include:
- a good chance to share and swap ideas as a group
- the opportunity for peer evaluation of lessons was helpful... as well as a little daunting
- opportunity to teach swimming which was not available in my last placement
- it was good to observe other trainees...and see the levels of teaching
- working in a group gave me some confidence as we planned all the lessons together
- pupils in our group progressed well - they received very focused attention
- opportunity to focus on strategies to help pupils evaluate
- pupils understanding improved with reciprocal teaching cards
- several pupils began to show signs of becoming good coaches ...communication skills improved
- opportunity to use ICT in the pool worked very well - particularly with the advance group who were able to identify features of stroke development during slow motion replay
RE
The RE course has a strong emphasis on cultural awareness and trainees work closely with other trainees at a number of points in the year to enhance this awareness. The University has strong links with the local Development Education Centre. RE students also visit Southall in West London, where they meet with various Sikh communities. They also gain experience in schools within the area. This enriches their practice and subject knowledge, developing knowledge and understanding for their future careers.
Science (Enhanced with Physics, Chemistry or Biology)
The University of Chester offers PGCE Secondary Science enhanced with Biology, Chemistry or Physics leading to a Post Graduate Certificate in Education for the age range 11-16 with 6th form enhancement. This will enable you to teach science focusing on your specialism in a secondary school across the country. The course will develop your subject knowledge, practical skills and pedagogy in all aspects of science at KS3 whilst also developing your expertise in your preferred discipline of Biology, Chemistry or Physics at KS4 and 5 depending on your degree and experience.
During enrichment Week the Science programme links with the City Learning Centre to produce a Science fair which enhances trainee knowledge of the cross phase between KS2 and 3, as well as their subject knowledge and pedagogy. There are also numerous opportunities for the trainees to experience a variety of out of the classroom activities for KS3, 4 and 5 in a range of locations including The Wirral Science Discovery Centre.
You will apply for one of three pathways for this PGCE in secondary science:
Science enhanced with Physics.
Applicants need a good honours degree with a significant proportion of Physics is ideal. There are a wide range of degrees which would give a suitable level of subject knowledge. However, enthusiastic scientists with a reasonable knowledge of Physics can follow a booster/enhancement course prior to starting the PGCE. These last from 10 days to 6mths but applications need a recommendation from a PGCE tutor. The University of Chester offers 10 and 20 day booster courses.
TDA bursary: First Class Degree £20,000, 2:1 £15,000, 2:2 £12,000
Science enhanced with Chemistry.
Again a good honours degree with a significant proportion of Chemistry is ideal. We will consider the eligibility of a range of degrees. However, enthusiastic scientists with a reasonable knowledge of Chemistry can follow a booster/enhancement course prior to starting the PGCE. These last from 10 days to 6mths but applications need a recommendation from a PGCE tutor. The University of Chester offers 10 and 20 day booster courses.
TDA bursary: First Class Degree £20,000, 2:1 £15,000, 2:2 £12,000
Science enhanced with Biology.
For this you need a good honours degree with a significant proportion of biology plus the ability to demonstrate an enthusiasm for science and science education. Again a there is a wide selection of degrees which will be considered.
TDA bursary: First Class Degree £9,000, 2:1 £6,000, 2:2 none.
University course fees for PGCE Secondary are £8000.
