Content of programme
The PGCE with QTS teacher training programme in Physical Education is organised in conjunction with the University of Reading. This PGCE programme provides an interesting, stimulating and challenging learning journey. It is an exciting time to become a PE teacher with the subject increasingly recognised in contributing positively to pupils' social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Enrichment opportunities allow you to learn outside of the classroom, whilst practical sessions allow you to practice teaching PE in micro-teaching sessions to work on class pedagogy and organisation as well as develop your subject knowledge. You will be taught by staff with national reputations as experts in the field of physical education; these staff are supported by expert practitioners from local schools. For further information on the course please Click here
This conceptual knowledge is related to the secondary education curriculum, before trainees undertake their first teaching experience at the main placement school in Maidenhead. Trainees will have the opportunity to teach all ability and all age ranges, from 11-18. Trainees later undertake a second placement at a secondary school in Maidenhead, before returning to complete their training at the main placement school. Towards the end of the course, trainees build on their own practice by initiating a curriculum development project. During their teaching practice experiences, trainees will have mentoring and support from school based tutors, and from experts at Reading University. Trainees also benefit from the University's lecture programme, featuring nationally and internationally renowned speakers who address contemporary issues in education.
Subject entry requirements
Applicants should have a good first degree in a closely related discipline. Trainees should be prepared to develop their knowledge of the major world religions, philosophy of religion and ethics as an essential during their training year. Applicants are very strongly encouraged to undertake up to a week’s practical work experience in a school (preferably a Teach Maidenhead school), prior to interview.
Structure
The course is structured broadly as follows:
Phase 1: An introductory visit to the main teaching practice school.
Phase 2: A combination of Subject Method and Professional Studies sessions at Reading University and time spent at the main teaching practice school in Maidenhead mid-September to end October 2023.
Phase 3: Continuation of placement at main teaching practice school in Maidenhead, beginning November 2023 to beginning December 2023.
Phase 4: Placement at second teaching practice school in Maidenhead, beginning of January 2024 until middle of February 2024
Phase 5: Return to main teaching practice in Maidenhead until middle May 2024 to complete the course. Attend an enrichment programme end May to beginning June 2024
Assessment
You will be assessed against the eight Teachers’ Standards, based on the evidence of your teaching, your wider contribution to school life and your ability to reflect on and evaluate these experiences. Assessment will be carried out in school and moderated by your University tutor.
You will also write three assignments. These are designed to deepen your reflection on your school experience in the light of educational research, and to develop your ability to research your own practice. As well as being assessed in their own right, the assignments will contribute evidence towards your assessment against the Teachers’ Standards.
School placements
The course itself is structured broadly as follows :
· Enrolment at The University of Reading during the first week of September
· An intensive week of subject matter study during the second week of September
· Six weeks where the trainee spends two days at the university and three in school
· A week focusing on the PGCE and tutorials
· A further six weeks spending five days in school
· A week shared between the university and an induction at the second placement school
· Christmas break
· Six weeks at the second placement school (beginning of January to mid- February) – we aim to inform trainees of their second placement location between September and November
· A week focusing on the PGCE and tutorials
· An intensive week of subject matter study at the end of February at the university
· Ten weeks at the main placement school with a break for Easter
· Two weeks of enrichment organised by the University of Reading.