About This Course
This PGCE in primary education is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of how children learn and equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to develop as a creative and innovative teacher. On this programme there will be a focus on Additional Learning Needs or 'ALN' a term used to describe learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for a child to learn compared to other children of the same age.
By focusing on additional learning needs (ALN), also widely known as special educational needs, you will learn about children’s development through 3-11 years, including neurodiverse learners. You will learn how best to support children with ALN throughout their learning and different approaches of teaching dependent on the learner. Throughout your studies with us at Bangor University you’ll be supported to become an excellent teacher.
We have multiple partnerships here at Bangor University which enriches your learning experience. The programme itself is co-constructed, deliver and assessed with our network of excellent school partnerships across the region. Mainstream and special schools with well-trained mentors will support your progress towards Qualified Teacher Status in accordance with Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership in Wales.
Our team of experienced tutors and researchers will provide you with excellent support and stimulating sessions preparing you to become an excellent teacher. This Primary Additional Learning Needs PGCE with QTS is recognised across Wales and England and is often transferable further afield for entry into the teaching profession.**
**Those seeking to teach outside Wales and England should check recognition and transferability of Qualified Teacher Status with the respective country’s Teachers’ Professional Body.
You do not need to live in Wales or speak Welsh to apply for the course. We will support you in your understanding of Welsh culture and your Welsh language learning whether you are a complete beginner or a fluent user of the language.
Why Study with us?
- Committed schools with well-trained mentors will support Associate Teachers’ progress towards Qualified Teacher Status in accordance with Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership in Wales.
- Experienced tutors and researchers in university and school based staff will provide excellent support and stimulating sessions, and the qualification gained will equip students to teach within and beyond Wales.
- You do not need to live in Wales or speak Welsh to apply for the course. We will support you in your understanding of Welsh culture and your Welsh language learning whether you are a complete beginner or a fluent user of the language.
Entry Requirements
Admissions Criteria for 2024 entry
- An undergraduate degree in an area related to subject of study at minimum 2.ii Honours standard (or equivalent).
- A willingness and positive attitude towards seeking to improve their personal use of the Welsh Language.
- Applicants are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check for the child workforce including a check of the children’s barred lists. Applicants who have lived outside the UK are also required to undertake a criminal records check in their countries of residence.
- Applicants are required to undergo a health check.
- Applicants should reflect carefully on their ability to meet the rigours and demands of the profession. Refer to the Considerations for Applicants to Initial Teacher Education Programmes.
Other academic requirements
- Grade C/4 in the GCSE examination in any of the following: English Language, English Literature, Welsh First Language, Welsh Literature
- Grade C/4 in the GCSE Examination in Mathematics or Mathematics-Numeracy must also be achieved.
- GCSE Grade C/4 in Science.
We also welcome applications from mature learners, individuals with European qualifications and international applicants (subject to minimum English language requirements of IELTS 7.0 overall (with no element below 6.5) or equivalent.
Important Information
To teach, you need Initial Teacher Education (ITE) based at a university, school or college in the UK.
Careers
PGCE Primary with QTS is recognised across Wales and England and is often transferable* further afield for entry into the teaching profession. It fully prepares you for the demands of teaching in Wales and beyond. This PGCE programme in particular will prepare you to work in Special Schools and/or with children who have additional learning needs.
*Those seeking to teach outside Wales and England should check recognition and transferability of Qualified Teacher Status with the respective country’s Teachers’ Professional Body.
The CaBan programmes prepare you for a wide range of roles within education and develops essential leadership skills. There is a growing body of evidence that school leadership has an impact on student outcomes second only to the influence of teachers in the classroom. Within the CaBan partnership we have international expertise and experience of the latest leadership theory and research. This expertise impacts on both the content of this programme and the significant developments across the region and at national level with respect to developing strong and effective leadership teams in our schools.
The programme also offers short placements in Primary and/or Special Schools and/or in other education related settings to ensure you have enhanced experience specific to your individual interests.
Application
How to Apply
Candidates should note that the application process for the PGCE programmes differs from Bangor University’s standard postgraduate application procedure. Those applying for teacher training will need to apply through the Undergraduate UCAS system. Please refer to UCAS for further information.
