About This Course
This course is also offered through the medium of English.
On successful completion of the PGCE, Geography Associate Teachers (ATs) will understand the complexities of Geography teaching and learning, and will have an enhanced appreciation of its critical value to learners as active citizens.The programme will develop teachers who promote the subject`s contemporary relevance in today`s society and who:
- Use contemporary local, national and international issues and events to deliver key concepts, processes and ideas;
- Use constructivist principles and practices to inform the planning of learning;
- Skilled in the use of AfL practice that accurately identifies progress and triggers appropriate intervention following evaluation;
- Ensure subject progress is accessible to all and that learning is inclusive and embraces diversity;
- Appreciate the dynamic nature of Geography and its philosophical nuances;
- Developing an investigative and enquiry approach to learning that inspires learners, fostering curiosity, questioning and a capacity to make informed balanced decisions;
- Using technology, current techniques and GIS to enhance learning;
- can teach a cogent sense of place and identity (with particular reference to Wales), referring to key specific geographical features and processes, human and physical;
The Secondary PGCE programme is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of how children and adolescents learn, and equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to develop as a creative and innovative teacher. You will learn about adolescent’s development through the Secondary sector and be supported to become an excellent teacher. This PGCE with QTS* is recognised across Wales and England and is often transferable* further afield for entry into the teaching profession.
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.
Students on this English medium course will be placed in English Medium Schools only and you do not need to speak Welsh, or live in Wales, to apply for the course. However as part of our commitment to bilingualism 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.
*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.
Research Opportunities
The programme is co-constructed, delivered and assessed with a network of excellent partnership schools across the region.
Combine this subject with Outdoor Activities
Bangor is a fantastic place for anyone interested in outdoor activities. Our location, combined with our long-established links with local outdoor education providers, provides a fantastic opportunity for combining this subject with outdoor activities during your training. If that interests you, please apply for: PGCE Secondary - Geography (Welsh Medium) 3f5r.
Course Content
What will you study on this course?
ATs will be encouraged to present key learning through an enquiry approach where dialogic methods are used to develop thinking skills, evaluate complex issues, make balanced informed decisions, and instil a personal confidence within a collaborative learning ethos. They will ensure that the learning of the subject is secure and conforms to current acceptances of key subject specific concepts with reference to National Curriculum in Wales, NC in England, the Geographical Association and all examination specifications. Current developments in geographical teaching and learning will be critically evaluated and become integral to the ATs’ evolving practice.
Entry Requirements
- At least a 2:2 honours degree or equivalent in an area related to subject of study.
- Grade C/Grade 4 in the GCSE examination in any of the following: English Language, English Literature, Welsh First Language, Welsh Literature.
- Grade C/Grade 4 in the GCSE Examination in Mathematics or Mathematics-Numeracy must also be achieved.
- A willingness and positive attitude towards seeking to improve 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 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.
We also welcome applications from mature applicants, individuals with European qualifications and international applicants (subject to minimum English language requirements - IELTS Level 7 overall (with no element below 6.5).
Application
To teach, you need Initial Teacher Education (ITE) based at a university, school or college in the UK. Candidates should note that the application process for the PGCE programmes differs from Bangor University’s standard postgraduate application procedure.
Applicants applying for teacher training will need to apply through the Undergraduate UCAS system. Please refer to UCAS for further information.
Careers
PGCE Secondary 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.
*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 Secondary and Special Schools, short/full placements in Outdoor Centres and other education related settings to ensure you have enhanced experience specific to your individual interests.
