About This Course
This course is also offered through the medium of English.
On successful completion of the PGCE, Physical Education (PE) Associate Teachers (ATs) will have a secure understanding of the pedagogy of PE and how the subject contributes to the promotion of lifelong engagement in health enhancing physical activity.
PE ATs will be encouraged to view themselves as lifelong learners who are motivated to extend their understanding of the context and culture of teaching PE in Wales. Their teaching will be informed by the theories of learning PE thus developing their capacity to critically engage with research and advance their own teaching.
ATs will embody all of the four purposes in their teaching, but in particular they will know how to ensure that learners become healthy and confident individuals. They will understand the direct relationship between positive exercise experiences and the health and well-being of children and young people; moreover, they will promote positive attitudes towards lifelong participation in health enhancing physical activities.
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.
Course Content
What will you study on this course?
ATs will develop their subject content knowledge and their understanding of learning and teaching in PE. Their study of subject knowledge will cover a range of physical activities, the teaching of exam level specifications and also the inclusion of numeracy, literacy and digital competence within PE.
Successful ATs will be able to:
- identify and evaluate educational concepts and issues related to health, physical activity and PE;
- recognise pupils’ learning needs in health and physical activity and interpret these learning needs in order to plan, teach, assess and evaluate lessons and schemes of work;
- demonstrate secure subject content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge in health, physical activity and PE;
- demonstrate secure understanding of the statutory requirements of the new Curriculum for Wales;
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.
