PGCE Course Overview
The West Midlands Consortium’s PGCE programme with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is designed for teaching the Secondary, 11 – 16 age range with enhancement at Post-16.
In line with new national qualification regulations set by the Qualifications and Assessment Authority, and in order to provide students with the best opportunities available, the West Midlands Consortium has changed its validating body to Staffordshire University.
This change of validation body has provided the broadest range of PGCE Initial Teacher Training (ITT) qualifications for Associate Teachers as they prepare for their future career in teaching.
Key aspects of the new PGCE programmes, validated by Staffordshire University, include:
- A Postgraduate Certificate of Education award which meets the new academic requirements and has a total of 60 Masters level credits.
- A Professional Graduate Certificate of Education award which has 30 Masters level credits, equivalent to existing PGCE programmes.
Masters level credits obtained from either of the above awards can be used towards a Masters degree.
Thomas Telford School is the lead school and provides the training base. It has excellent teaching facilities and Associate Teachers have access to ‘state-of-the-art’ equipment to ensure maximum opportunities to develop their subject skills.
In total, the West Midlands Consortium is linked to 30 West Midlands schools who are all committed to developing high quality teachers.
The West Midlands Consortium has a very close-knit structure to help ensure students receive excellent support throughout the programme.
During the 40 week programme Associate Teachers spend 24 weeks on placement in two Consortium schools. Associate Teacher’s skills are carefully developed and monitored by Subject Mentors and Professional Tutors in each school. This is supported by West Midlands Consortium subject specialists during centre-based activities.
Assessment of the programme is based on five written assignments carefully focused on key areas of teaching along with portfolios of evidence. Written assignments encourage Associate Teachers to reflect on theory through their direct experiences in their placement schools. The portfolios of evidence allow Associate Teachers’ skills and abilities used in the classroom to be recognised.
All Associate Teachers have to pass the Training and Development Agency’s Skills Tests in Numeracy, Literacy and Information Communication Technology.