We believe that the most effective path to becoming an outstanding teacher is a gradual one, filled with support and opportunities to put what you’ve learnt into practice in stages. That’s why we’ve designed our PGCE Primary courses in three main stages, each consisting of University-based and school-based training blocks.
STAGE ONE – INTRODUCTION TO TEACHING
You’ll spend your first five weeks at University, with several days in your placement school, taking part in seminars and workshops that prepare you for your school-based training by focusing on two main elements:
Professional Learning and Teaching for 21st Century teachers
You’ll learn research-informed techniques and strategies to tackle issues that you will face in your training placements. These strategies will help develop your understanding of teaching and learning, the primary curriculum and educational policy.
Subject knowledge and applied pedagogy
In these sessions, our subject teacher experts will give you a good understanding of what it means to teach Primary Education. PGCE Primary 5-11 trainees will develop their Key Stage 1 and 2 curriculum knowledge and understanding in English, Maths, Science, Computing, Religious Education, Art/Design Technology, History, Geography, Foreign Languages, Physical Education and Music.
After you’ve completed your first five weeks, you’ll start your first placement which will last for six weeks.
STAGE TWO – DEVELOPING YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Your University-based training will comprise the same elements as stage one, but you’ll focus on building on the knowledge you’ve already developed to prepare for your next school-based training block. You’ll spend two weeks at university.
Before your second placement, you’ll again spend time in a school for one week to observe and familiarise yourself with the routine and teaching practice.
During your second placement, you’ll spend a minimum of nine weeks in a new school, teaching a contrasting age phase to your first placement. You’ll continue to focus on English and Maths, alongside PE and non-core elements of the teaching timetable.
STAGE THREE – PREPARING FOR YOUR TEACHING CAREER
Having developed and applied your subject and curriculum knowledge, you’ll spend a week at university completing CPD activities and workshops that will prepare for your teaching career.
You’ll stay in the same school for nine more weeks, teaching another age phase. Putting everything you’ve learned into practice, you’ll teach all subjects and areas of provision in stage three.
After you’ve completed all three stages, you’ll complete a two-week Enhanced Placement which you’ll source yourself, with support from the Placement Office.
Leeds Trinity University courses terms and conditions