Q. What is special about PGCE courses at Leeds Trinity?
A. There are many reasons to study a PGCE at Leeds Trinity...
- We've been training teachers for more than 40 years.
- Strong support system through personal tutors who work with trainees throughout the course
- Outstanding partnerships with schools, which helps trainees as they move through the stages of the course
- Employment rates in all subjects are well above the national average
- Child-care opportunities on-campus
Q. What do I need to get onto the course?
A. Applications are considered on an individual basis. General requirements are
- A good degree (2ii or above) that has some relevance to the PGCE subject (see subject pages for further details)
- GCSE grade C in Maths and English or equivalent
Q. Does Leeds Trinity require a good honours degree for admission to a PGCE?
A. Yes. It is now a national requirement that PGCE applicants have a 2(ii) class degree or better. All candidates need secure subject knowledge, and a depth and breadth of subject knowledge for teaching in secondary schools. The nature of applicants' subject knowledge is explored at interview.
Q. Does Leeds Trinity require applicants to have experience in schools before applying to a PGCE?
A. It is always useful for applicants to have recent experience in secondary schools in England. Such experience is not essential, but will help applicants to gain a much better awareness and understanding of teachers, teaching and learning.
Q. Does Leeds Trinity offer Maths and English GCSE equivalent tests?
A. Yes, Leeds Trinity does offer an internal test for Mathematics but not for English. There are at least three opportunities to take the Maths test between March and the commencement of the course in September. Applicants can take the test as many times as they wish, providing they have a conditional offer of a place on the course. Contact Anne Welburn at 0113 2837268 for further details.
Q. Do I have to attend an interview to get onto the course?
A. Yes, and the interview process is both informative and supportive for starting the course successfully
Q. I have a disability. What help can I get?
A. Our aim is to offer whatever support you need to achieve your potential because at Leeds Trinity everyone is respected for their individuality and encouraged to make their own contribution to the College community. Please contact Anne Welburn in PGCE Admissions on a.welburn@leedstrinity.ac.uk for advice about support during the interview day.
Q. Where are the school placements?
A. Leeds Trinity University College has partnerships with many Catholic and non-denominational schools across the West Yorkshire region (Leeds, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield). There are also some partnerships with schools further afield in North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester. Placements are arranged to take account of personal circumstances of trainees. As a general rule, trainees are trained in local schools wherever possible so that appropriate support can be provided.
Q. What are the hours of the average working day on the course?
A. Hours vary according to the stage of the course.
In Centre-based training (first twelve weeks) sessions may be time- tabled for 9am until 6pm four days a week. One day per week is reserved for serial visits to the first training school. Many schools start at 8am.
During school-based training trainees work full- time in schools. The school day is often 8am until 3pm. Meetings may be scheduled after school on some days.
Q. What are my chances of getting a job?
A. Very good. Our employment rate has been significantly above the national and regional averge for some years.
Q. Can I take the Catholic Teachers Certificate during the PGCE course?
A. If students elect to take the Catholic Education option they will obtain 2 professional modules of the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies. Other modules can be taken during evening tuition during Centre-Based Training in the Autumn term.
Q. Do you offer a PGCE at Postgraduate or Professional level?
A. Our PGCE course is at both a Professional and a Postgraduate level. All trainees register to study at both levels during their course. You gain 30 credits during the PGCE course and then complete another 30 credits during your first year of teaching.
Q. Will I get a bursary/training salary?
A. As with all other Initial Teacher Training providers we are currently waiting to hear the government's decision regarding fees, bursaries and golden hellos for 12/13.
Q. What are the fees?
A.As with all other Initial Teacher Training providers we are currently waiting to hear the government's decision regarding fees, bursaries and golden hellos for 12/13.
Q. Will I get a Golden Hello when I gain employment after the course?
A. As with all other Initial Teacher Training providers we are currently waiting to hear the government's decision regarding fees, bursaries and golden hellos for 12/13.
Q. How do I apply?
A. Applications must be made through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry at www.gttr.ac.uk. There is no closing date, but courses can get filled up quickly, so early application is recommended. Business Studies, English, History and RE in particular are extremely popular and tend to recuit fully by early Spring.