A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) is a teacher training qualification that prepares graduates for teaching in primary, secondary, or post-compulsory (post-16) education. The course typically lasts one academic year (full-time) or up to two years (part-time), and includes both academic study and practical teaching experience.

Here’s a detailed course outline for a standard PGCE Secondary or PGCE Primary program (can be tailored depending on subject or age group):

🏫 1. Introduction & Orientation

• Introduction to the PGCE course and expectations
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Understanding the school environment and policies
• Professional Standards for Teachers (e.g., Teachers’ Standards in the UK)
• Placement preparation: DBS checks, teaching ID, etc.

📚 2. Educational Theory & Pedagogy (Ongoing Throughout the Course)

• Learning theories (Piaget, Vygotsky, Bruner, etc.)
• Cognitive development and motivation
• Differentiation and inclusion
• Assessment for learning
• Classroom management and behaviour strategies
• Reflective practice
• Planning and sequencing lessons
• Use of educational technology

🧑‍🏫 3. Subject-Specific or Age-Specific Teaching (e.g., Maths, English, Science / Early Years)

• Subject knowledge enhancement (as needed)
• Curriculum requirements (e.g., National Curriculum in the UK)
• Teaching strategies for specific subjects
• Use of practical work, experiments, fieldwork (subject-dependent)
• Assessment techniques in the subject area
• Adapting subject content for varying abilities

📊 4. Research and Professional Studies (Academic Modules)

• Understanding education policy and systems
• Inclusive education and SEN (Special Educational Needs)
• Equality, diversity, and multicultural education
• Literacy and numeracy across the curriculum
• Classroom-based research skills
• Action research or small-scale inquiry project
• Preparing for the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) portfolio

🏫 5. Teaching Practice / School Placements (Usually 2 Placements)

Placement A: Initial School Experience (Autumn Term)

• Observation of experienced teachers
• Teaching small groups or segments of lessons
• Introduction to lesson planning and assessment
• Reflective journaling and mentor feedback