Course summary

Are you committed to becoming a passionate teacher who can inspire pupils to realise the potential of this important and far-reaching subject? If so, then we're looking to train you on our PGCE Secondary in Computer Science! Our aim is to develop you into a teacher who enables pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. You’ll be a key component of this core curriculum area, encouraging pupils' ability to problem solve using a variety of powerful modelling techniques. This course covers the 11-16 age range with post-16 enhancement. Your impact will be far-reaching, ensuring your pupils become creators of technology and not just consumers. You will help them develop transferable skills that can be used in a range of subject areas. This course benefits from strong links with the British Computer Society (BCS) who are working with the Department of Education to develop the next generation of computing teachers through an organisation called Computing at School. The opportunities this partnership provides gives you a head start engaging with expert computing teachers throughout the West Midlands at regular hub meetings. You'll gain access to networking and subject development opportunities that are available. Events, such as our regional conference, are held throughout the year at our City Centre Campus. As one of 10 universities across the country designated as a Regional Centre, it is our responsibility to promote and showcase the very best computing teaching across the West Midlands. We want you to be a part of this from the start of your career. Working together with the University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment as a Computing at School (CAS) Regional Centre, we’re leaders in developing computer science teaching across the West Midlands supporting both new and established practitioners to teach this wonderful subject in the best way possible. As a trainee teacher on this course you’ll be immersed in this culture of development meaning you’ll be on the cutting-edge of computer science teaching techniques and will help to shape the subject for years to come. Taught modules, assignments and School-Based Training are structured around the development of your progress against our ITE Core Curriculum. Our ambitious curriculum incorporates the ITT Core Content Framework (DfE, 2019) and the nationally agreed competences - the Teachers’ Standards, which all teachers must meet throughout their career. Through our Intensive training and practice (ITAP), which we have designed to strengthen the link between evidence and classroom practice, you will consolidate your knowledge of key evidence-based principles for effective teaching. You will also gain and understanding of adaptive teaching for SEND learners via expert input. We map your development as a subject specialist with reference to identified subject priorities appropriate to the needs of secondary teachers entering the profession. Our systems for continuous improvement, development and assessment of your progress will support your growing ability to take responsibility for your own professional development and ensure that you approach QTS with a sound understanding of research-informed pedagogies and practices.