Course summary
The aim of the course is to prepare you to become a confident and excellent secondary school teacher of Geography. PGCE Geography at Yr Athrofa provides a strong understanding of the teaching and learning process across the age range of the secondary setting, including the exam groups. This is essential for the development of a range of teaching skills such as lesson planning and preparation, questioning, explaining, assessment, preparing resources, and classroom management strategies. We consider Geography to be an inter-connected subject within the Humanities Area of Learning and Experience but also with strong links to the cross-curricular responsibilities of literacy, numeracy and digital competence. This an important element of the course in the context of exciting education reforms in Wales and allows you to develop your subject expertise within and beyond the discipline. In addition, it highlights the importance of Geography in helping young people to become ambitious, creative and ethical citizens. Excellent subject knowledge, passion for education and an ability to adapt to a professional role are essential requirements for this secondary pathway.
Modules
Modules The content of the programme has been grouped under four module headings: • The Learner – who am I teaching? • Learners, schools and communities – where am I teaching? • Researching the learning – what, why and how am I teaching? (focus on research) • Leading the Learning – what, why and how am I teaching? (focus on subject discipline in practice) Organising the modules in this way means that you will be able to focus on the pupil and take full account of the wider context that impact on education. You will also be able to ensure that your classroom-based practice draws on a sound research base. This means that our programme will challenge you both practically and intellectually at the same time.
Assessment method
Assessment The programme offers 60 credits at Masters level and 60 credits at Graduate Level. These are awarded on successful completion of module assessments which include: • Case studies • Portfolios • Video presentation • Research Project All assessments are closely linked to practice and are designed to offer you the opportunity to develop teaching and learning that has a positive impact on children and young people. Award of QTS Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is awarded to those student teachers who have fully met the professional teacher standards for QTS. http://learning.gov.wales/resources/collections/professional-standards?lang=en This aspect of the programme is assessed through a portfolio of evidence and a professional dialogue with a specialist mentor and tutor. The Education Workforce Council (the statutory body for teachers in Wales) has a very useful website: www.ewc.wales
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Secondary
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements: Undergraduate Degree Applicants are required to hold a good honours degree (2:2 minimum) in an area related to chosen secondary subject. GCSE qualifications Grade C/Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics or Mathematics Numeracy. Student teachers studying to teach in Welsh medium schools will also need a GCSE Grade C or above in Welsh Language (first language). A-Levels/Level 3 Vocational Qualifications If applicants do not hold an undergraduate degree in a curriculum subject, successful study at appropriate higher levels must be evidenced. Work Experience: You should be aware of the realities of being a teacher and life in a classroom and so we ask for recent and relevant experience in a secondary educational setting. This may be through employment or volunteering in a school and should be for a minimum period of two weeks. Gaining experience in a school classroom will help to strengthen your application and better critically inform your personal statement. It will also prepare you for our selection process and give you some experience from which you can draw in your interview. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS): If accepted onto our programme, you will be required to obtain a clear Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service formerly known as CRB, Criminal Records Bureau) Child Workforce clearance check prior to your course commencement.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| EU | £13500 | Year 1 |
| England | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9000 | Year 1 |
| International | £13500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP