Course summary

Ready to change the way young people understand and use English? Want to develop their literary appreciation in an engaging way? Eager to grow your subject expertise? If you have a degree in a related subject, training to teach English to secondary school pupils on our PGCE course could be your perfect next step. You’ll learn to reflect on your own philosophy of teaching English, develop analytical skills and boost your own subject knowledge. With plenty of practical experience in planning effective lessons, you’ll also get lots of hands-on experience. At Edge Hill, our experts will introduce you to a range of exciting and interactive teaching methods, including the use of drama and ICT. Confidence in the classroom You’ll spend up to 26 weeks on placement in a secondary school focusing on 11-16 teaching. Although you’ll only observe at the start, you’ll gradually get more opportunities to take the lead, helping you become more confident and more competent in the classroom. Throughout your placement, you’ll be supported by your English tutor and school-based expert mentor. Listen to their advice about how to apply what you’ve learnt in seminars to the classroom. Turn to them whenever you need support or feedback. Successful completion of the programme leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). What you'll study At the start of your course you will undertake an audit of your subject knowledge. This way you can identify your areas of strength and those you need to develop. We’ll help you understand how to incorporate lively, interactive techniques into your lessons to boost your students’ confidence and self-esteem. Study essential educational theory. Explore innovative teaching and assessment methods, including group work, role play and focused literacy sessions. Discover different strategies to encourage students’ understanding and use of English, including using drama, film and ICT. You’ll learn about the curriculum, including the latest ICT tools and software and how to plan a lesson effectively. To prepare for life as a teacher, you’ll discover more about professional roles and responsibilities, as well as improving your academic skills. Intensive Training and Practice You will also undertake Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) as a specific and focused element of our teacher training curriculum. This is designed to consolidate your knowledge of effective teaching, and enable you to rehearse and obtain feedback from experts on your practice. Our ITAPs are designed to utilise the latest research and technology as well as draw on the outstanding mentors, tutors, and teacher expertise from across our partnership. Over the course of your training, you will have the opportunity to participate in several days of Intensive Practice focusing on aspects of pivotal practice such as; behaviour management, scaffolding, professional behaviours and questioning. During periods of ITAP, your timetable may differ and you may be required to attend campus and/or a placement on days outside of the usual pattern. Lead Mentors The Edge Hill lead mentors and mentor leadership team play an important part in your teacher training as experts in their field. They have a deep knowledge of the trainee curriculum and support trainees and mentors to make progress providing guidance and support on aspects of the curriculum and assessment.