Course summary

Role models are so important when it comes to keeping young people active. Will you rise to the challenge in the classroom? You’ll be eager to showcase your enthusiasm for physical education in schools and share the benefits of movement on the body and mind. Our PGCE Secondary Physical Education course will prepare you for the rigours of teaching physical education in secondary settings. You’ll already have an undergraduate degree in a related area, so we’ll focus on helping you develop the skills you need to engage young people with the subject. We’ve designed this course so you can combine learning on campus with practical experience in the classroom. You’ll spend 26 weeks on placement in school settings. Whenever you need support or feedback, you can turn to your subject specific tutors and school-based expert mentor. We’re here to help you become the best teacher you can be. Discover the most effective ways of delivering your lessons and captivating your students. At the same time, develop your understanding of subject specific approaches, classroom management, adaptive teaching and the different ways pupils learn. Successful completion of the programme leads to recommendation for the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). What you'll study At the start of the programme, you’ll assess your existing subject knowledge to pinpoint areas of development and strengths. Get a fundamental understanding of essential educational theory and teaching methods. Then cover strategies in a range of sports including dance, gymnastics, athletics, swimming, and other outdoor and adventure activities. While covering these areas, we’ll encourage you to define what effective teaching and learning looks like in the subject. You’ll learn how to plan lessons effectively and in line with the national curriculum. And how to check your teaching is always adaptive, research-informed and inclusive. To help you do this, you’ll get the chance to tailor your approach for pupils with special needs and disabilities, as well as supporting pupils who speak English as an additional language. Experience life as a physical education teacher with up to 26 weeks of placement in at least two secondary school settings, working alongside our expert mentors and tutors. 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.