Post-Compulsory Education and Training PGCE

at Riverside College

Study options Award

Duration

2 Years

Location

Riverside College

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The course is offered as a part-time programme and intended for those working in the Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) sector. Please be aware that the PGCE PCET is currently being updated in line with DfE changes to this teaching qualification. The new modules and module content may vary from the current information. The framework and end qualification will stay the same.

The aim of the course is to equip teachers with the skills and attributes necessary for them to deliver high quality training to their learners.

The course is designed primarily for those who teach post-16 learners and is designed around a framework of Professional Standards for teaching and supporting learning in the PCET sector.

This practical work-based course provides opportunities to develop professional understanding and knowledge through academic study, practice and critical reflection on your experiences. Trainees will need to be self-motivated and self-organised and to engage in online lecturers, work-based tasks and tutorials. Trainees will also need to work with peers and develop their practice through teaching observations. Assessment is therefore a blend of critically evaluated professional practice informed by formal academic tasks. This focus on creativity and innovation in the workplace supported by research and reflection is aimed at developing trainees’ careers as well as equipping them with the skills and attributes to develop high quality teaching and learning to their learners.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: PGCE Post-Compulsory Education and Training

Course content

The course consists of one Level 4 module at 40 credits, one Level 6 module at 20 credits and two Level 7 modules, one at 20 credits and one at 40 credits. Each module is delivered using a variety of learning approaches.

Successful completion of the modules will lead to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate Education (PCET) worth 120 credits.

Sixty of these credits could be used towards the full MA Education course at Staffordshire University.

The normal timeframe for completion will be two academic years. All modules will be assessed using Staffordshire University’s criteria for work undertaken at Levels 4, 6 and 7. All learning outcomes must be met.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Curriculum Design For Inclusive Practice	20 credits
Teaching, Learning And Assessment In Post-Compulsory Education And Training	40 credits

Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Action Research Into Subject Specialist Pedagogy	20 credits
Develop Own Professional Competence And Knowledge	40 credits

Location

You will study at Riverside College but receive a qualification from Staffordshire University.

Riverside College prides itself as a centre of vocational excellence. They have a simple ambition: We want you to reach your full potential during your valuable time with us.

Riverside College website

Entry requirements

Normally a 2:1 classification degree. A minimum of a Level 3 qualification or equivalent in the specialist subject relevant to trainees’ teaching area, e.g. GCE, A Level, NVQ3, BTEC Higher, L3 Certificate in an appropriate Key Skills, HND. Equivalence will be utilised in specialisms where no Level 3 qualification exists.

A minimum of GCSE in English and Maths , at Grade C, or Level 2 equivalent already held or gained as part of initial needs analysis and induction.

You will be required to successfully complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application and be certified fit to teach.

You will be invited for interview prior to your acceptance and enrolment onto the course. Teaching practice should take place as defined within the LSIS (2013) guidance documentation. You will be provided with a teaching placement post enrolment.

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need IELTS 6.5 or above (with a minimum of 6.0 in each category), or equivalent.

Careers

After completing the course, you’ll be equipped to teach in the following sectors:

FE colleges
Sixth forms
Private training organisation
Voluntary organisations
Work-based training
Prisons
Young offender institutes

If you’re unsure about teaching in these sectors, most of our FE partner colleges will provide advice and guidance.

After completing the PGCE you can also enter the MA Education at Postgraduate Diploma level and complete a full Masters in two years of part-time study.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that our students learn in different ways. To help everyone get the most out of their studies, we teach through a combination of lectures, workshops, and practical sessions. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor (or equivalent) at least twice a year to help support you in your studies. You will be taught in high-quality learning spaces throughout your course, and of course will have access to virtual learning environments to enhance your learning opportunities. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module will give you a variety of opportunities to receive informal feedback from your tutor. These may include classroom discussions, discussions in the virtual learning environment, presentations, milestone assessments, and practice assessments. Informal feedback is developmental and any grades you may receive for these do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Feedback

You will normally receive feedback on formal coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats, including one-to-one discussions with your tutor. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Fees

For fee information, visit the Riverside College website.

Apply

To apply, visit the Riverside College website.