Information Technology PGCE

This course prepares you to teach ICT, IT and computing to all ages and abilities in secondary school (key stages 3 and 4), with planned opportunities for enrichment in post-16 contexts. There is an emphasis placed upon internet-mediated learning and the development and use of web based-materials.

Who is the course designed for?

The course is open to graduates of a computer related degree or those with substantial teaching/training in the computer field. The course aims to prepare you for the ever-changing world of school based computing and the use of ICT across the curriculum. All trainees must start with a good knowledge and understanding of the functions of word processing, spreadsheets, database management systems, presentation software and web page authoring. The course relies upon proficient usage.

The course itself focuses upon the role of ICT in the classroom, teaching and learning theory, moral and social issues arising from the widespread use of computers and, of course, the teaching of the ICT National Curriculum and examination (GCSE, GNVQ, GCE, DiDA, AVCE, 14-19 Diploma) in related subjects.

How does the training take place?

The full–time, one year, course starts in early September and continues through to the end of June, with breaks over Christmas and Easter. It aims, through a combined effort from the university and the partnership schools, to develop your subject knowledge and understanding in ICT and skills for teaching through a range of approaches: workshops, seminars, lectures, group work, in-school activities, demonstrations, micro-teaching activities, independent and group research and through reading and writing activities and online web site development. Recent trends in teaching and learning approaches are emphasised including the application of new technologies, and you will participate in the design of web-based resources, sample teaching units and online assessment.

The work bases provide ample access to multimedia and internet based resources including web space, email accounts, bulletin boards and interactive quiz writing as well as access to a range of paper-based teaching materials. This is a challenging course giving access to a challenging yet very rewarding career in teaching ICT and related subjects.

Are there any particular features of the course?

• The effective modelling of good practice by the tutors.
• Flexible study through directed activities that are negotiated and of professional relevance.
• The use of small/informal group-based activities.
• An approach that utilises web-based resources and development of skills with the latest technologies.
• Professional Themes in mixed subject groups.
• A close partnership with a number of successful schools.
• The support of trained mentors.
• Strong and individualised support from the University subject tutors with pastoral and professional support through a range of internet facilities including email, wiki, bulletin board, messenger, text, mobile phone, etc.

The central focus of the course is on teaching ICT in a challenging yet accessible way, understanding how children learn and making skills development motivating and rewarding for learners. At the same time it aims to produce 'reflective practitioners'; personal, critical reflection and evaluation form a key part of the course.

If someone is interested in this course, how would you recommend them prepare for the course?

Spend some time in one or more secondary schools, observing ICT teachers and working with pupils. Reflect on what makes a ‘good’ lesson.

Broaden your knowledge and skills of ICT, especially those relating to communication and the manipulation of data including all office-type software and web page publishing.

Read the National Curriculum for ICT and the Standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status

Keep up-to-date with your awareness of the latest technologies.

Dr John Woollard

Trainees are assessed formatively and summatively across the course. This ensures that progress is reviewed regularly and you are aware of the progress being made against the Standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). There are informal activities that need to be completed, and are important in developing a deeper insight into effective teaching.

Besides completion of all subject based tasks there are three elements common to all trainees in order to complete the course successfully. All trainees have to demonstrate that their teaching is suitable to meet the Standards for QTS. Secondly, as part of the Standards everyone must pass QTS skills tests in literacy, numeracy and ICT (there is a TDA test centre on campus). Finally everyone must pass two major assignments, called the Curriculum Subject Assignment (CSA) and Special Study Assignment (SSA). The CSA is based in an aspect of subject teaching, whereas the SSA is based around a study of a whole school issue. The assignments are marked at Masters level and if successful trainees will leave with 60 credits towards a Masters degree and a Post-graduate Certificate in Education. It is possible to complete these two assignments at H level, which will lead to the award of a Professional Certificate in Education. Both awards lead to QTS and therefore enable you to teach in school.

Careers Prospects:

Teaching is a rewarding profession in more ways than one, offering fantastic career prospects and development opportunities. The variety of potential career paths available can see you enjoy all kinds of experiences, roles and responsibilities. In secondary schools you can move up the management structure to gain responsibility as a subject leader or beyond. In addition many teachers have responsibility for aspects of school life, such as supervising Newly Qualified Teachers, having responsibility for coordinating provision for Gifted and Talented pupils, having a pastoral role.

Ultimately, you could progress to a senior management position such as deputy or assistant head and/or headteacher - at which point you would have overall responsibility for the management of a school and the education its pupils receive.

The course at Southampton provides you with a very firm foundation for your teaching career. We have high employment rates from the course and many trainees are actually employed in our partnership schools. The Masters credits are an additional boost to your career. There is a growing expectation that increasingly teachers will gain Masters level qualifications. Not only do we offer the chance of gaining 60 credits at the start of your career, but we have developed a number of routes for teachers to continue their study, allowing them to obtain a full Masters degree.

Details on how to apply for the Secondary PGCE are available here...

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