PGCE Secondary Design and Technology

University of Staffordshire

Inspire the designers and makers of the future by teaching pupils how to solve real problems and create their own products.You will be exploring innovative classroom projects and introducing young people to new materials and technologies. Our Secondary Design and Technology PGCE will also equip you with strategies to become a confident and successful teacher across KS3 and KS4.You’ll spend time in local schools, plan engaging lessons, cover behaviour management techniques and discover how pupils learn. On campus, we’ll help you reflect on your teaching from a subject-specific perspective and give you one-to-one support.But you’ll get far more than just a teacher training qualification with us. As part of our Institute of Education, you’ll have access to the latest research on what works in the classroom and other evidence-based approaches.For the PGCE, you will be guided at interview to specialise in one of two GCSE pathways. You can focus on a Design and Technology route which includes resistant materials, textiles and electronics. Alternatively, you can choose food preparation and nutrition.Our PGCE Secondary Design and Technology takes 36 weeks to complete. This school-led course includes a three-week induction to prepare you for your placement and weekly sessions to develop your knowledge of the curriculum.To give you experience in the classroom, you’ll spend at least 120 days working in two local secondary schools as well as visiting a local primary school. But, don’t worry, you won’t have the pressure of teaching an entire lesson straight away. Your training will begin with observing a teacher and helping with group work. Then you’ll share the classes with the teacher and work towards teaching lessons independently.Alongside teaching, you’ll join in with day-to-day life at the school. Each school has a professional mentor to help you understand the ethos, pastoral care systems, legal and social framework, and supporting services. You’ll also have weekly meetings with your subject or class mentor to help you prepare for teaching, review lessons, and develop your subject knowledge.CareersAll trainees will experience a mock interview to prepare them for teaching interviews. Many trainees get offers of employment at their placement schools.

Institute of Education