Secondary Education

Structure

The PGDE programme consists of four compulsory courses of study: two academic courses and two school experience courses.

• Learning and Teaching in Schools: Beginning to Teach
• Learning and Teaching in Schools: The Developing Professional
• School Experience 1
• School Experience 2

Learning and Teaching in Schools: Beginning to Teach will provide opportunities to focus on learning and learners and beginning as a teacher whilst Learning and Teaching in Schools: The Developing Professional will provide opportunities for students to gain a wider and deeper knowledge and understanding of professional issues and developments relevant to the teaching profession in order to support achievement of all aspects of the Standard for Initial Teacher Education (SITE) as required before entry to the teaching profession as Induction Year Teachers.

The School Experience courses are designed to extend classroom experience, in order to achieve SITE. School experience placements are arranged in close partnership with Local Authorities and will usually take place in two different schools. The part-time Programme is currently delivered in partnership with a number of Local Authorities throughout much of Scotland who will provide school placements for students residing in their area for the duration of the course. The online learning environment will enable participants to study at a distance and also continue with their substantive employment if desired. Although much of the Programme is studied at a distance, successful applicants are also required to attend a number of face-to-face sessions on-campus in Aberdeen and/or in their Local Authority areas.

The School experience placements give students the opportunity to contextualise and make links between the academic course inputs and their developing practice.

Assessment

There are two 5000-word assignments within this programme. The first focuses on how children/young people learn and the role of the teacher in the planning and provision of suitable learning opportunities. The second focuses on developing understanding of becoming an inclusive practitioner.

A Further Professional Study element is included in the course with the principal aim of enhancing students’ development in a particular area.

Duration

2 year, part-time, on-line.