PGCE Geography

Typical course content

The full-time Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Geography is an intensive one year course.

Two-thirds of your time will be spent in schools (minimum of 120 days) with the remainder spent at the University with a full programme of lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will spend time in real classrooms during your school experience. You will gradually be introduced into whole class teaching; initially it is likely that you will observe lessons and work with small groups of pupils. The expectation though is that you will quickly develop the skills and confidence to work with whole classes, with the support of your school-based mentor. Below is a summary of some key elements of the course:

• Preconceptions, personal experiences, why & how school geography is taught
• Planning lessons and creating medium term plans
• Geographical enquiry and thinking skills
• Using ICT resources; maps, textbooks, worksheets
• 14 – 19 curricula & pathways and work with sixth form students
• Managing classrooms and pupils' behaviour
• Planning for fieldwork, local area fieldwork with Southampton schools
• Evaluating your teaching
• Getting a job.

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide or website).