PGCE - Secondary - Design and Technology

This page includes specific details for the Secondary PGCE with a subject specialism in Design and Technology. Full details of the course are available on the wider Secondary PGCE course page.

If you:

  • are enthusiastic about working with young people
  • want to help develop their creativity
  • enjoy working with food and/or textiles
  • we may consider other graduates who have relevant experience in the food and textiles industry

...then why not train to teach Design and Technology at the University of Worcester?

The PGCE course prepares graduates from a variety of disciplines to train to teach Design and Technology to secondary school pupils. The college sessions prepare trainees to become confident, effective and reflective teachers. The spirit of the course is practical and collaborative and trainees are encouraged to share ideas and work together.

The tutors have extensive experience of comprehensive school teaching in the UK and abroad and have developed strong links with the mentors in our partnership schools. Trainees complete placements in two schools where they work with these mentors to develop their professional practice.

The course has been awarded top grades in recent OFSTED inspections and the University is classified as a grade ‘A’ provider for Design and Technology (D&T).

During the course trainees are able to:

  • Specialise in Food or Textiles
  • Update and extend their practical skills
  • Develop an understanding of the unique role and place of D&T within the curriculum
  • Learn to plan, prepare and teach engaging lessons
  • Learn to use ICT effectively within the classroomDevelop classroom management skills
  • Produce resources and materials to aid their teachingBecome familiar with the National Curriculum
  • Gain an understanding of a range of GCSE, A Level, and vocational courses
  • Develop a range of assessment strategies to enable pupils to make progress
  • Establish positive working relationshipsWho can join the course?

You need to meet the statutory requirements for entry into teaching. These are a degree in a related subject area and GCSE Mathematics and English (although the University offers equivalent tests for potential trainees who do not have GCSE Mathematics or English).

We admit trainees of all ages and from a wide variety of backgrounds. If in doubt about your qualifications or suitability for the course we would encourage you to contact the tutors for advice. Tel: 01905 855244 or e-mail: s.wood-griffiths@worc.ac.uk

Age 24, Qualifications: A Level Art, Art History, Psychology, Degree: Interior Design

‘When joining this course I had very little experience in industry. I worked part-time as a restaurant supervisor while at University and then worked as an admin assistant for one year. I had wanted to teach while at University and did work experience in a textiles department. I really enjoyed the experience and was thrilled when I got on the PGCE course. My degree was in Interior Design, and Design and Technology was the subject which my degree most suited. I have been able to teach textiles, food and graphics while on placement and have really enjoyed the variety.’

Age 36, Qualifications: OND Food Technology, HND Food Technology, BSc Home Economics

‘I have worked as a Home management teacher in a primary school and a nursery class in two different schools in Nigeria. I started working as a supply teacher when I came to England and I have taught from foundation stage through to key stage 2. My last job was a nursery teacher in a school that had gone into special measures and I took the class through two inspections. I love teaching because it gives me the opportunity to meet different people from different backgrounds.'

Age 43, Qualifications: BTEC; National Certificate & Diploma in Science, Degree: Art & Design/Home Economics

‘Before starting my teacher training I had worked in local high schools as a Science Technician. During my time at an independent school I had the chance to teach some AS Level textiles jointly with the Art staff and some year 7 Food Technology staff. I found that I was rather good at being in front of the class, rather than in the prep room and was encouraged by staff to do my teacher training. I looked into GTP, however following the interview with the course provider and after looking into the PGCE course, I decided that the PGCE was more beneficial to me. This has proved to be true. The support from the tutors has been very good and the interaction with other PGCE students has been excellent.’

Age 37, Qualifications: A Levels, HND in Home Economics, Degree: BSc Food & Consumer Management

‘I worked as a Home Service Advisor for British Gas before leaving to bring up my family. I then worked part time as a teaching assistant in a High School for 5 years. Teaching is something I have always wanted to do. Having observed teachers for 5 years, I decided that I could teach. I went back to College to convert my HND into a degree. Design & Technology was a natural choice due to the qualifications and previous experiences.’

Age 24, Qualifications: GNVQ Art & Design, Degree: BA (Hons) Decorative Artefacts

‘I came straight from University as a graduate to the PGCE course. My previous experience of working with children was limited. Prior to starting the course I spent various days in secondary schools observing Design & Technology. I wanted to teach so that I could in some way inspire and influence children in the way that I had been inspired by my tutors at college. Teaching was always a profession I aspired to so applying to do the PGCE was not a decision I had to think about.’

Age 36, Qualifications: NVQ Catering 1 & 2, HND in Food & Consumer Management, Degree: BSC Food & Consumer Management

‘From the age of 20 I have always worked within the catering trade. I have completed various jobs from pub management to catering management. I decided to become a teacher because I believe I have a lot to share in the way of my experiences. I also wanted to use my degree to make a difference. Teaching young people life skills in Food Technology makes me feel that I have made a contribution to how young people shape their future when they leave education. I am also dyslexic and found school difficult, but I believe young people should be given the chance to achieve and it’s great to be a part of helping them do that.’

Age 45, Qualifications: A level Art, Advanced Diploma in Design, BA (Hons) Sports Science

‘After two successful careers I decided to make yet another change. My first career was as a designer of visual merchandising for a London department store. After having a family and moving to Birmingham in 1990 I decided to retrain and receive the education I had missed as a teenager. I studied for my degree, which led into a career in health care. Becoming a teacher has given me the opportunity to bring these two careers together and use my skills. Before starting the course I had to take the University of Worcester Maths equivalency test, which was the most stressful day of my life. I passed the test and the rest has been a breeze!’

Incentives

As Design and Technology is designated as a shortage subject, there are bursaries available as incentives to train. For up to date information about these consult the TDA website http://www.tda.gov.uk

Further enquiries

The course tutors Alison Winson and Sue Wood-Griffiths are always happy to discuss the course informally and can be contacted by telephone or email.

Alison Winson
01905 855108
a.winson@worc.ac.uk

or

Sue Wood-Griffiths
01905 855244
s.wood-griffiths@worc.ac.uk

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