PGCE - Secondary - History

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

History Tutor: Simon Butler

The History element of the PGCE course will seek to enthuse prospective teachers with a passion for planning and designing learning activities, resources and strategies that will engage the 21st century teenager. To support this we will explore a wide range of strategies for teaching history to all abilities in the 11-18 age range. We will also devote time to considering not just the how to teach history but why teach history and what history do we teach to our pupils. All history teachers need a clear rationale and purpose to inform their teaching and this course sets out to help you find your vision for history.

It is recognised that students undertaking the course will have different backgrounds. Some will have completed their first degrees immediately prior to commencement of the course, some will already have some experience working in schools, whilst others may be undertaking a career change. We all benefit from this diversity of experience as each person will bring their own perspectives and experiences to the course. Peer group support and discussion is an integral part of this course.

The teaching of history involves an intense engagement with the past. Teachers must incorporate a great deal into their lessons. Not only must they enhance pupils' knowledge of history but they must also develop pupils’ historical skills and conceptual understanding of the subject. Therefore we will spend time considering how we can teach not just the content of history but the skills and conceptual understanding that underpin the discipline.

The overall aim of the course is to equip students to meet the demands of their early years in teaching and to give them a firm base for future professional development. They will:

Understand the nature of the subject in professional terms and develop confidence and expertise in the teaching of history to the 11-18 age group.
Develop an understanding of curricular developments affecting history, in particular the National Curriculum for history along with GCSE and A-level specifications.
Acquire practical classroom skills; select, develop, and use a wide variety of resources and teaching strategies for the 11 -18 phase.
Develop an awareness and understanding of pupils' achievements and difficulties and become familiar with the use of a range of assessment techniques to assess, record and report on the progress of pupils.
Develop a sympathetic response to pupils' individual needs and a critical awareness of their own performances based upon evidence gained from a variety of sources.

What students think of the course?
“The PGCE Secondary History course is life changing and the support you receive is awesome”

“The most challenging yet rewarding year of my life”

“The History PGCE not only allows you to develop your teaching craft but encourages you to consider how education should be delivered”

“A great course, with great tutorship, which gives you the best possible start to your teaching career”

“The most challenging but enjoyable and rewarding nine months of my life”

For further information: Contact secondary@worc.ac.uk