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What makes PGCE - Secondary - Design and Technology (Food) at Worcester special?

Age phase: 11-16 with post-16 enhancement

Study a Secondary PGCE in Design and Technology (Food) and enrich the knowledge of the curriculum to future learners.

The practical course will enable you to develop a dynamic approach into teaching, gaining insightful knowledge of the profession through research-active academics. At Worcester, you will gain experience through multiple placements in a variety of contrasting school environments throughout the year, which will prepare you for a successful transition into teaching. Whilst preparing for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you will develop specialist skills into teacher training and develop a critical understanding of the design and technology food curriculum in the secondary school setting. You'll benefit from becoming a member of the Worcestershire Food Cluster Group, allowing you to build relationships and network with a wide range of food teachers.

Overview

Overview

Key features

  • The University has been training teachers in this field since it was first established and the course has continually developed to be at the forefront of current thinking
  • At Worcester you'll benefit from a practical and collaborative course at the forefront of current thinking. Learning from tutors as they model effective teaching strategies, you'll understand how to learn in groups, discuss and present ideas and reflect on the effectiveness of each strategy
  • You'll explore designing and making as social activities in a creative and collaborative environment and with a supportive network of peers
  • You will develop the skills to be a self-reflective classroom practitioner and equip yourself to begin your career in teaching

NB: Design and Technology is offered through both Core and School Direct routes.

A lecturer is speaking to a student

Postgraduate Open Day

Book a place at our Postgraduate Open Day, on Saturday 22 April 2023 between 10am - 2pm, to learn more about this course, get a feel for our campuses, and meet your lecturers. 

Book here
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It’s not too late to apply for a PGCE

You can still apply for a PGCE. Don't be tempted to rush an application together as fast as you can, you still want to make sure that your application is as good as possible.

Laura Naughton profile image

Laura Naughton

My passion in Food & Nutrition led me to complete an undergraduate degree in Food Science and Health at the University of Limerick. After four years in the food industry working in quality and technical management roles, I decided it was finally time to pursue my dream of becoming a food teacher. I took the leap and moved during a worldwide pandemic from my home in the Republic of Ireland to Worcester. It was a daunting start but looking back now I would not change it for the world!

My time at Worcester has been incredibly supportive with outstanding experience and knowledge being delivered. The subject sessions in university allowed me to develop my subject knowledge, ensuring I was prepared for my school placements. I had numerous opportunities available to me throughout the course. I took Science as a second subject, collaborated within P.E. offering my skills as a qualified Irish Dance teacher to enhance the curriculum. I will continue to stay in touch with all of my mentors from university and school, I can trust they will be there at hand to answer any queries I may have during my ECT years. I look forward to applying all that I have learnt over the past year in my new school!

Bethany Lewis profile image

Bethany Lewis

I have wanted to be a food teacher since studying A-level food and completing a food degree but decided to work in the food industry first to broaden my knowledge. It was a big step leaving a job I really enjoyed but fast forward 12 months and I am so glad I did.

Going back to university after 4 years out of education was daunting, however, I am so pleased I chose the University of Worcester as my training provider. It has been a particularly difficult year to train with covid restrictions and two national lockdowns, but the University has continued to deliver high quality training sessions both in person where possible and online. Subject sessions have been informative and enjoyable led by an experience tutor. I have trained in two very contrasting placement schools that have been very supportive during my time with them and have really helped me develop my understanding of the teaching pedagogy. Thanks to the support of the university, I have secured a job as an ECT in a very local school and I cannot wait to get started!

james cooper profile image

James Cooper

I have been involved in food since my teenage years initially completing a modern apprenticeship in Hospitality, then spent over a decade working in new product development roles in the food industry. Once I had decided to pursue a career in teaching the University of Worcester was the obvious choice for the PGCE. I completed my undergraduate degree in 'Food safety and Quality Assurance' at the University of Worcester and thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

The year of the PGCE course has flown by.  The time spent in university has been extremely informative and I have learnt how to deploy a range of different teaching strategies in the classroom. The support provided by my mentors during both placements was excellent and I now feel fully prepared to start my new role in teaching this September.    

meg taylor profile image

Meg Taylor

I completed my Degree in Childhood and Youth and Professional Studies and was currently working as a Teaching Assistant at a Primary School. I have always known I have wanted to go into teaching but was unsure of the correct route to take. I saw the PGCE for DT (Food) at the University of Worcester and I just knew this was the course for me. Food has always been my hobby and passion. I am constantly in the kitchen at home and in all honesty, it is what makes me happy. As my degree had no link to Food or DT, I was worried I would not even get an interview, but I was wrong. I contacted the course tutor and applied for the course and was given a place.

My time at Worcester has been the best experience of my life. The support I have received has been amazing from both my placement schools and the University. My subject knowledge has developed through the year which has allowed my confidence to grow as a teacher. My training year has gone by so quickly and by the end of it I feel I have the skills and knowledge to be a successful teacher. To anyone thinking about becoming a Food teacher, Worcester is a wonderful platform to start your journey.

PGCE Design and Technology (food) student undertaking practical work Group of PGCE Design and Technology (food) students in a seminar session A cake made by PGCE Design and Technology (food) students man in blue shirt and woman in black top both wearing a checked apron angled image of three woman in white tops sitting in front of computers Group of PGCE Design and Technology (food) students in a seminar room PGCE Design and Technology (food) student icing a cake PGCE Design and Technology (food) students outside University of Worcester main reception six women in colourful aprons beside a table with plates of food on top one man and two woman in colourful aprons standing beside a table woman in black top wearing a checked apron man in black jacket and woman in blue top and a striped apron four students standing at a table
Teacher standing in a classroom

Thinking of Teaching? PGCE Secondary: Virtual Taster Events

Our virtual taster events are a great opportunity to find out more about studying our PGCE Secondary courses at Worcester. Find out everything you need to know about the courses and ask us any questions you have.

The next PGCE Secondary virtual taster events are:

Tuesday 7th March 4-5:30pm

Tuesday 25th April 4-5:30pm

 

Book your place

"I really enjoyed my PGCE year at Worcester; it gave me a very supportive start to my teaching career."

Victoria Honeybourne, PGCE Secondary graduate

April Bounds profile image

April Bounds

After working as an unqualified teacher in alternative provision for a number of years, I decided to complete a PGCE.  I wanted to develop my understanding of pedagogy and learn to teach in a secondary school. Although I have an undergraduate degree in History, I was driven by a desire to teach a subject that would be applicable for life. I had taken Food Technology at GCSE / A Level and enjoyed my experience at school and considered how I’d like to share that enjoyment. 

It has been such an amazing experience going back to university after 9 years, and I’m pleased that I chose the University of Worcester.  The subject sessions were delivered by an experienced mentor and complimented placements well, allowing me to develop my skills in the classroom.  I attended two contrasting placements, mainstream and a SEND school that have enabled me to become a well-rounded teacher.  Despite disruptions this year with COVID-19 the University of Worcester has gone above and beyond to ensure that all its PGCE candidates are supported regarding both their professional development and wellbeing.  I’m looking forward to applying all that I have learned at Worcester University in my NQT year.

rebecca batner profile picture

Rebecca Batner

After leaving retail management and deciding to pursue a passion of becoming a teacher, I felt a little worried that I would lack the experience needed.  However, I very quickly found that everyone’s differing experience and previous careers made for a great mix of strengths and expertise within our subject group and helped us to support each other through different topics and tasks.

The PGCE allowed us to focus on our subject, as well as the competencies and tools needed to become a skilled teacher. The mentors and subject specialists were always extremely supportive throughout and would always provide encouragement, advice, and timely feedback. The course is well organised and I felt the support and structure extended to the mentors and teachers at both of my placement schools. The course flew past so quickly but even so, I feel I have come away from my studies armed with the all right tools, means and a great support network that will enable me to continue to drive my own professional development for years to come.

nichola-power

Nichola Power

I was lucky that my local university runs a PGCE that focusses on design and technology and more specifically food. I had thought about teaching in the past, however, wanted to gain some industry experience before going into the profession. After a career in cafes and restaurants, working in all positions from Commis to Head Chef, I thought that it was time to return to education and to help educate those students who want to go into catering as a profession, as it has given me a lot of real life examples to refer to in the classroom.

The University of Worcester, and its tutors, has helped support me through the PGCE, providing interesting and informative sessions looking into the various aspects of teaching. Subject sessions based around new things to try in the food classroom and professional sessions to help us understand what being a teacher is all about.

rachel_armstrong

Rachel Armstrong

After completing my undergraduate degree at home in Northern Ireland, I made the decision to move to Worcester to complete my PGCE in Design and Technology (Food) at University of Worcester. Although daunting I can definitely say it was the right decision! Apart from being renowned for its high-quality teacher training, Worcester has some of the most supportive and dedicated lecturers who made my PGCE year informative and meaningful, but also highly enjoyable. Studying at Worcester gave me a fantastic start to my teaching career through the interesting seminars and guest speakers provided, studying the latest pedagogical ideas and the great range of placement schools on offer.

Worcester is definitely my new second home!

PGCE Design and Technology (food) graduate George Taylor

George Taylor

I completed my initial undergraduate degree in culinary arts and Hospitality management in 2013. Following this I spent a few years developing my transferable skills within an admin-based role, before gaining valuable school based experience as a maths coach within a Birmingham school. I opted for the school direct route into teacher training in 2018, this allowed me to train at a school more local to where I live while also receiving the comprehensive support and training from the University of Worcester.

My experience at the University of Worcester was extremely positive. The teacher training staff and tutors at the university are experienced, supportive and knowledgeable; there were always on hand for any questions that I had. The courses professional study sessions covered many useful areas of teaching pedagogy, while the subject sessions supported me in utilising my food-based knowledge within a teaching context. The excellent training received from the university meant I was able to guarantee my first teaching position four months before finishing my training. Cookery and food have been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Being able to use this passion and knowledge to teach and inspire young people to learn about, food, cookery and nutrition brings me great satisfaction.

PGCE Design and Technology (food) graduate Zoe Deery

Zoe Deery

After completing an under-graduate degree at home in Northern Ireland, I knew my next goal was to complete teacher training. My decision to move to the University of Worcester to study Design and Technology is something I will always be thankful for. As well as making friends for life, the staff were extremely supportive and always went over and beyond to make sure we were content and enjoying our teaching experience. The University have so many excellent placement schools on offer and often had interesting lectures and seminars, while also inviting guest speakers to talk about personal experience. I learned so many valuable teaching skills and improved my knowledge around different pedagogy. The city of Worcester is also fantastic with lots to do at the weekends.

Towards the end of the year, I felt confident in my ability to manage and enjoy working in a school back in Northern Ireland, which thankfully I am currently experiencing first-hand. I will always look back at my time at the University at Worcester with happy and positive memories and will definitely be visiting in the near future! 

PGCE Design and Technology (food) graduate Abbie Glenny

Abbie Glenny

I completed my undergraduate degree at home in Northern Ireland in 2016. Following this I spent two years pursuing a career in the Food Industry as a member of the Quality Team and then moving departments to the New Product Development team. In September 2018, I decided to make the move to Worcester to complete my PGCE in Design and Technology: Food. The lecturers are extremely supportive, as they equipped us to become outstanding teachers, through delivering excellent subject sessions, seminars and guest speakers. I completed my teaching practice in two excellent schools with extremely supportive mentors.

I will always look back at the strategies I learnt throughout my teaching practice to continue progressing as a teacher. Now teaching in Northern Ireland, I consider my time in Worcester as the best decision I have ever made, as I can make a difference to young people's lives by providing valuable lifelong skills and promoting prospective success for all. I would encourage anyone that is thinking of becoming a teacher to make the move to Worcester and complete your PGCE there, as you will have the most memorable experience.

Entry requirements

What qualifications will you need?

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

  • Honours degree normally (2:2) or higher from a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject area. Applicants with a 3rd class degree will be considered on an individual basis.
  • All entrants have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (formerly grade C) in the GCSE examinations in English Language and mathematics (or equivalent) (for 2022 entry, applicants must have these qualifications by the start of the course). Alternatively, we offer equivalency test if you don’t have the required GCSE grade to apply for our courses. Trainees who begin courses before providing evidence of the required GCSE standard (or equivalent) will not be eligible for financial incentives, such as bursaries or grants until they achieve the required standard.

Qualifications not listed? Contact the Admissions Office for advice by email: AdmissionsB@worc.ac.uk 

Additional requirements

  • An Enhanced DBS check. You will be sent details of how to apply for your DBS in the summer term. You will need to pay for this.  You may already be part of the DBS update service. Find out about the update service here. As part of the DBS process you will be checked against the Children’s Barred List.
  • A check against the Prohibition List.
  • If you have lived, studied or worked overseas for three months or more in the last five years a Certificate of Good Conduct from the country of residence will be required. Further information and guidance associated with additional costs are available from the Home Office.
  • An online occupational health check. All those on a teacher training programme must be certified as meeting national requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach, as set by the Department for Education.
  • International students: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent

Other information

To help you prepare for your interview you can expect questions covering the following:

  • the subject knowledge required for teaching the subject curriculum in school
  • your ability to critically reflect on your prior experiences in relation to your future development as a teacher
  • your understanding of the UK education system and the wider role of a teacher
  • how you have overcome challenges in your life and shown resilience
  • how you plan to meet the academic and teaching demands of the course.

In addition, we are looking for enthusiasm, commitment, and potential. Clear verbal and written communication skills are integral to this which you will have an opportunity to demonstrate throughout the interview.

  • School experience is desirable, but not essential.
  • Interviews will be conducted online. Applicants will be contacted directly with more details.

All applications for PGCE should be made via the Government's Find Postgraduate Teacher Training website.

Additional useful information is available on the Government's Get Into Teaching website.

Course content

What will you study

Our courses are informed by research and current developments in the discipline and feedback from students, external examiners and employers. Modules do therefore change periodically in the interests of keeping the course relevant and reflecting best practice. The most up-to-date information will be available to you once you have accepted a place and registered for the course. If there are insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this might not be offered, but we will advise you as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative. 

Subject Knowledge with a Deep Understanding
  • Enrich your subject knowledge drawing on the expertise of tutors with national and international research profiles in partnership with school mentors with excellent current practice in your specialist area.
  • An excellent teacher requires confident subject knowledge and an understanding about how pupils learn. The majority of your time in university is in subject workshops.

Specialist Subject Opportunities
  • Further develop your own subject knowledge, linked to the school context, through designing and making in collaborative groups
  • Opportunities to engage with subject networks and associations.
  • Present to peers within and beyond the University.
  • Begin networking and start the publishing side of your career

Pedagogy
  • Understand and apply theory and research on how children learn and develop.
  • Explore a range of learning and teaching styles, and classroom organisation.
  • Discover how to promote progress through observing, planning, teaching and assessing learning.

Professional Studies
  • Develop adaptive teaching strategies to respond to the unique needs in a range of contexts, leveraging the diversity inherent in schools.
  • Be informed by the research and evidence about effective teaching at a general level before applying this knowledge to subject-specific approaches
  • Learn the expectations, standards and behaviours which are appropriate to the profession and the wider responsibilities of a teacher.

Enhancement Activities
  • Gain expertise through one of our unique Enhancement Activities: PSHE and Citizenship, Developing a Second Subject, English as an Additional Language, Education in Climate Emergency, Teenage Mental Health, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Technology Enhanced Learning.  In addition we also offer an Aspiring Leaders programme 

Your career
  • Become a reflective self-evaluating practitioner.
  • Enjoy great employment prospects; our support takes you from trainee to ECT (Early Career Teacher) and beyond
  • Prepare for leadership and your Masters with 60 credits and a strong research foundation.

Working with local secondary schools

Two pupils and one adult in a kitchen cooking eight pupils and a teacher in a kitchen three pupils and an adult beside a table two pupils and an adult in colourful overalls pgce-secondary-dt-ss-gallery-4 two adults either side of two pupils in a kitchen

Working with local primary schools

four pupils sitting at a table with a teacher two school pupils with chequered hats with a mixing bowl pupils and teachers at two tables containing cooking equipment teacher and pupil with a silver mixing bowl school children at a table with chequered hats pupils in burgundy jumpers with a teacher at a table

Subject Knowledge Enhancement

Not sure about your subject knowledge?

Build up or refresh your existing knowledge with a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) programme before the course.

Subjects offered at the University of Worcester:

English, biology, chemistry, physics, design technology (food), religious education.

Find out about the bursary.

Register your interest

Enter your details below and we will keep you up to date with useful information about studying at the University of Worcester.


Teaching and assessment

How will you be taught?

PGCE Psychology students doing group practical work

Teaching approach

  • School experience in a range of settings.
  • Professional Studies sessions in school and at University.
  • University-led workshops, lectures, seminars, fieldwork and guest lectures.
  • Study of key texts and supplementary reading.
  • Participation in high level professional discussion, peer presentations and debate.
  • Directed studies, case studies and problem solving tasks; development of practice-based competence and skills of critical reflection through guided individual mentoring during placements.
  • One-to-one academic and personal tutorial support including access to our first class Firstpoint services
PGCE Psychology students doing practical group task

Assessment

  • Assignments are carefully designed to develop your skills as a teacher.
  • Assessments that move from highly structured to more open briefs as you develop your professional skills.
  • The opportunity to develop skills as a research informed practitioner.

Programme specification

For comprehensive details on the aims and intended learning outcomes of the course, and the means by which these are achieved through learning, teaching and assessment, please download the latest programme specification document.

Meet the team

You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course.

You can learn more about the staff by visiting our staff profiles.

Sue Parker-Morris smiling at camera

Sue Parker-Morris

Sue joined the University of Worcester as an associate lecturer in 2018, whilst continuing to teach in a secondary school, mentoring PGCE trainees and supporting NQTs. Moving into a career in ITTE, she then joined as a full-time senior lecturer and subject lead for Design & Technology in 2019. Her experience includes middle management roles in a range of secondary schools, leading and developing Food Preparation & Nutrition and teaching both Food and Textiles.

Sue left the catering industry to retrain as a Food Technology teacher completed her B.Ed. (hons) degree at the University of Worcester in 1991. Since 1995 she has spent time teaching her subject in a range of secondary schools in the UK and New Zealand.

Sue is passionate in how children are taught the importance of well-being, health and healthy eating and how this is delivered within schools. Developing pupils’ knowledge of a good diet and useful practical food skills is extremely important to her. Sue is committed to supporting trainee teachers in becoming reflective practitioners who can have a positive impact on students.

In 2016, Sue established a ‘Food Cluster Group’ to help support Food teachers all over Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire, in planning for and moderating the Food Preparation & Nutrition GCSE. This networking group continues to be extremely successful, supporting teachers both professional and personally. The group provides the opportunity to collaborate closely with many subject mentors in partnership schools across the Midlands.

 

Careers

Where could it take you?

PGCE student on placement
  • Prepare for leadership and your Masters with 60 credits and a strong research foundation
  • Many University of Worcester trainees gain promotion within the first few years of teaching
Two students are walking next to each other and smiling

Careers and Employability

Our Graduates pursue exciting and diverse careers in a wide variety of employment sectors.

Find out how we can support you to achieve your potential.
Costs

How much will it cost?

Full-time tuition fees

UK students

The standard tuition fee for full-time UK students enrolling on a PGCE in the academic year 2023/24 will be £9,250 per year.

For more details, please visit our course fees page.

International students

The standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on a PGCE in the academic year 2023/24 will be £15,800 per year.

For more details, please visit our course fees page.

Teacher training funding

You can get help with the costs of teacher training. A student finance package will include a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan. You may also be eligible for extra help if you have children or have a disability.

Some courses are also eligible for a tax-free bursary or scholarship depending on your subject, degree classification or highest academic qualification.

Additional costs

Every course has day-to-day costs for essential books, trips, stationery, printing and photocopying.

Travel costs for placements vary depending on the location of schools and your mode of transport and sometimes, these may be reclaimed depending on your individual circumstances.

You will need to buy some protective clothing to wear for practical work (apron, overall or chefs jacket). You will also be expected to purchase materials and ingredients to make the products you will be teaching pupils to make.

In addition, we encourage you to join subject specific associations. The cost is typically between £25 to £50 for which you benefit from their support, guidance and resources.

The DfE requires all trainee teachers to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which you will need to pay for.

Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is paramount to your university experience. Our halls of residence are home to friendly student communities, making them great places to live and study.

We have over 1,000 rooms across our range of student halls. With rooms to suit every budget and need, from our 'Traditional Hall' at £122 per week to 'En-suite Premium' at £207 per week (2023/24 prices).

For full details visit our accommodation page.
How to apply

How do you apply?

Apply now

Applications for PGCE courses should be made online through the government's Find Postgraduate Teacher Training website.

Visit the Get Into Teaching website for detailed information on how to apply for a PGCE.

Read our How to apply pages for more information on applying and to find out what happens to your application.

Course code - 3CPV

Make an application

Get in touch

If you have any questions, please get in touch. We're here to help you every step of the way.

Admissions office

admissions@worc.ac.uk
01905 855111

Secondary PGCE Office

secondary@worc.ac.uk

Sue Parker-Morris

Personal Academic Tutor
s.parkermorris@worc.ac.uk
01905 855244

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