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What makes PGCE Secondary Design and Technology at Worcester so special?

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 environment and with a supportive network of trainees.

Overview

Overview

Key features

  • Consider how to teach design and technology and food preparation and nutrition, why it should be taught and what inspires and motivates young people
  • Know what effective learning and teaching looks like
    • engage with a range of design and technology activities
    • reflect on your own learning and explore research evidence.
  • Discuss current issues within design and technology education
  • Develop your own subject knowledge and reflect on what it is to be 'innovative'
  • Understand how to equip young people to become the designers and innovators of the future

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

  • 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.

Taster evenings

Our PGCE taster evenings give you the opportunity to explore our facilities, take part in teaching taster activities, and find out about student life. The upcoming dates are:

  • 19 March 2019, 5pm-7pm
  • 7 May 2019, 5pm-7pm

These events are designed for those considering applying for the course, rather than those who have already applied. To request a place email insiders@worc.ac.uk or complete this enquiry form.

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

Victoria Honeybourne, PGCE Secondary graduate

Entry requirements

What qualifications will you need?

Entry requirements

  • Honours degree (normally 2:2 or higher) from a UK higher education institution, or equivalent qualification, in design and technology or a related subject.
    Applicants with a 3rd class degree will be considered on an individual basis.
  • Grade C/4 at GCSE in English (or equivalent) passed at the time of application
  • Grade C/4 at GCSE in Maths (or equivalent) passed at the time of entry
  • School experience is desirable, but not essential prior to an interview. At interview we will discuss relevant prior school experience or opportunities applicants have had to work with school aged children. It is at this point that we would discuss with a candidate whether additional school experience would support an individual in their decision that teaching is right for them

For further information contact s.wood-griffiths@worc.ac.uk

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

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.

You will also be subject to the usual prohibition list and criminal record checks.

Professional skills tests

All applicants for teacher training courses need to take the numeracy and literacy professional skills tests as part of the application process. You will need to ensure you have passed them both before the start of the course.

The tests are required in addition to your mathematics and English GCSEs, and are designed to show that you have the basic levels of literacy and numeracy needed to teach to a national standard. They will not test your knowledge of the curriculum or how to teach.

The first three attempts at taking your skills tests in each subject are provided free of charge.

Support we offer

We offer free skills tests workshops if you have accepted a place on the course. If you are unsuccessful on your first attempt of the skills test then we will also provide one-to-one support in both numeracy and literacy.

Find out more about our skills tests workshops and support.

Book your place at an Open Day

Want to know why so many students love living and studying in Worcester?

Our open days are the perfect way to find out.

Book your place
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
  • Explore a range of practices and wider issues of education.
  • Understand equality and develop inclusive teaching strategies.
  • Develop your research skills as teachers with these skills are capable of bringing about change.

Enhancement Activities
  • Gain expertise through one of our unique Enhancement Activities: Citizenship - Developing a Second Subject - English as an Additional Language - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities - Technology Enhanced Learning

School Experience
  • Grow through at least 120 days placement in our strong school network across the counties. Experience at least 2 contrasting schools.
  • Be supported and challenged by our blend of school-based Mentors and Personal Academic Tutors.

Your career
  • Become a reflective self-evaluating practitioner.
  • Enjoy great employment prospects (in 2015 all trainees had secured employment in schools by September); our support takes you from trainee to NQT and onwards.
  • Prepare for leadership and your Masters with 60 credits and a strong research foundation.
Teaching and assessment

How will you be taught?

PGCE 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
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.

Sue Parker-Morris

After initially qualifying and working as a chef, Sue retrained at Worcester University. Since then she has been teaching for over 20 years, at schools in England and New Zealand.

Since 2009 Sue has been working in a Worcester high school teaching Catering, Food and Textiles. The role has been exciting and challenging, especially in the last few years of developing a new Food Preparation and Nutrition course.

Sue has established a Food cluster group to help support teachers across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire in planning for and moderating the assessment of the new Food course. This networking group has been a real success, supporting teachers both professionally and personally.

Careers

Where could it take you?

PGCE student on placement
  • Great employment prospects (100% in 2015)
  • 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
  • 2014 graduate won Outstanding Secondary NQT at The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership Showcasing Excellence - Outstanding in Education Awards 2015
Cover of the 2020 University of Worcester prospectus

Request or download a prospectus

Request now
Costs

How much will it cost?

Full-time tuition fees

UK and EU students

The standard tuition fee for full-time UK and EU students registering in the academic year 2019/20 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 (non-EU) students registering in the academic year 2019/20 will be £12,400 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 are disabled.

Most 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, 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.

Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is paramount to your university experience, and our welcoming student communities are great places to live and study.

We have over 1,000 rooms across our halls of residence. With rooms to suit every budget and need, from our 'Traditional Hall' at £102 per week to 'En-suite Extra' at £165 per week (2019/20 prices).

For full details visit our accommodation page.

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:
English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, design technology (food), French, geography

Find out about the bursary.

How to apply

How do you apply?

Part-time route

You can apply to study this course on a part-time basis.

The part-time route runs for 4 school terms and starts in September each year. You will spend terms 1 and 2 in one school and terms 3 and 4 in a second school. In the first 3 terms you will typically spend 3 days per week on the course, either in school or university. Term 4 will be full time in school.

The bursary will be spread across four terms, and the fees will be the same as the full time route.

For more information get in touch via details below. You can also discuss this route in more detail at interview.

Applying through UCAS Teacher Training

UCAS Teacher Training is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto PGCE courses

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

UCAS Code

3CPV

Apply Via UCAS

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 Wood-Griffiths

Personal Academic Tutor
s.wood-griffiths@worc.ac.uk
01905 855244

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