Job Discussion Forums

[gamze90]

Hi. Has anyone completed the PGCE overseas? If so does the final certificate state 'primary' or 'secondary'?

Thanks

[currentaffairs]

The primary and secondary PGCE programs are two different beasts. You will be specialising in your subject in the secondary program, and the course content and training is different. Before you start the course you will have chosen which 'pathway' you will embark on..

[HLJHLJ]

Do you mean the PGCEi? I've never seen one with a primary or secondary designation. As there is no practical component, and no specialisation, they just cover generic education theory. A lot of places offer it though, so there may be somewhere that specifies age group.

[currentaffairs]

The PGCEi looks like a general course. At the bottom of the Nottingham page it says:

'Important note: Qualified Teacher Status in England and Wales is conferred by the National College for Teaching and Leadership on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education (England) and the Minister for Education and Skills (Wales) not by universities. This PGCEi does not therefore offer a licence to teach in the UK or elsewhere.'

What does elsewhere mean?! I know some people do this course and get into international schools but I am quite skeptical about the set-up and actual teacher training that goes on (or doesn't).

[HLJHLJ]

It doesn't qualify you for a teaching licence anywhere, as far as I know. It's a theoretical course, there is no assessed teaching practice involved. Some international schools accept it, though usually the lower tier ones. It's sometimes sufficient to meet visa requirements.

I've tutored a few people who've done it, and I was fairly unimpressed with the content. However, if you are doing an MEd, most places that offer both courses will give you a 1/3rd credit for it. So then you may as well do it and get the extra qualification.