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PGCE Early Years

We advise potential candidates to apply soon as demand for places is high.

Great news!

In a recent survey of newly qualified teachers by the Teaching and Development Agency for Schools (TDA), previous UCB students rated the PGCE as excellent. We scored over ninety per cent in nine out of eleven questions. PLUS, UCB was named as one of only eleven institutions to gain top scores by the TDA for preparing students well to teach reading in schools.

Employment Rates:

Ninety four percent of all last years UCB teacher training students are now working in schools.

Good Teacher Training Guide 2010 – UCB recognised as a top quality provider for PGCE.

About the course

The focus of our PGCE is the Foundation Stage and Key Stage One of the Primary phase and therefore it is ideal for those who want to teach children between the ages of 3 and 7 years. On completion you will be a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and additionally can be considered as having the knowledge, skills and training to work in a school for children with special needs.

The course particularly focuses on three separate themes relating to Early Years:

  • Behaviour Management
  • Working with children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
  • Working with children who use English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Three modules are studied at Masters Level giving you 60 credits towards a future Masters course.

Assessment

Our assessment routes are designed to help students fulfil their potential and demonstrate the breadth of skills they are learning whilst on the course. Continuous assessment throughout the programme is via coursework, written assignments and practical performance whilst on placement in schools.

Fulfilling the standards required to gain Qualified Teacher Status is an essential aspect of the programme. Students also complete assignments to cover the PGCE element and these written assessments at Masters level link clearly with the placement programme.

You will also develop a Professional Development Journal which will help you keep evidence of your progress against the QTS standards.

Placements in Schools

One of the best ways to learn about teaching and guide you on your future career choices is to actually work in a school environment which is why the industrial placements on our PGCE are so vitally important.

You will spend a minimum of 90 days within our partnership schools, working alongside our trained mentors. They will work with you to build your confidence so that you can gradually take responsibility for whole class teaching.

Right from the start we help you to recognise your own strengths and develop plans and targets to achieve the highest standard possible for the children you work with. Early identification of areas where you might specifically need support will help you to make the most of the range of strategies we have in place to help you become a successful teacher.

You can also read about the real life experiences of our students .

This course is covered by a Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise .

How to apply

Please apply for the University College Birmingham PGCE via the GTTR website.

We particularly welcome applicants who are under-represented within the early years teaching profession, including ethnic minority and male candidates.

Degree programmes accredited by the University of Birmingham . Visit the Awarding of Degrees page for more information.