The programme combines the theory and practice of education which is why students spend 60 days in College and 120 days in schools. The course is research-led and you will develop your knowledge of how pupils learn; how assessment can improve teaching and learning; how to plan lessons, and how to make most use of the laboratory and the outdoors to teach effectively.
KEY BENEFITS
- Our physics tutors and maths tutors all have experience of teaching in London schools.
- All tutors are actively engaged in education research and this informs our course.
- The PGCE Programme was rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in 2010.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
The majority of trainees go into teaching or other areas of education: many become heads of departments or members of senior management teams; some take up careers in educational administration in the advisory or inspection services.
Programme leader/s
Helen Gourlay
Accreditation
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the accreditation which enables individuals to teach in state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales, recognising the attainment of a formal set of skills and qualities candidates require to be effective teachers.
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 120/ECTS 60 credits
Duration
36 weeks FT, September to end June.
Location
College sessions at Waterloo Campus; teaching placements in schools in London and the Home Counties.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Social Science and Public Policy
Department of Education and Professional Studies
Closing date
There is no deadline for applications but in view of the stiff competition for places it is advisable to apply early in the academic year. You may meet all the criteria but preference will be given to candidates in whom we can identify greater potential.
Intake
10.
Fees
FT Home: £9000 (2013)
FT Overseas: £14700 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Officer, Centre for Arts & Sciences Admissions (CASA)
tel: +44 (0) 20 7848 7207
fax: +44 (0) 20 7848 7200
Email
Website
PURPOSE
The overall aim of the programme is to make you an effective teacher of Physics and to help you develop high professional standards. You will also gain some knowledge and experience of teaching Maths. The course is designed to prepare you to work in secondary schools teaching Physics to students from ages 11-18, as well as teaching Maths.
DESCRIPTION
The programme combines the theory and practice of education which is why students spend 60 days in College and 120 days in schools. The course is research-led and you will develop your knowledge of how pupils learn; how assessment can improve teaching and learning; how to plan lessons, and how to make most use of the laboratory and the outdoors to teach effectively.
There are two blocks of school experience, one starting in the autumn and the other in the spring. You will spend time observing other teachers and their classes before beginning to teach yourself. You will teach more during the second school experience than you will in the first one. During the year you will also spend time in two primary schools so that you can see what pupils experience before they arrive in secondary schools.
You will spend some of your time in college working in a group with other Physics with Maths trainees. You will also spend some time working with students from other subjects ranging from ICT to Classics.
The course includes residential fieldwork based a Field Studies Council centre in Surrey. There are many other opportunities for you to develop your abilities to teach beyond the classroom, in the school grounds and beyond.
You will be well supported by your personal tutor and by your school-based mentors. There are weekly meetings with your mentor and seven personal tutorials throughout the year. The College tutors have all taught in London schools and many have published in science education journals, both professional and academic.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
- 6SSEP003: Professional Practice in Education (45 credits)
- 6SSEP004: Pedagogic Resources (15 credits)
- 7SSEP001: Professional Studies (30 credits)
- 7SSEP002: Focused Pedagogical Studies (30 credits).
There are two pieces of assessed coursework, a Subject Studies Assignment (Focused Pedagogical Studies) and a School Experience Report (Professional Studies). Both are around 8,000 words and worth 30 masters-level credits each, so as well as gaining Qualified Teacher Status, you finish with a third of an MA, ready to embark on the next stage of your professional development.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
King's and its partnership schools assess trainees through their work in schools and college, coursework assignments and subject work assignments. To be awarded PGCE trainees must meet the Department for Education's (HM Government) Standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
A degree, preferably 2:2 or above, or a qualification recognised as equivalent by the University of London. Knowledge and understanding of the subject you intend to teach. GCSE grade C or above, or an equivalent qualification, in English Language and Mathematics. Applicants without these English or Mathematics qualifications at the time they apply may be considered, but they must obtain them, or pass an equivalent test set by King's, before the course starts. Candidates offered a place on a PGCE course must gain clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau. All entrants must meet the Secretary of State's requirements for physical and mental fitness for teaching as detailed in the DfES Circular 4/99.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications are made through the central national system for applying for teacher training courses.
Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR)
Rosehill
New Barn Lane
Cheltenham GL52 3LZ
Tel: 01242 544788
www.gttr.ac.uk
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
From your personal statement we are looking for evidence of:
- Commitment to teaching as a career;
- Interest in physics and mathematics;
- Time spent observing physics and maths lessons in schools/talking to teachers;
- Wider experience of working with children and young people.
FUNDING
Government Training Bursary: Thosewith a first class undergraduate degree will receive £20,000; those with a 2.1 will receive £15,000; those with a 2.2 will receive £12,000. Candidates with higher degrees (e.g. MA, PhD) and/or overseas degrees should contact the Admissions Office for further guidance.
For further information about funding, please visit
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/graduate/funding/database/
Related programme student profile
Education & Social Science MRes
Having studied at King’s for my undergraduate degree, I had no hesitation in continuing my studies here at graduate level. I initially chose to come to King’s due to its reputation, coupled with the fact that it is located in one of the most vibrant and multicultural cities in the world. Being in London has undoubtedly enhanced my experiences whilst studying and has enabled me to carry out research with world renowned institutions and key individuals in my research area.
As the College is situated just on the river Thames in the middle of the Southbank cultural centre, it has been very easy to take advantage of visiting the National Theatre to watch world-class artistic performances. It is also highly convenient and central to many other London areas.
The MRes programme has been a highly rewarding and demanding experience. The lecturers encourage students to pursue their own research interests whilst being schooled in the essential techniques of a researcher, and it is this unique combination of academic freedom and expert teaching and guidance that has now given me the skills, confidence and ability to pursue my own career in research. I have found King’s College to be at the centre of this multicultural, global city, both geographically and through its academic engagement with issues that go far beyond its borders.