Secondary PGCE English
You will need to use your enthusiasm and knowledge for English language and English literature to take a critical and imaginative approach to the teaching of English in today's secondary schools.
Over the PGCE course, you will explore a wide variety of teaching methods to empower children through their use of spoken and written language. You will develop your own, critical approach to question the curriculum and the place and purpose of English as a secondary school subject.
What you will cover
The English-specific elements of the PGCE will explore the requirements of the English curriculum and the needs of learners through the consideration of concepts including:
- teaching Shakespeare as if his work was a spectacular treasure instead of an academic entry qualification
- technology enhanced learning in the English classroom
- teaching poetry as a live art form with an exciting history
- helping children to understand that language is a workable material and that knowledge of all its aspects is interesting, purposeful and powerful
Other sessions will be focused on understanding the learner, school cultures and procedures and the personal and professional identities of the English teacher.
You will explore English teaching perspectives on:
- lesson planning and evaluation
- explaining and questioning
- differentiation and assessment for learning
- behaviour and motivation for learning
- historical construction of the subject
My teaching approach is that learning is a non-linear journey and one that should embody a feeling of joy. There is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying learning, in fact, it should be encouraged and celebrated. Likewise, teachers should be able to laugh, feel happy and to enjoy their work too. Let’s create lessons that spark joy for both pupils and teachers.
Fleur McCole
Secondary PGCE English Tutor
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I feel incredibly grateful to have had such supportive school-based mentors throughout my placement. They both supported me in different ways, but their encouragement and guidance meant so much to me. They helped build my confidence when I was doubting myself and always made time to check in with me, whether that was during our weekly meetings or through a quick informal chat. They were always willing to listen, offer advice and reassure me whenever things started to feel overwhelming.
Isabella Monk
Secondary PGCE English
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