Primary PGCE
The Primary PGCE course at the Faculty of Education aims to prepare trainees to engage with this currently very exciting and evolving phase of education. The reform of the primary curriculum has been a major focus of recent national educational priorities, and researchers based at the University of Cambridge Faculty of Education, under the leadership of Professor Robin Alexander, have made a particularly important contribution to this debate in the form of the Cambridge Primary Review. The aims and principles of this review are central to the both the early years and the primary PGCE course.
We believe that it is vital for future educators of primary aged children to be well prepared to meet the intellectual and personal challenges of:
- recognising and meeting the complex learning needs of primary aged children;
- understanding the holistic developmental considerations vital to effective teaching and learning;
- generating an emotionally secure, stimulating and purposeful learning environment;
- demonstrating a knowledge of key theoretical perspectives and how these underpin excellence in primary school pedagogy;
- building positive working relationships within a team of professionals which will include colleagues and external agencies;
- developing an awareness of key and current research in this field and to engage as a participant in a research community;
- ensuring a smooth transition between key stages through a secure understanding of the importance of continuity in provision.
We believe this PGCE course prepares our trainees to develop the qualities characteristic of an outstanding primary school educator.
What is special about the Primary PGCE course?
- Trainees on the Primary PGCE programme follow one of two specialist courses:
- 5-9 specialist option with substantial placements in Years 1 or 2 and Years 3 or 4.
- 7-11 specialist option with substantial placements in Years 3 or 4 and Years 5 or 6 and a short placement in Key Stage 1.
- Successful applicants will normally be invited to express a preference as to which course they follow before the start of the academic year.
- Day visits to centres of excellence, including three partnership schools with identified specialisms.
- Distinctive professional studies seminars and curriculum courses, delivered by specialists in the age group, which address issues of relevant subject knowledge and appropriate pedagogical approaches.
- Input from the Faculty's internationally recognised experts in educational research provides incomparable insights into key and emerging issues. For further information about some of the research projects based at the Faculty please look at the research area of our website. Major projects that have focused on Primary education include: Thinking Together and Interactive Whiteboards and Collaborative Pupil Learning in Primary Science.
In addition trainees on the Primary PGCE participate in a course of professional studies lectures, conferences and visits shared with Early Years trainees. This ensures a comprehensive and cohesive understanding of the broader context of primary education.
"The Partnership between the Schools and the Faculty brings an inspiring application of the subject content because you hear about and learn about teaching activities that work well in schools." Joanne Guthrie