Art & Design
The experience of being on the Cambridge PGCE course has by far exceeded all my expectations. I have been singularly impressed with the regular and sustained support that I have received.
Vasavi Koka, PGCE former trainee
Art and Design Education in Cambridge is located about a mile from the city centre with its exciting range of amenities and attractions. We have connections with local museums, such as the Fitzwilliam and Kettle's Yard with their internationally acclaimed collections. We have a purpose-built specialist studio in the new University Faculty of Education building. Our PGCE Art & Design course is rigorous and stimulating with specialist tutors working in partnership with experienced mentors in schools. We are one of few providers for secondary art education to be designed 'Category A', the highest category, by the TDA (Training and Development Agency for Schools), following the quality of work seen during inspections; in art and design, we have consistently received the highest possible gradings for each aspect inspected.
We aim to draw upon and develop our trainees' range of skills and understanding in art, craft and design within the contexts of education and schooling. Emphasis is placed upon trainees themselves being their most important resource, working together and sharing skills. We seek to promote a questioning and critical approach to art teaching, addressing fundamental issues relating to art, craft and design in education.
The course examines areas such as the development of children's imagery, intercultural approaches, critical and contextual studies and the role of language. Practising teachers and other professionals are actively involved throughout the course, including assessment of trainee teachers' progress. Through a range of media and resources, we aim to examine concepts in education in relation to contemporary art and design practice, as well as examining concepts in relation to current educational practice. Art and design education at Cambridge is rapidly acquiring an international reputation for its work, particularly in relation to the philosophy of art education. In addition to the specialist subject area, all trainees follow a common core course of professional studies, covering whole-school issues, such as citizenship and equal opportunities.
In common with other PGCE courses, trainees spend two-thirds of their time in schools, under the supervision of an experienced mentor in their subject. The art mentors who work in the Cambridge partnership are extremely able and are sensitive to trainee teachers' needs, working alongside the trainee to help develop practical art skills in the classroom context as well as professional skills. Trainees experience at least two different schools: in term 1, they are normally in or within commuting distance of Cambridge; the longer placement in term 2 could be at the same school or it might be more distant. We currently have trainee art teachers in schools from Kings Lynn in north Norfolk to Woodbridge in Suffolk; in term 3, trainees normally return to their term 2 placement school.
Applications
Entry is very competitive and so early applications are encouraged, with interviews starting in October. Applicants should normally have a good honours degree in an art, craft or design subject; art historians and others whose art degree is not studio based are welcome to apply, but evidence must be shown at interview of a high level of practical expertise in an area of art, craft or design.
For more information see the section on applying.
What our trainees think
The University of Cambridge Art PGCE offers a contemporary, exciting and challenging year. The combination of a supportive course leader and innovative well structured program provides a healthy balance of academic and professional practice. I have been particularly impressed with the enthusiasm shown by both subject lecturers and visiting lecturers who have provided stimulating ideas, varied debates/issues and passion for their subject. The opportunities for experimentation with a variety of teaching strategies within school placement has made me feel well equipped and excited about the start of my teaching career. The strong friendships I have formed with a diverse, imaginative group of fellow PGCE artists has helped make this a truly fantastic, memorable experience and I would strongly recommend this course.
Charlaine Niesobia-Kepinska, PGCE Trainee 2007/08
Since I started the course I have learned so much; I feel enlightened! There is a lot of issues that have excited me and I have learned a lot of skills which have helped me in my teaching. The quality of support has been fantastic and we have all gelled well, despite the challenging nature of the course.
Patson Ncube, PGCE Trainee 2007/08
The PGCE Art & Design course at Cambridge goes well beyond teacher training. Trainees are encouraged to think about practical and philosophical issues in teaching through a variety of stimuli. Although time at the Faculty of Education is largely directed by a tutor, trainees are actively encouraged to play role in the development of the PGCE, creating a course which fosters dynamism, and an open-minded approach; ideas are shared, issues are explored and problems are discussed and resolved together creating an exciting, effective synergy. In addition to this collaborative approach where trainees and tutor work together, independent work is also promoted, largely in the form of research-based assignments. These assignments are intellectually taxing, and require a great deal of professional reflection, encouraging the development of trainees as thoughtful, reflective practitioners. This thorough grounding in issues in art and design education provides an excellent springboard and from which to embark on school placements as a confident, thoughtful and progressive teacher. These placements provide an ideal opportunity to consolidate all of the concepts that are explored in faculty. I now feel well equipped to enter the teaching profession and it is with great enthusiasm that I look forward to starting teaching in September.
Patrick Sanders, former PGCE Trainee