‘Highlights of the course include pastoral aspects. PGCE students feel that they are known as individuals and are able to access support from a variety of sources appropriate to their situation.’

Wellbeing is at the heart of the Cambridge Primary PGCE course

Supporting PGCE student wellbeing sits at the heart of the Primary PGCE Course and is often highlighted as a strength of the course by external examiners, PGCE students and mentors.

Appropriate professional and pastoral support

This is evidenced in the structures, examining processes, taught programme and administrative support offered to the PGCE students. Course leaders and the wider teaching team ensure PGCE students receive appropriate and timely professional and pastoral support, including preparing them to take responsibility for managing their health and wellbeing including workload.

‘The support from school mentors and university tutors is excellent. PGCE students appreciate the experience the mentors bring and are reassured by the excellent relationships between the partnership schools and the Faculty.

A model for PGCE students to replicate with pupils they teach

This high-quality support is evidenced in the outcome and employment data, particularly in the low levels of withdrawals. Course leaders are committed to modelling the high levels of pastoral support that they want PGCE students to go on and replicate with the pupils they teach.

Four ovelapping dimensions to the Wellbeing Programme

There are four different discrete but overlapping dimensions to the Wellbeing Programme:

1. Faculty taught sessions
   These sessions are a component of the Pillar 1: Professional Identity of the Professional Studies Course which provides a space for critical reflection to develop an appreciation of the importance of promoting, maintaining and effectively managing wellbeing and workload.
2. Psychological health and wellbeing programme
    PGCE students are introduced to a psychological model to enhance health and wellbeing and promote resilience and robustness.
3. Course administration
   The Teaching Team provides different ways to support the PGCE students’ wellbeing in order to limit the workload impact of the intense PGCE which include providing checklists and weekly bulletins to help PGCE students keep on track with course requirements.
4. Course structures and mechanisms providing pastoral support
   Each PGCE student is allocated a Personal Tutor who supports the PGCE students throughout the length of the course, including visiting them during the first two extended professional placements.