Liverpool Hope University is one of the country’s leading providers of Initial Teacher Education. The PGCE is a postgraduate qualification which is aimed at high quality graduates wishing to pursue a career in secondary teaching. It is an intensive, demanding yet very rewarding programme running from early September to late June. Tutors are dedicated to individual student support and to working closely with partners in local schools. At its most recent Ofsted inspection the PGCE Secondary programme achieved the highest accolade and was awarded a Grade 1 in recognition of the high standard of management and quality assurance.
The PGCE (Secondary) Information and Communication Technology programme comprises a fully integrated course of Initial Professional Development, subject-specific pedagogy and school-based learning which encourages student teachers to apply their theoretic understanding to practical situations.
Initial Professional Development (IPD): This part of the programme covers general aspects of becoming a teacher. It is largely lecture-based supported by discussion-based seminars with an assigned professional tutor. IPD develops the student teacher’s knowledge and understanding of a range of key issues in education.
Course code: G5X1
Information and Communication Technology Specialism: Far from being a ‘tips for teachers’ approach the PGCE programme will support students to consider the pedagogy of ICT in depth. This part of the course aims to develop subject knowledge and equip student teachers with the skills necessary to become reflective and effective teachers of ICT across the 11 – 18 age range. In the most recent Ofsted inspection all aspects of provision in PGCE (Secondary) ICT at Liverpool Hope University were judged to be ‘Good’.
School-based Learning: Fundamental to this programme is a very close relationship with local secondary schools and post 16 providers. Tutors and mentors from these schools collaborate to ensure that student teachers have ample supported opportunities to apply what they learn in theory sessions to the role of a teacher in school. Student teachers do their school-based learning in at least two schools ensuring a breadth of experience. Tutors with particular expertise in teaching ICT guide and work alongside students to formulate individualised plans which focus on their specific development needs. A key element of the PGCE ICT programme is the sharing of good practice and joint planning of work in schools including the creation of classroom resources.
Student teachers will consider the delivery of ICT as a foundation subject in its own right as well as looking at creative approaches to the teaching of ICT and the role of ICT in supporting other aspects of the curriculum. School-based projects support the development of professional teachers able to work in diverse teams. This fully integrated approach to school-based learning ensures that our Initial Teacher Education is relevant to the needs of the teaching profession and that student teachers reach the high standards expected of Hope graduate teachers.
Essential:
· Grade C in English and Mathematics at GCSE (or equivalent)
· First degree (usually 2.1 or above) in a relevant ICT-related discipline
· Experience of observation in a mainstream secondary state school
· Knowledge of the ICT curriculum
· The ability to articulate views on the principles and practice of education particularly as it relates to teaching of ICT
· The ability to communicate clearly, fluently and accurately in spoken and written Standard English
Desirable:
· Significant school-based experience, e.g. extended attachment or work as a teaching assistant
· If invited for interview, all candidates will undertake a short literacy test. Any offer of a place on the programme is made conditional on satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau and a satisfactory Fitness to Teach Declaration.
