Primary PGCE programme

Hull Campus

Please click the above image to view the subject brochure.
Download the brochure as a PDF.

This programme is designed to prepare trainees for teaching children in the 5–11 age range. Only around 80 places are available for this very popular programme, so you are advised to apply early and to put Hull first on the application form.

We are particularly interested in applicants who have good Honours degrees. Preference is given to applicants who can show experience of work with children – especially recent work in primary schools – and can demonstrate a commitment to primary education. All courses of initial teacher training for primary teachers are designed to enable trainees to meet the Professional Standards for Qualified Teacher Status.

The University enjoys a close and well-established partnership with schools in the region, and practising teachers are significantly involved in the training process. The programme involves an interplay of work in schools and at the University. A foundation is given in the full range of subjects comprising the primary school curriculum. Particular emphasis is placed on the core subjects, but all National Curriculum subjects and religious education are covered in separate method courses.

The main components of the programme are

• methodology courses in the subjects of the primary curriculum, emphasising particularly the core subjects
• a professional studies course concerned with general professional issues
• tutorial studies related to the course
• a subject specialist course – we are one of the few higher education institutions to offer French and German in addition to other National Curriculum subjects, and some trainees undertake a teaching practice in France or Germany
• practical classroom experience, closely supervised by tutors and mentors
• placements in three different schools

Core subject components

These are the subject component modules for this course. Click on the links for detailed descriptions of component.

• English
• Mathematics
• Science

Foundation subject components

These are the foundation modules for this course. Click on the links for detailed descriptions of component.

• Art
• Design and technology
• Geography
• History
• Information and communications technology
• Music
• Physical education
• Religious education

Professional studies course

Primary teachers need an understanding of a wide range of general issues related to the profession, to children and to the world beyond the classroom. These are considered in a lecture course and its associated tutorial sessions. Topics covered include child development; the school and the community; classroom organisation and management; assessment; recording and reporting; and cross-curricular issues such as multicultural education and environmental education.

Subject specialist course

French and German are offered as specialist subjects. Trainees who have at least A level (or equivalent) qualifications in French or German, or who have an MFL degree, undertake a course which develops their skills and their ability to teach French or German. Part of the course involves a four-week placement in a French or German school with a link to a French or German university. Trainees’ travel and accommodation costs are met by the University.

School experience

The programme gives classroom experience throughout. The first block period in school takes place early in the programme, when you are involved with Key Stage 1 children (5–7). Later, two further block periods in separate schools complement your initial classroom practice by enabling you to come into contact with the complete primary age range.

Each of the main teaching practices is preceded by serial visits to schools on a weekly basis so that you become familiar with the classes you will teach and have the opportunity to be involved in core-subject lessons. In all, more than 100 days are spent in schools, supported by school mentors and University tutors.

Programme assessment

The programme is assessed in both its theoretical and its practical aspects. Assessment of theory is based on a series of coursework assignments. There are three separate methodology assignments: one for each core subject. The last piece of assessed work is related to themes presented in the Professional Studies Course. Trainees are also assessed on their achievement of the standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) provided by the Government.

Assessment of teaching ability is based on the trainee’s performance as a teacher in the classroom. Trainees should regard teaching practice as a period of professional development rather than as a test to be passed, but certain requirements must be satisfied for the award of QTS. Schools, mentors, University tutors and an external examiner are involved in making this decision. A trainee who fails to satisfy the examiners in practical teaching may have to bear the cost of re-examination, including the cost of an additional school placement and supervision.