Primary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) PGCE Postgraduate Certificate in Education - PGCE

The PGCE Primary Course (5-11) is an exciting teacher training route for those passionate about working within the Primary phase and developing their understanding of all aspects of primary teaching.

At Kingston, we offer an ambitious, evidence-based curriculum, which fully integrates the ITT Core Content Framework (CCF) in line with DfE requirements. This ensures that upon completion of the course, you will become an effective, inclusive and evidence-informed teacher gaining both Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE. In addition, you will be well-prepared for the next stage in your professional development as an Early Career Teacher (ECT). Throughout the year we provide support with job applications and interviews, which is a key factor in the success of our trainees gaining their QTS and PGCE, as well as finding employment.

The course is organised in two strands: taught subject days, and three blocks of school experience, spread throughout the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms. You will develop practical teaching skills, with the support of experienced subject mentors/colleagues who will provide high quality, expert feedback and enable you to understand, apply, reflect upon, and develop your teaching practice. Purposefully integrated tasks align taught theory and practice in schools. The inclusion of the Intensive Training and Practice element of the curriculum further supports a granular approach to improving foundational aspects of your teaching, such as behaviour management and questioning. Taught subject days are led by research-engaged Primary specialists who will enable you to engage in critical analysis of theory and research, as well as observe expert practice. The synthesis of subject knowledge, theory and pedagogical practice, enable you to effectively deliver all subjects of the Primary Curriculum, simultaneously ensuring you become a highly effective and critically confident, research-engaged teacher.

The PGCE course consists of three modules designed to support the award of the PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status:


• Module 1 Professional Practice: This combines theory and practice in developing your subject knowledge, pedagogical skills and understanding in line with National Curriculum requirements.



• Module 2 Reflective Teacher (Masters level): This module aims to develop your theoretical understanding of teaching, as well as your practical skills as a reflective practitioner.



• Module 3 Policy, Practice and Professionalism (Masters level): This module aims to develop your understanding of teaching as a research-informed professional.



The two Masters level modules contribute 60 credits towards a Masters in Education, which can be completed at Kingston University.

How placements work
You will spend a minimum of 120 days across two contrasting schools. These 120 days incorporate three phases of our training programme: Foundation; Development; and Consolidation. The Foundation phase covers your first placement and works to build foundational knowledge in key areas of teaching and learning, such as understanding how to establishing behaviour expectations and build relationships with learners, as well as planning and teaching lessons.

The second placement incorporates the Developmental Phase of our programme which builds on the knowledge and practice established in your first placement, to develop your understanding and practice in assessing pupils work and adapting your teaching to meet the needs of all learners. Following this, the final stage of this placement is the Consolidation phase where knowledge, skills and understanding of pedagogy are consolidated to build confidence, fluency and independence preparing you to enter the next phase of your career as an Early Career Teacher (ECT).