PGCE Secondary - Physical Education
Entry requirements
- The equivalent of a UK 2:2 honours degree of which approximately 50% is comprised of sports or a similar subject.
- School, town, county, regional or national high level sports performance, preferably in more than one sport
- GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 (or C) or above (or equivalent). We’ll consider candidates with pending GCSE’s. We’ll consider candidates who need to take an equivalency test in English and/or Maths.
- If your qualifications are from an overseas institution you must apply for a Statement of Comparability from ENIC
- For International Applicants for whom English is not their first language, a minimum IELT|S score of 7.0 is required with no individual component less than 6.5.
Please note that you MUST also:
- Be able to swim 400 METRES
- Be able to participate and understand the rules governing track and field athletics
- Be physically fit enough to participate in all subject knowledge and developmental activities sessions e.g. trampolining training.
You MUST include confirmation of the above on your application, personal statement and reference, or you will not be invited for interview.
We welcome applicants who have been pro-active in developing their subject knowledge in:
Games
Invasion, net/wall and striking & fielding for KS3
and KS4
Gymnastics
Floor, apparatus work, Trampolining
Dance
Contemporary, educational
OAA
Team Building Activities
Orienteering
Problem Solving
Athletics
Track & field
Please note that if you have played a sport to a high level you are advised not to concentrate on that sport in gaining National Governing Body or Initial Teacher Training qualifications.
Your interpersonal qualities and your potential to achieve professional skills relating to the Teachers' Standards will be considered when making an admissions decision. Candidates who meet the criteria, will be invited to an interview which will be held online consisting of a range of questions and a series of tasks designed to illustrate your potential to meet the Teachers' Standards by the end of the course.
It is highly recommended that any foreign nationals applying "have spent six months living in the UK", have had employment or volunteered as a teaching assistant in a state school in England or in an International school following the English national curriculum, have some knowledge of, or experience in working with, the English National Curriculum.
Successful candidates will receive an offer conditional upon successful Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and medical assessment. This is for “fitness to teach” before starting the course.
Months of entry
September
Course content
PE has many benefits beyond physical health, from teamwork to self-confidence and leadership skills to communication. Our young people deserve PE teachers who can inspire and motivate them to improve their activity levels and social skills, discover their sporting strengths and equip them with the tools to lead a healthy lifestyle, and that’s what we aim to achieve in our graduates.
The PGCE Secondary – Physical Education is an active and practical course devised by University tutors and PE specialists in local schools to prepare you to teach the subject across the full secondary age in ways that include learners of all abilities. There will be a particular focus on national curriculum PE activity areas (games, gymnastic activities, dance, athletic activities, swimming, and outdoor and adventurous activities).
Successful completion of the PGCE leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education awarded by Durham University and the recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. The QTS element is accredited by Newcastle University and awarded by the Department of Education.
We pride ourselves on offering a well-planned blend of research and experience in the classroom to start you on your successful career as an Early Career Teacher. We emphasise your entitlement to the Core Content Framework throughout our PGCE course to fully prepare you for the Early Career Framework, which will support you during your first two years of teaching as an Early Career Teacher.
The University-based sessions focus on a weekly specific pedagogical theme, integrated with sessions devoted to your subject specialism, delivered by subject specialists in the University and the school partnership.
The Professional Studies sessions explore your understanding of critical concepts and classroom practice, allowing you to reflect on your teacher identity and progress as a developing teacher.
Please note that the course does not run to standard University terms. It is delivered full-time, starting in early September and continues over 10 months.
Course structure
Four modules make up the PGCE programme:
New Generation of Learners introduces PGCE students to various fundamental educational theories. It starts the journey of addressing the gap between research and practice.
Pedagogy Practice Inquiry creates a critical link between PGCE students’ understanding of school-based practice, context and theory, and research and policy related to pedagogy (for example, through the lens of lesson planning).
Curriculum Development in Practice offers an opportunity for students to reflect on professional practice in their chosen subject from the perspective of the curriculum.
The predominantly classroom-based Professional Studies and School-Based Practice fosters a critical understanding of issues related to developing professional competence as a teacher. Areas covered include effective teaching strategies, managing the teaching and learning environment, enhancing professional development, and creative dimensions of teaching and learning.
Information for international students
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Fees and funding
For further information see the course listing.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- PGCE
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Enquiries