Developer Info

At a glance

• 86% of students rated LJMU's teacher training as good or very good
• LJMU has over 100 years' experience of delivering teacher education programmes
• Graduates leave the course well equipped to start their career with an e-portfolio and a Career Entry Development Profile
• Teach science/natural science to Key Stage 3 and specialist subject to GCSE and A-Level
• Successful graduates will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status
  

Course overview

The course will enable you to teach all aspects of secondary school Physics up to GCSE and A-Level and Mathematics to Key Stage 3 (age range 11-13).

The guiding philosophy of the course is that the university-based sessions are intended to support the students’ independent study. To succeed, students will be expected to be highly motivated independent learners with the commitment and enthusiasm to engage with a challenging subject in a short and intense period of time.

The taught modules cover the pedagogy of physics and mathematics as well as general classroom management skills taught by a team of experienced classroom practitioners. Trainees also participate in general cross subject lectures on professional development and developing reflective practice.

The professional development of the trainee is monitored and supported throughout the course. Trainees leave the course with an e-portfolio as well as a Career Entry and Development Profile (CEDP) and well developed reviewing and action planning skills that stand them in good stead for their professional career.Starting with a 3 week induction at University, trainees then spend 2 days per week at University and 3 days per week in their first placement from September to December and then 5 days per week from January to February, following which trainees will spend 4 weeks at University. The trainees then complete the course with a second full-time placement from March until June.
The course is 36 weeks long, with 24 of those spent in school, and is structured around 3 modules. Each module contributes to the development of the trainee as an effective practitioner.

Why study this course at LJMU?

If you want to experience teacher training at its best then look no further Liverpool John Moores University’s Faculty of Education, Community and Leisure. We are in the vanguard of new developments that are modernising the teaching profession and setting national models of best practice.

With over 100 years’ experience of teacher education and an education team led by highly qualified and respected academics, our Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE course) is perfectly placed to prepare you with the skills and qualities required to become a successful teacher.

Introduction to the School

The Faculty of Education, Community and Leisure delivers this course at the IM Marsh Campus. This is a green campus on the south side of the city with excellent views overlooking the River Mersey. The campus has a range of large and small teaching rooms, dance studios, laboratories, a food product development base, textile centre, in-service teacher training centre, traditional and all weather sports pitches and a gym. There are also many organised sporting activities (step aerobics, football etc.) available on campus for students.

There is also a Student Meeting Place incorporating the Student Union shop and cafeteria. The Rose Lane LJMU Accommodation provides local accommodation for postgraduate / mature students. A major food retailer, a good selection of local shops, restaurants, bars and pubs are within walking distance of the campus.

Staff research interests

• Use of context in science teaching;
• Role of subject knowledge in the development of trainee teachers;
• The role and nature of teachers as learners;
• The extent to which teaching and learning in ITT should model good practice;
• Mentoring in ITT;
• Pedagogy of Applied Mathematics;
• Use of Metaphor in the Construction of Examples
  

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is continuous throughout the course and includes academic components and the development of a portfolio of evidence of teaching practice.

What do past and present students say about the course?

"...not only does the course teach you the essentials needed to teach your subject, but also helps develop teaching techniques that are crucial to engage children of different ages...”

“…teaching on this module has been excellent and the tutor is very approachable: good classes, clear explanations given, engaging lectures…”

Entry requirements

You should hold, or be expected to achieve, at least a 2:2 Honours degree (or recongnised equivalent) with at least 50% content be in a relevant subject (this includes the majority of Engineering degrees) and have a minimum of 10 days working in a secondary school (in England or UK) environment prior to application.

Nationally, all secondary PGCE courses require GCSE qualifications at grade C (or the equivalent) in Mathematics and English language prior to the start of the course. LJMU provides GCSE Equivalence Tests – further information is available at www.ljmu.ac.uk/teaching/gcse.

Trainees starting the course from September 2013 will be required to pass the skills tests in Numeracy and Literacy before starting the course. Registering for the tests is available now and you are encouraged to take the tests as soon as possible. Further information can be found at: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/traininganddevelopment/professional/b00211200/registration

Please note that original evidence of GCSE achieved and degree (if already achieved) will be required at interview.

If you do not have a subject related degree but you have a Physics A-level (or equivalent), you may be required to do a one year subject knowledge enhancement course (subject to availability) prior to starting the PGCE. Please note: For applicants undertaking a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course, applicable fees and funding for subsequent Initial Teacher Training relates to the academic year their PGCE studies starts, not the year in which they enrolled on the SKE programme.

The desire to teach children/young people and an enthusiasm for your subject are essential requirements for teacher training.
The selection process also looks for applicants who demonstrate an interest and enthusiasm for the subject area and their ability to make this exciting and meaningful to young people in a range of contexts.

Relevant work experience and evidence of time spent working with young people is particularly important. In addition applicants will be asked to demonstrate their ability to work with others in teams and to manage people and projects.

Our selection and interview procedure involves partner schools and includes a written test.

An Enhanced CRB Disclosure check is a requirement of entry onto this course which involves working with children or vulnerable adults during placements. The University will pay the cost of Enhanced CRB Disclosure checks. Please contact us should you require any further information.
 
All offers made will be conditional on a satisfactory health check and all applicants will be required to complete a medical health questionnaire prior to the start of the course.

Application and Selection

All applications for PGCE courses must be made online through the GTTR www.gttr.ac.uk

University Codes

GTTR Code name: LJM
University Code Number: L51
GTTR Course Code: F3GX

If you need help or advice on your individual application, you should call the Customer Service Unit on 0871 468 0469 (or 0044 871 468 0469 from outside the UK), open Monday to Friday, 08:30-18:00 (UK time). Calls from BT landlines within the UK will cost no more than nine pence per minute. The cost of calls from mobiles and other networks may vary.

Will I be interviewed?

Fees information

For fees and bursary information please visit our Teaching Information Page.

Financial support

Funding for postgraduate Teacher Training

Home and EU students may be eligible for a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of tuition fees and may also be entitled to a tax free bursary from the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA). The size of the bursary depends on when you start training and what subject you train to teach.

A student maintenance loan may also be available to help towards accommodation and other living costs and may also be eligible for a non repayable maintenance grant. This grant will be means tested and you can apply through Student Finance England.

For more information please visit www.directgov.co.uk and www.tda.gov.uk

Home and EU students may be eligible for a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of tuition fees and may also be entitled to a tax free bursary from the Teaching Agency (TA). The size of the bursary depends on when you start training and what subject you train to teach.

The size of the bursary depends on when you start training and what subject you train to teach.

For alternative funding support please visit www.iop.org  

A student maintenance loan may also be available to help towards accommodation and other living costs and may also be eligible for a non repayable maintenance grant. This grant will be means tested and you can apply through Student Finance England.

How to apply

GTTR

LJMU's Admissions policy is in line with the University's Equal Opportunities Policy and applications are welcome from all candidates who fulfil the entry criteria. The university has a commitment to equality of opportunity and welcomes application from everyone regardless of age, disability, race or sex. The University is committed to widening participation and therefore will actively consider applicants who do not have a relevant degree but who are able to provide satisfactory evidence of their knowledge in the area. All applicants will be considered by the Recruitment and Selection Panel, if shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend for an interview.

International students

LJMU offers an extensive support system through its international office and study centre. An equivalence to the normal entry requirements is needed for entry. Students must also demonstrate a proficiency in communicating through English, for example with an IELTS tests or equivalent. Please note that because of UK visa restrictions, International students are only permitted to study on a full-time basis. Please contact LJMU’s International Team by visiting www.ljmu.ac.uk/international for more information and advice.

Further information

Please contact the Faculty of Education, Community and Leisure on:

tel: 0151 231 5340
fax: 0151 231 5379
email: Ecl-recruitment@ljmu.ac.uk

If you have any queries relating to LJMU or university life in general please contact:

Course Enquiries
Tel: +44(0)151 231 5090
Email: courses@ljmu.ac.uk
Web: www.ljmu.ac.uk

Employment and careers

Liverpool John Moores University’s World of Work Careers Centre offers a range of services to help you gain the skills experiences and confidence you will need to succeed as professionals after you graduate. As a postgraduate student our aim is to bring you closer to the world of work.

The Centre will support you in developing a variety of World of Work skills that are valued by employers and will help you stand out from the competition.

In addition to "Ready for Work", LJMU has worked with senior business leaders to identify a set of higher-level World of Work skills to give you an even greater competitive edge.

Successful graduates will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status and the majority of trainees gain employment within secondary schools, FE colleges or institutions providing cross-phase education. Many go on to receive responsibility allowances and other promotions.

LJMU have recently revalidated their PGCE programmes to include up to 60 Masters Level credits that graduates can use towards a Masters in Education (or similar).

LJMU offers a superb environment for postgraduate study and top level research.

Whether you are studying on a taught master's course or embarking on a research degree, LJMU offers you a supportive, flexible academic environment, well-structured programmes and round-the-clock access to extensive resources.

Our research environment is rated as 'world-leading' in a majority of our subjects and all of our postgraduate programmes are taught by academics actively involved in research or consultancy projects with business and industry.

It is this combination of academic expertise and 'real world' experience that ensures LJMU's courses have real currency with potential employers and why over 95% of our postgraduates are in work or further study six months after they graduate (HESA 2010).

We believe this expertise – coupled with world-class academic standards – 75% of LJMU's research is rated as internationally important – puts us in a league of our own.

To find out more about our postgraduate courses and research opportunities plus the range of facilities and support we offer, click on the links opposite.

Why Liverpool?

Liverpool is a fantastic student city, bursting with opportunities and lots of things to do: a legendary music scene that's bigger than just the Beatles, a city centre bursting with clubs, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes. Plus award-winning shopping facilities, museums, galleries and theatres, not to mention two Premier League football clubs, golf courses, beautiful parks and outstanding countryside a few miles up the motorway.

The city recently won Trip Advisor’s Best Nightlife Destination Award 2011, beating Manchester, London, Glasgow and Brighton. The city has also achieved Purple Flag accreditation, commending Liverpool as a safe place to enjoy a night out.

Liverpool is also a city that is very supportive of all the students who live, work and study in its universities. With such a warm and hospitable culture – Liverpool is the perfect 24-hour student city.