Post Graduate Certificate in Post Compulsory Education & Training (full time)

The Post Graduate Certificate in Post-Compulsory Education & Training is an accepted qualification necessary for gaining Qualified Teacher Status in the Learning and Skills Sector (QTLS). It is a one-year full-time course offered by Gloucestershire College and validated by the University of Gloucestershire. The course is also available on a part time basis delivered over two years. The course is part of the Continuing Professional Development programme and gives credits towards further qualifications. The course links directly to the professional standards for the Lifelong Learning Sector (LLUK) standards. Modules to be delivered will be: *Advanced Planning and Enabling Learning and Assessment (Module Code: PI6002) *The Professional Practice of Teaching (Module Code: PI6003) *The Advanced Professional Practice of Teaching (Module Code: PI7004) *Undertaking Curriculum Research in the LLL Sector (Module Code: PI7005) The pattern of programme delivery includes: * Directed study * Independent study * Research activities * Reading * Tutor observations * Peer observations * Mentor observations Course aims - 1. The course aims to encourage an integrated and holistic view of the lifelong learning sector, enabling a comprehensive critical consideration of diverse learner, curriculum, institutional and tutor needs. 2. The course aims to inspire and facilitate the development of outstanding and transformational teaching and training practice in the lifelong learning sector. 3. The course aims to foster and support a collaborative and collegiate approach to the development of initial teacher training for the lifelong learning sector and support trainees in effective, structured and critically informed personal and professional development. 4. The course aims to equip trainees with the necessary skills and aptitudes to fulfil a full tutoring role within the lifelong learning sector, aspiring to excellence and career enhancement in the professional practice of teaching. 5. The course aims to encourage and facilitate highly effective critical reflection and enable trainees to engage in critically considered continuous professional improvement. 6. The course aims to facilitate valid and reliable action research projects with a view to encouraging the continuous use of highly developed research methodologies in the planned and enacted professional improvement of trainees.

These awards qualify you to teach students above the minimum school-leaving age and students between 14 - 16 who attend programmes delivered by FE colleges or other training providers. Please note that these awards are not currently acceptable for school teaching but with the acquisition of QTLS after certification parity with QTS is widely recognised in many subject areas The University does expect you to attend formal classroom sessions and to undertake a programme of directed and independent study subsequent to the delivery of the taught element and in preparation for the assignment. In all, you must be able to make about 10 hours a week available for your studies if studying Part-time and 20 hours a week if studying Full-time. It is advisable for candidates to be confident with E-Learning and have access to the internet. It is expected that candidates will make full use of on-line resources at both Gloucestershire College and University of Gloucestershire to support their studies. Facilities are available within the University to Gloucestershire College students. For further information, please contact the Initial Teacher Training Administrator on 01242 532106.

The award is open to both in-service and pre-service trainees in the Lifelong Learning Sector, including part-time and fractional tutors, provided that they are in a position to teach 100 hours for the practical teaching modules during the normal study span. Candidates are expected to have a full undergraduate degree at a minimum of a 2:1 classification. Candidates must have a minimum of level 3 qualification in their specialist teaching subject or equivalent professional experience and a full undergraduate degree. They must also be able to evidence Level 2 literacy and numeracy and Level 1 ICT with the expectation to work towards level 2. Candidates must be able to provide a mentor who can guide them within their specialist subject area. Guidance and support in the appointment of mentors is available although this may incur additional fees. 'Accredited Learning' can count towards your award if you have gained qualifications in post-16 teacher education during the last five years. For example, if you have successfully completed PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector) you will be exempt from part of the first module of the course. Fees are currently £6000. Payment of fees will be advised during the enrolment process. For information about government grants explore the Direct.gov/education and learning website Applicants who receive sponsorship, e.g. Gloucestershire College staff receiving Training and Development support, should have their sponsorship agreed in writing before commencing the course.

Career enhancement. Credits gained can be put towards achieving Postgraduate Diploma or Masters degree in education.

"Weiching joined the intensive Post Graduate course as a 'Trainee Lecturer in Maths'. During the course she was appointed as a permanent member of staff and informed the Ofsted Science and Maths Inspector during their 2013 visit that Gloucestershire College was the "best place to train to be a teacher"."

Please contact the College on 0845 155 2020 for further details