Computer Science with ICT PGCE

The PGCE in Computer Science with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has three key aims. Firstly, we will support you in developing the skills you need to become an effective classroom teacher of computing and ICT. Secondly, we will offer you the opportunity to prepare for early career advancement. Thirdly, we will help you to develop your skills in e-learning and the wider use of educational technologies, which are becoming central to the teacher's role.

The course will explore the emerging curriculum for computing and ICT and how the subject is developing in schools. You will have an opportunity to teach in two schools and experience a range of courses such as GCSE Computing, GCSE ICT and you will also undertake work around A level ICT and computing courses.

We aim to provide a forward-looking programme which combines teaching experience with practical workshops based at the IOE. You will address issues such as classroom management, lesson planning, assessment and the development and use of e-learning tools, alongside a range of more general professional issues.

The PGCE is strongly focused on collaborative learning, and we encourage you to contribute to the collective course experience. The diversity of age, experience, gender and ethnicity among Computing and ICT PGCE students provides a valuable resource as students work together to learn about teaching in our placement schools. Course tutors have many years of experience as teachers, managers and advisers in London schools, and as active researchers in computing and ICT education. Course staff are actively engaged in the development of the new computing curriculum and in developing school based practice.

Features

This programme has been designed to enable all students to demonstrate that they have met the standards across Key Stages 3 and 4 (11–16 age range Qualified Teacher Status).

Wherever possible, we provide opportunities for trainees to gain experience at Key Stage 5 (post-16 age range), even where their qualification is for 11 to 16 teaching.

Attendance

In your placement schools or colleges, your responsibilities will be equivalent to those of a serving teacher, but on a reduced timetable. The working day starts at approximately 8.30am and ends at 5.00pm. Sometimes it is shorter, but you will need to plan your life to reflect the demands of the school day and the school term dates, which may not be the same as the published IOE term dates.

Days spent at the Institute include keynote lectures, subject lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and directed study days. In addition, time in the evenings and at weekends is needed for further study and planning.

Assessment

You will be assessed in two ways:

• on your practical teaching and your progress in achieving the standards for Qualified Teacher Status.
• on assignments, portfolio tasks and, for some subjects, practical projects.

We will monitor your progress throughout the PGCE, and you will record this in a Career Entry and Development Profile statement. This will form part of a portfolio that links into the induction year (your first year of teaching) and your continuing professional development.

Subject entry requirements

You should have a first degree at 2:2 or above in a computing or an ICT-related subject. This covers a broad range of courses including computing, business ICT and multimedia. We may also consider you if your degree is not in computing/ICT, but if you have considerable practical computing/ICT knowledge and experience of ICT training or teaching. A general basic knowledge of ICT applications is not sufficient.

Applications from candidates who have recent experience of working with children and young people in a formal context, or who have undertaken a period of observation in a secondary ICT/computing department are particularly welcome. Such experience might include working as a teaching assistant, a school ICT technician, a youth worker, a school mentor or taking part in organised activities such as sports clubs or organisations such as Girl Guides or Scouts.

Where do our students go?

Computer Science and ICT PGCE graduates are currently working as:

• ICT teachers
• computing teachers
• heads of department
• senior leaders in schools.