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This Geography PGCE course combines the development of professional skills needed to teach the subject together with knowledge of contemporary issues in geographical education.
- This programme is rated 'outstanding' by the government (OFSTED)
- Gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 60 Master’s degree credits
- 100% of 2019/20 PGCE Secondary Geography trainees have successfully secured teaching positions
- Strong links with both Geographical Association (GA) and Royal Geographical Society (RGS)
- Varied and dynamic fieldwork opportunities including both residential and local visits organised in association with the Field Studies Council
- Strong 'Geography Community' developed with local partnership schools, as identified by external examiner in latest subject report
Why study Secondary Geography?
Our Geography PGCE course aims to prepare you with the practical skills needed to help foster the 'geographical imagination' of young people. This is achieved by teaching this vibrant and exciting subject in an innovative way to support pupil learning. In addition, it explores current debates and research to help understand the purpose of teaching geography and support trainees in their school placements.
Through critical reflection the programme makes links with literacy, citizenship and sustainability, highlighting the importance of geography in helping young people to become more informed global citizens. Geography PGCE trainees are assessed on their ability to teach pupils in the 11-16 age range, but opportunities for A Level teaching is also included in the programme as appropriate.
Why St Mary's?
The Geography PGCE programme covers all aspects of geography teaching with an emphasis on developing an enquiry approach to learning using fieldwork and GIS (Geographical Information Systems) to support practical activities and strategies for use in the contemporary classroom. Trainees will be encouraged to use a range of techniques and approaches creatively to teach a wide variety of geographical topics.
Key features include an emphasis on developing the professional skills needed to teach geography in the classroom. The programme covers the theoretical knowledge needed as well as the more practical understanding of contemporary issues in geography education to support curriculum planning to ensure effective learning for all students in the 11–16 age range.
The course focuses on a range of pedagogical content knowledge including the development of fieldwork skills which is undertaken in both London and Somerset. The experienced geography tutor works in close partnership with trainees, the PGCE secondary team and the placement schools, with former St Mary's trainees often becoming School Mentors themselves.
If you wish to study for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies you will be able to complete several of the modules during your PGCE year. This certificate is often a requirement for teaching in a Catholic school.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Our PGCE programmes include Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 60 Master’s degree credits. A large part of the programme is spent in assessed school placements that our School Partnership team will arrange for you, based on your home residential address.
QTS is required to teach in all state-maintained schools in England.
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Upcoming open days and webinars
We'll be running events for you to find out more about Secondary Geography PGCE on the following dates:
Wednesday 22nd February 2023, 7pm
Online Open Evening: Secondary PGCE with Subject Tutors registration
Course lead
Clive Woolger
Senior Lecturer - Secondary PGCE Admissions Tutor