The PGCE Primary (Lead Partners) at the University of Leicester offers you a comprehensive route to becoming a qualified primary school teacher, focusing on developing your pedagogical understanding and practical classroom skills. This postgraduate certificate is designed for aspiring educators who are passionate about shaping young minds and are ready to engage with the complexities of teaching across the Primary National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage. You will explore essential elements such as planning, teaching, assessment, and classroom management, all grounded in the Teachers’ Standards, preparing you for the diverse demands of the modern classroom.
This full-time, on-campus PGCE is delivered over one year, integrating taught strands with extensive, practical school placements. You will experience three contrasting placements within the University's extensive partnership of over 200 primary schools, gaining invaluable hands-on experience observing and working alongside experienced mentors. Throughout the course, you will develop your ability to reflect critically on practice, engage with research, and undertake specialist studies, culminating in the award of a PGCE and meeting the required professional standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).