Guide to the PGCE – How to Survive and Thrive
Teaching is among the noblest professions in the world, and it’s not something you can just waltz into any time you want. It takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice to gain the right qualifications and become recognized as one of the nation’s many fine educators. For many, it means passing through the PGCE.
In this new article series, we will be offering advice to any prospective teachers thinking about or just about to embark on their PGCE adventure. Our articles will focus on the various ways candidates can not just survive their PGCE year, but thrive in it.
A Quick Introduction to the PGCE
To gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), many aspiring educators in the UK go through the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE, known as the PGDE in Scotland). For most, the PGCE is an intensive full-time course of theory and practical work experience covering a period of 12 months. That period extends to two years for those who take on the course part time.
Broadly speaking, the PGCE can be divided into three main types: Primary, Secondary and Further/Adult Education. Admission to the PGCE can be competitive depending on which subject in which you wish to specialise. Some courses like maths, physics and foreign languages are experiencing shortages of teacher applicants, so those can be easier to access.
What advice do we give to PGCE candidates?
It goes without saying that the PGCE year is not an easy one. Anyone going through it would benefit from some tips and strategies, and that’s what you’ll find below:
Don’t miss the series
In an eight-part series of follow-up pieces, we will explore each of the above aspects in more detail and share with you our insights into being a happy, successful and thriving PGCE candidate. The journey to the NQT year is short in time, but resplendent with experiences and lessons.
Finally, don’t forget that finishing your PGCE is actually just the very beginning of a long and fulfilling career in the dynamic and exciting world of education.
