PGCE Early Years Education
GTTR code X121
Full-time
This course is subject to reapproval
Location • City Campus
Subject area • Teacher education
Related subjects • Education studies
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A trainee teacher, mentor coordinator and headteacher at one of our placement schools talk about their experiences of work placements.
Read what our students have to say about this course
This course equips those graduates with a good honours degree with the skills needed for the demanding task of teaching in nursery and infant schools. It develops the knowledge, skills and enthusiasm you need to motivate young children’s learning.
You study the core subjects of • English • mathematics • science • information and communication technology. You also learn the foundation stage subjects and curriculum. As part of the course you gain credit towards a masters qualification.
Much of your expertise is built through your school and nursery placements, supported by University-based learning. Your first placement is in Key Stage 1. It begins with two preparation days followed by an observation week, culminating in a six week block placement.
The second placement is in a foundation stage setting with observation and preparation days, followed by a nine week block placement.
We offer the course in partnership with local and regional primary, infant and nursery schools. These play a key role in teaching and assessment, particularly in relation to your professional competence.
Related courses
Full-time – one year
All applications must be made through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR). Apply on-line at www.gttr.ac.uk or phone 0871 468 0 469.
2013/14 academic year
Typically £9,000 for the course
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/funding
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,980 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees, scholarships and bursaries see www.shu.ac.uk/international/fees
Your academic work is assessed by written coursework assignments. Your teaching is assessed in schools and by school based mentors. You record evidence of your progress towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in a professional development portfolio.
This course is assessed at masters level and we expect most students to achieve this. However, some students may not attain this level of academic work. These students may be awarded a Professional Certificate in Education, provided they have passed all elements of the course at undergraduate level, and have met all the standards for QTS.
You develop the knowledge, skills and enthusiasm you need to motivate young children’s learning.
Amy Bagnell (2:39)
Amy talks about the types of support that we provide for you on teaching placements.
Zara Rowley (1:06)
One of our trainee primary school teachers talks about being on placement.
Beccy Buck (1:12)
Beccy, one of our mentor co-ordinators, talks about what it takes to make a great primary school teacher
More videos
Amy Bagnell (2:39)
Amy talks about the types of support that we provide for you on teaching placements.
Zara Rowley (1:06)
One of our trainee primary school teachers talks about being on placement.
Beccy Buck (1:12)
Beccy, one of our mentor co-ordinators, talks about what it takes to make a great primary school teacher
Daniel Faben
Graduate, PGCE Early Years Education
'After University I worked in a primary school cover teaching PE. I wasn't sure whether to go into primary or PE teaching, but after three years, I knew that I'd love to have my own class and work with primary age children as you get so much back.
'The main reason I chose early years is because I really enjoyed working with the foundation stage. Plus it's a good basis to learn how children learn, and this can be transferred right across the primary age range. I really enjoy setting up opportunities in continuous provision allowing the children to learn through play – something else that's transferable across the primary age range.
'Sheffield Hallam had a very good reputation for producing good quality teachers. And many of the teachers I worked with were Hallam graduates who enjoyed the experience and said it equipped them well.
'The course is hard work, but very enjoyable. The staff are very supportive – if you ask them anything they'll go out their way to help you. And they're very knowledgeable about good practice which you can learn and use on placement.
'I really enjoyed my placement. I felt well supported, and it was great to finally apply all the theory I had learnt at University and to see it really working in action.
'After I qualify I hope to become a teacher in early years in a school where I can put into practice all the best practice I've learnt. Hopefully in a school which allows me to keep up my interest in sport.'
Profiles
Daniel Faben
Graduate, PGCE Early Years Education
