PGCE Secondary Religious Education
| Course length: | 1 year full-time |
| Course type: | PGCE Secondary (QTS) |
| Entry requirements: | A good Honours degree (2:2 or above) of which Theology or an R.E related subject forms part, or a recognised equivalent qualification. For full entry requirements please see our admission requirements page. |
| Qualification: | PGCE |
| Subject Area: | Teacher Training |
| Apply via: | |
| Fees: |
2013/14: £8,700 |
| Course code: | V6X1 |
| Contact: | Contact for admissions enquiries: AdmissionsTel: 0121 476 1181 (Ext. 2437) Email: admissions@newman.ac.uk Contact for course content enquiries: Carol Veale (PGCE RE Co-Ordinator) Tel: 0121 476 1181 (Ext. 2387) Email: info.pgcere@newman.ac.uk |
This PGCE course prepares you to teach secondary Religious Education in a variety of school settings, including Roman Catholic faith schools and other Local Authority secondary schools. Newman has excellent links with Birmingham’s faith communities and the course includes study visits to a variety of places of worship including synagogues, churches, mosques, temples, gurdwaras and pagodas.
During your studies you will be introduced to current debates and practices within Religious Education, as well as those issues relating to the promotion of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all pupils.
PGCE Secondary courses are very popular and can become full very quickly. Candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible. The GTTR will accept applications from October 2012 for courses starting in 2013.
School Experience
The structure of the PGCE Secondary Religious Education programme includes 10 weeks study at Newman and 24 weeks of school-based training. This focuses on an introduction to secondary teaching, developing standards through partnership school experience and extending and developing your professional skills. Although most students embark on a career in teaching, previous students have also gone on to work in retreat centres or within multi-faith in-service training. In addition to enhancing your subject knowledge, the course will develop your practical teaching skills to meet the standards for qualified teacher status (QTS) and will improve your ability to demonstrate a range of key skills.
One of the best features of studying this course at Newman is the high level of tutor support it offers. You may also have the option to study for the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS), which enables you to teach in Catholic schools.
Teaching Methods and Assessment
A variety of teaching methods are used, including off-site teaching, study visits, seminars, lectures and visiting experts in related fields of RE. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, seminar preparation, school-based reports, teaching files and appraisal of practical teaching skills.
"[The students] felt that the preparation for school experience one was very good and that this calmed the anxieties they had about embarking on their first experience of teaching."
External Examiner
An Introduction to Secondary School Teaching
Learning and Teaching in Religious Education
School Experience One
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education
Whole School Issues in the Secondary School
Developing the Standards through Partnership:
School Experience Two (Triple Module)
Becoming a More Effective of Teacher of Religious Education
Developing Professional Standards Through Focus Weeks
These modules may be subject to change.
"I chose to take a PGCE course at Newman as it was recommended to me by a neighbour, who completed a three year primary teaching course at Newman and was impressed with the support that she received from the staff.
Newman has exceeded my expectations my tutor has a firm yet friendly attitude to the teaching profession which I react well to. The support is very good and you know that there is help with any situation. I think it helps to be told the truth about what we are getting into and we are suitably prepared. My tutor does an amazing job at pushing us and she truly cares about how successful we become.
Balancing is not easy. You are warned about the workload in the interview for the course but nobody can properly prepare you for it. If you aren’t working every available night or weekend, you are not working hard enough. Teaching consumes you, so to go into this career you have to be dedicated to it, otherwise you are wasting your time.
I intend to apply for a job locally so that I can complete my NQT year and continue my learning. In a few years I intend to either work my way into a management/pastoral role or to move abroad with my qualification and teach.
I haven’t had to worry about finding work and getting money to support the course due to the bursary that we receive. This means that I can concentrate on my studies and not worry about paying the bills. I think that this takes a lot of the stress off and leaves you to worry about the PGCE which is enough stress!"
Lauren Clarke
PGCE Secondary RE student
"My time at Newman has been extremely fulfilling and I enjoy learning in a rapidly growing institution as it provides more of a community atmosphere. I have found the course itself is challenging as there are always discussions about the latest topics which will affect us as new teachers.
Coming from a large university it is a refreshing change to have lectures where the groups are smaller and your opinion can be heard in a forum which is always ready to listen. I chose Newman’s PGCE RE course as it has an outstanding reputation within the teaching community not only for success but the high standards which are expected of its students.
My experience has definitely been one of an extremely high standard which I feel has added to the whole experience. What I really admire about Newman is that the tutors are always available to help and there is the chance to develop a strong bond which I feel is imperative when undertaking your PGCE."
Lyndsey Moore
PGCE Secondary RE Student
