Secondary PGCE with QTS: Computer Science, PGCert

Welcome to the Swansea University Schools’ Partnership (SUSP/PYPA), an innovative collaboration of school and university-based staff working together to ensure that ‘Tomorrow’s Teachers’ have the skills and experience to make a difference to pupils in Wales. Well-qualified Computer Science teachers are in high demand across the UK. SUSP has developed an innovative Secondary Computer Science PGCE programme that is designed to provide new entrants to the teaching profession with confidence in their subject knowledge and in their understanding of how to teach it. This programme will prepare you to make a positive contribution to the learning communities you will be joining. SUSP’s Secondary Computer Science PGCE programme is underpinned by regional, national and international research. You will learn how to make Computer Science meaningful, interesting and fun and also how to analyse your own and your pupils’ development. SUSP’s integrated and rigorous PGCE programme will challenge you academically and professionally. The PGCE Computer Science programme aims to develop critical understanding of the nature of Computer Science and its position in the school curriculum. You will be encouraged to research and test your own approaches to Computer Science pedagogy to find those techniques that work best for you and for the pupils you teach. SUSP is committed to developing research-informed reflective practitioners who can demonstrate creativity and flexibility in their teaching so that learners develop their subject competence in an environment that cultivates enjoyment.

Applicants for the Secondary PGCE are required to have achieved the following prior to admission to the programme:

• An honours degree at a minimum of 2:2 in a relevant subject, or a related subject with at least 50% relevant subject content;
• Grade C GCSE in English/Welsh (students applying for the Welsh medium programme will be required to have a GCSE in Welsh);
• Grade C GCSE in Maths

The GCSE Grade C in English/Welsh and Mathematics are a requirement set by the Welsh Government.

All interviews will be held virtually (using Microsoft Teams) with a PGCE subject specialist through the medium of English or Welsh as desired. The format will consist of a short interview and professional discussion.

All PGCE students will complete a Digital Competence audit on enrolment and have digital competence training embedded into their PGCE programme of study.

All applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check. Applicants must not have been excluded from teaching or working with children nor be registered with the DBS as unfit for working with children or young persons (please see additional costs section).

All applicants must meet the requirements of the Education Health Standards (Wales) confirming their health and physical capacity to teach (please see additional costs section).

International applicants

Completing the PGCE programme in the UK does not provide ‘Leave to Remain’ status to work as a teacher within the UK. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the UK Visa and Immigration Service regulations and requirements that apply to study and post-study in the UK.

Successful completion of the Swansea University Schools Partnership Initial Teacher Education programme leads to (i) the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and (ii) a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status and registration with the Education Workforce Council for Wales. Applicants should consult with the relevant education service or government department to enquire if completion of a PGCE in a UK University will allow them to teach in their home country or any other country outside the UK.

Applicants typically require an overall IELTS (or equivalent) test score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (writing, reading, speaking and listening).

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