PGCE Primary
The PGCE Primary Programme is based in the School of Education at the University of Manchester and is supported by a partnership that includes over 100 schools in the Greater Manchester area. The programme offers the full range of experiences required for Qualified Teacher Status.
"I look forward to having trainees because they always have new ideas and a fresh approach. It is also good to see my class working with another teacher."Comment from an accredited mentor.
The schools are all welcoming to trainees and committed to providing the breadth of high quality teaching experience necessary for teacher trainees. Trained primary classteachers act as accredited tutors to the trainees providing support and training at an individual level in the classroom.
The partnership is committed to the highest possible standard of training for all trainees and thus the education of the children in their classes.
The Primary PGCE now runs a Modern Languages Specialism in French, German and Spanish. Please click on the link in the left-hand menu for more information.
Programme Advisory Committee
The Primary PGCE has a long tradition of partnership with local schools. One important aspect of the partnership in the Programme Advisory Committee which meets once per term and which takes a leading role in quality assurance and review on the course. Membership includes partnership teachers, headteachers, students, NQTs, the University tutors and other members of the Department.
OfSTED
In 2011 Ofsted summarised some of the strengths of the Primary PGCE as:
"the pervasive collegiality and 'can-do' ethos which bring out trainees' enthusiasm, their willingness to work hard, their wish to improve and to reflect on their own performance honestly and realistically."
"the highly effective provision to develop trainees' subject knowledge alongside their knowledge of how to teach it."
"the wide range of school-based experiences and the tailored use of practitioners and expertise from within the partnership to plan and deliver training."
"the regular auditing of trainees' progress and their views, with a timely response to identified needs so that trainees benefit quickly from improvements and amendments."