Secondary English with Drama – PGCE

Why study this course?

This Secondary English with Drama course will train you to teach 11 to 16-year-olds and, by arrangement, can also give you additional experience in the post-16 age group. It is run collaboratively with the English and Media Centre (EMC), an award-winning educational charity. EMC tutors will provide you with support throughout the course, drawing on their extensive experience of consultancy for schools and running Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for teachers. 

You’ll also have a dedicated drama specialist tutor, who will support your development as a school practitioner, adept at working within the many varied contexts offered in the world of drama in education.

More about this course

Through this course you’ll learn how to work flexibly and creatively in the classroom and drama studio, inspiring pupils with a love of arts and literature and giving them the vital skills to communicate effectively.

You’ll learn how to promote high standards of language and literacy, developing a strong command of the spoken and written word. The skills you’ll learn on this course will enable your pupils to develop their creativity and powers of expression.

This exciting course leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the academic PGCE qualification, which is worth up to 60 credits at master’s level. The course benefits hugely from our London location and will broaden your understanding of teaching in diverse and urban environments.

Through study, discussion and teaching you’ll develop an understanding of how children learn and the methods you can use to help them develop effective English and drama skills.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.

Modular structure

The English with Drama course is a blend of taught sessions at the University and school-based training. The course includes lectures, seminar sessions, workshops, educational visits, face-to-face discussions and on-line interactions. You’ll also have individual meetings with your personal group tutor to review progress and set personalised targets.

Modules in Year 1 include:

• Curriculum Studies (CS) is a taught module, assessed by a synoptic essay. Curriculum Studies is where you’ll learn about the specific requirements and methods of teaching in your subject or phase.
• Professional and Inclusive Practice (PIP) is the second taught module, assessed by an Education Research Project, which you’ll undertake towards the end of the course.
• School Experience A is a school-based placement, which introduces you to the practicalities of teaching in a secondary school environment. It runs from October to December and is assessed on your progress towards meeting the Teacher Standards.
• School Experience B is the second school-based placement, in a different setting, during which you’ll hone the skills and attributes necessary to succeed in the classroom. It runs from late January to the end of May, including a two-week window for the completion of the Research Project. It is assessed on your ability to meet the Teacher Standards.

Where this course can take you

Most of our trainees go on to take up roles in schools as Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) including with many of our partner schools or in their placement schools.

Graduates of our PGCE training courses are spread across the educational world, in many cases reaching positions of leadership including Head teachers and advisors