• A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, with a minimum of 50% content in an appropriate modern foreign language. Alternatively, native speakers of foreign languages require excellent communication skills in English.
• A second language to A level (or equivalent standard) in French, German or Spanish. Applicants offering only one foreign language are able to complete an intensive Enhancement Course in French or Spanish in order to achieve sufficient competence to teach a second language accurately and confidently at secondary level to at least Key Stage 3.
• GCSE Mathematics and English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, or equivalent.

The PGCE course has three interconnected strands: Curriculum Studies, Professional Studies and School Experience. The knowledge and understanding you acquire at the University are then put into practice and built on with teaching experience in schools. On the course you will:

• Develop your teaching skills through the study of theories and contemporary issues in education and through practical activity.
• Share your experience and learn from other students through lectures and seminars
• Learn key teaching skills, including lesson planning, classroom management and special needs and inclusion.
• Develop your subject-based knowledge
• Get work experience on teaching placements in schools, where you’ll work closely with mentors and other school staff.
• Study a range of topics including pedagogy and practice-based research

Once you graduate, you’ll be ready to start your teaching career. Over 90 per cent of Portsmouth PGCE graduates go into full-time teaching, and once you’re an established teaching professional, you’ll have opportunities for further career progression in roles including year head and subject leader.

Our PGCE degree course is an accredited qualification and once you graduate, you’ll be eligible for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). QTS is awarded by the Teacher Regulation Agency (TRA) to identify that a person meets all the Teachers’ Standards and criteria. QTS is required in England to teach in a state school that is under local authority control and in special schools. QTS is also recognised in some countries outside England and Wales.

The assessments that you’ll complete on this course are designed to ensure that you meet the Standards for Qualifying to Teach.

In each term you’ll be assessed through:

• The development of your teaching skills
• A formal assignment
• An interview in which you’ll demonstrate the evidence collected towards the standards including your subject knowledge

Throughout the course, you’ll also collate a portfolio of evidence based on schoolwork, observations of teaching, tasks and assignments.

Our PGCE course lasts 36 weeks, between September and June. One third of your time will be spent in University-based sessions, and you’ll spend the rest of your time on the course working in at least two of our partner schools.

Most University-based teaching takes place during the day on Fridays, though during the first few weeks of the course you are on campus every day. Generally, Monday-Thursday is spent at your placement school.

You’ll get support face to face, in one to one tutorials, in sessions and on zoom from teaching and support staff when you need it. These include the following people and services:

Personal tutor and school-based mentors

Your personal tutor is your PGCE course leader, Tanya Riordan. She will give you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

You also get 2 school-based mentors when you’re on placement. Your professional mentor oversees your professional development and offers training and support on issues related to the Teachers’ Standards. Your subject mentor works with you day-to-day. They provide subject-specific feedback and support you with lesson planning and enhancing your knowledge of the subject you teach.

Occupational Health

You’ll get occupational health support for your physical, mental and social well-being when you’re on placement. If you need more specialist support, we can arrange a referral on your behalf to the Occupational Health Service. We also have a student engagement officer who is always available for a chat and can signpost you to the services you might need.

Learning Development Tutors

You’ll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

• improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
• delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
• understanding and using assignment feedback
• managing your time and workload
• revision and exam techniques

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

Library Support

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

You apply for a secondary PGCE course through the Department for Education. You’ll need the DfE training code for your chosen subject: