COURSE CURRICULUM

The PGCE Secondary English program at UEA offers a carefully balanced combination of university-based learning and practical teaching experience. Over the course of the year, trainees spend a minimum of 120 days on school placement and 60 days in structured learning at the Norwich campus. The program begins with workshops, seminars, and lectures designed to build confidence and classroom skills. While there are opportunities to collaborate with trainees from other subjects, most university time is spent within the English group, focusing on subject-specific pedagogy. English seminars explore a wide range of themes, including literacy, spoken language, reading, writing, and the use of young adult fiction in teaching. Trainees are introduced to curriculum design that supports creativity, diversity, and academic progress, and are encouraged to develop their own teaching resources. Placements take place in two different schools, carefully selected based on the trainee’s home address and individual circumstances, to provide a range of contrasting experiences. Throughout the placements, trainees are supported by a mentor who provides both subject-specific and pastoral guidance. Weekly targets are set to support progress towards meeting the Teachers’ Standards. Between placements, trainees return to UEA to reflect on their school experiences and further develop their understanding of teaching and learning theory. The program includes four compulsory modules: Secondary Years QTS, which focuses on practical teaching experience; Curriculum, which allows reflection on first placement; Reflective Project in Education, which encourages independent investigation of a topic relevant to education; and Learning, which explores pedagogy in depth. Overall, the course is designed to help trainees develop their own teaching style, understand how students learn, and gain the skills needed to make English engaging and inclusive. It supports a smooth transition into a successful teaching career.