COURSE CURRICULUM

The PGCE Secondary Geography program at UEA is structured to offer a well-rounded blend of academic study and hands-on experience in schools. Over the course of a year, trainees spend a minimum of 120 days in school placements and 60 days engaged in university-based learning on the Norwich campus. The program begins with workshops, seminars, and lectures designed to equip students with essential teaching skills and confidence before entering the classroom. Most university-based learning takes place within the geography subject group, allowing students to explore subject-specific pedagogy in depth and work alongside like-minded peers. Supported by a Subject Lead with significant secondary teaching experience, students dive into seminars that tackle the purpose and power of geographical knowledge, teaching about people, places, and sustainability, and encouraging critical thinking and discussion of controversial issues. Trainees also explore digital tools such as GIS to enrich learning and develop inclusive teaching strategies for students with SEND and EAL needs. The school placements are carefully selected to provide contrasting experiences, offering insight into various educational settings and supporting informed decisions about future employment. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to reflect on their school experiences, building connections between theory and practice. The curriculum includes four compulsory modules: Secondary Years QTS, which supports teaching standards through targeted, mentored school experience; Curriculum, which involves analysis and reflection on subject-specific teaching practices; Reflective Project in Education, offering opportunities to research wider aspects of education; and Learning, which focuses on classroom pedagogy. This combination ensures that trainees graduate with a strong foundation in effective teaching practices, critical evaluation skills, and readiness for professional development. The structure of the program ensures that by the end, students are well-prepared not only to teach effectively but to contribute meaningfully to the broader school community.