Secondary Computing (11-16)

To join this PGCE, you will be expected to have:

• A degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject. Other subjects may be considered if you have a relevant A Level (or equivalent qualification) and a willingness to engage in subject knowledge enhancement
• GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent qualification)
• Satisfactory levels of Information and Communications Technology competence
• A commitment to, and understanding of, secondary education, demonstrating the personal attributes, values and motivation required to train as a teacher.

Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics.

An interview forms part of the selection process.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to meet the Department for Education’s standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and clearance to work with children. Further information, including a Declaration of Health questionnaire and details of how to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Young people are growing up in a world where digital literacy is vital in all aspects of their lives. Starting to learn these skills at school is essential to set them up for success, whatever they decide to do in the future.

With a new focus on the subject in schools and a resurgent interest in computer technology like the Raspberry Pi and Codebug, there’s no better time to train as a teacher of computing. You’ll learn to teach all aspects of computing, from computer science and digital literacy to information technology. And you’ll get to use the latest specialist software and tools.

How do you create a lesson plan to inspire and motivate your pupils? What are the current challenges in secondary education? How do you pass on your computer science expertise – and continue to grow that knowledge throughout your career? You’ll explore a range of questions to help you become the best teacher you can be.

Learn to lead in the classroom

You’ll develop your reflective and analytical skills, as well as boosting your own subject knowledge. To prepare for teaching computing at key stage 3 and 4, you’ll also get lots of hands-on experience in the classroom.

During your placement, you’ll work alongside your computing tutor and school-based mentor. They’ll help you apply your university learning to your own teaching and be there for you whenever you need support.

Successful completion of the programme leads to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Subject knowledge enhancement

If you need to develop your computing subject knowledge or it has been some time since you last studied computing, then our free subject knowledge enhancement course will prepare you for teaching the conceptual and applied aspects of computing effectively to learners aged 11-16 years.