This course combines teaching practice in a range of secondary school settings with an in-depth and engaging academic programme of study. Working with colleagues from School Direct Computer Science programmes, students will experience a range of subject knowledge development activities and participate in active learning activities, working collaboratively to develop a deep understanding of the Computing curriculum for Key Stages 3-5.

This PGCE course has been designed to train teachers to practise as a subject specialist teacher for the secondary age range (11-16). Trainees are assessed against the standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) across the age range. Trainees will also often gain experience of the 16-18 age range, although they will not be formally assessed in this phase.

This course is active and practical, allowing trainees to develop professional competence through work undertaken in schools and in the University. Trainees work with young people, develop their expertise in their specialist subject area, share and discuss educational issues and study relevant educational research.

As a trainee teacher, students will complete a minimum of 120 days in school on placement practice. This will take place in at least two contrasting schools, in blocks of no less than six weeks, during which time they will be expected to demonstrate effective progress in their own practice and have a positive impact on pupil progress over time.