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PGCE Secondary Physics with Lead Programme Partners combines university-based learning with school-led training.

PGCE Secondary Physics with Lead Programme Partners will train you to teach Physics focusing on the 11-16 age range, learning to teach the National Curriculum for GCSE and A2-level study.

Successful completion leads to a postgraduate qualification and recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

You will follow a PGCE course structure, with a modified timetable that includes school-based learning through your Lead Programme Partner alliance.

The majority of the course focuses upon practical training in teaching and learning-related skills. You will enjoy extended periods of school experience, which will provide opportunities to work in a primary setting and to teach in at least two different secondary schools. In total, 25 weeks of your PGCE will be spent experiencing and working in different types of school.

During your placements, you will be supported by university tutors, trained school-based tutors and a nominated Lead Programme Partner representative.

The University maintains a quality assurance and training role throughout the course, while working with Lead Programme Partners across Greater Manchester to offer this school-led route into teaching. Lead Programme Partner schools recruit and select their own trainees using the University’s PGCE recruitment criteria and systems.

Many trainees gain employment in Lead Programme Partner schools after the course, although this is not guaranteed. Completion of the course leads to a postgraduate qualification and recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status.

You will:

• gain quality teaching experience in our partner schools and colleges;
• study current, challenging educational issues;
• receive careers planning and early professional development guidance and support from experienced tutors and mentors;
• receive opportunities for reflective practice and research.

• We have links with more than 200 schools, academies, and colleges, and you will benefit from significant school-based teaching experience.
• Our leading experts in education have trained more than 5,000 teachers in the last 15 years.
• Our students come from all over the globe and are from a variety of backgrounds - from recent graduates to mature learners.
• Our Ofsted (2024) inspection report noted that “through exceptional centre-and school-based training experiences, trainees are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills that they need to successfully develop and refine their classroom practice. Trainees across all routes thrive.
• Contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal for Quality Education by helping to expand access to high-quality learning and inspire future generations.

Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.

The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity. SEED will consider:

• changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
• a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
• changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
• changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
• the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
• the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
• where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
• where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.

We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.

The duty of students

Preparation, attendance and conduct

Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met. Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement.

It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor. Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.

Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or due to poor conduct, a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged.

The University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

The course is taught by the Manchester Institute of Education (MIE) with most PGCE University days based in the Ellen Wilkinson building, centrally located on the University's Oxford Road campus, close to the Main Library, Alan Gilbert Learning Commons, and the Students’ Union.