PGCE Secondary - Geography

Durham University

The course introduces you to the range and scope of Geography as a curriculum subject across the 11-16 age range. Developing subject knowledge and pedagogical skills, you will examine the techniques employed by the most experienced teachers to make geography accessible and stimulating to pupils of all backgrounds.

You will learn to support young learners to think critically about the world around them while also exploring inventive ways to build their knowledge and understanding of crucial geography concepts, including space and place, how human life is affected by the environment and, increasingly, how human activity affects the environment.

Successful completion of the PGCE leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education awarded by Durham University and the recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. The QTS element is accredited by Newcastle University and awarded by the Department of Education.

We pride ourselves on offering a well-planned blend of research and experience in the classroom to start you on your successful career as an Early Career Teacher. We emphasise your entitlement to the Core Content Framework throughout our PGCE course to fully prepare you for the Early Career Framework, which will support you during your first two years of teaching as an Early Career Teacher.

The University-based sessions focus on a weekly specific pedagogical theme, integrated with sessions devoted to your subject specialism, delivered by subject specialists in the University and the school partnership.

The Professional Studies sessions explore your understanding of critical concepts and classroom practice, allowing you to reflect on your teacher identity and progress as a developing teacher.