The Primary (3-7) PGCE programme leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE from Bath Spa University. It is a 37 week, full-time course for those who wish to specialise in teaching children aged 3 to 7. The Primary (3-7) PGCE programme is practical and school-led, and seeks to develop your understanding of how you can help children learn.
- Course Length: 1 Year
- Start Date: September 2025
Key features of the PCP Primary (3-7) PGCE programme:
- A 37 week course, with the opportunity to learn from outstanding classroom teachers and early years practitioners
- A carefully designed course that blends central training with school-based, hands-on learning
- 4 days a week in school; 1 day a week training
- Train to teach pupils aged 3 – 7
- Ofsted Outstanding since 2011
School-based Training:
The Primary (3-7) PGCE course is school-centred, meaning the majority of your time will be spent in schools. You will have the opportunity to teach in Key Stage 1 and Early Years / Foundation Stage.
School-based training is supervised by a school mentor, usually the class teacher, who guides trainees as they put into practice the techniques and knowledge learned during central training session. Initially trainees work alongside their mentor. As trainees develop their skills, they are supported to take on greater independence and responsibility for whole class teaching including planning, teaching and assessing. Mentors meet with trainees on a weekly basis to provide feedback, offer support, and set achievable development goals.
Trainees are also allocated a SCITT link tutor, who quality assures the school-based training and provides additional support and advice. PCP mentors and link tutors are chosen for their professional expertise and undertake yearly professional development to ensure PCP trainees receive high quality training.
Centre-based Training:
Weekly SCITT central training session are help in Southampton. Workshops and seminars are led by experienced education professionals and senior leaders. Subject sessions cover the core curriculum areas of English, Maths and Science and introduce the full range of non-core subjects including ICT, Art, Geography and Religious Education. Professional Studies sessions draw on up-to-date research to progressively build on trainees’ understanding of the theory and practice of teaching and learning. Particular importance is placed on subject knowledge for teaching and high-quality teaching practices that support strong pupil progress.
Assessment:
Assessment opportunities support trainees in meeting the summative assessment of mastery of the Teachers’ Standards (2011) and the requirements for PGCE Master’s credits through Bath Spa University. Over the year, trainees undertake three written assignments to deepen their understanding of core professional theory and practice. Assessed teaching observations and ongoing feedback supports trainees in knowing exactly how they are progressing and their next steps to reach even higher standards of professional practice.
