PGCE Primary Physical Education (3-11)

 All PGCE Primary Physical Education 3-11 students will study three modules: two level 7 modules, worth 30 credits each, and a non-credit bearing professional module which includes university-training and work-related experience in school settings. All parts of your study will be based on Birmingham Newman’s five main themes: role of the teacher, teaching, learning and assessment, adaptive practice, understanding and managing behaviour, and curriculum subject knowledge.

Studying at level 7, the PE masters module is designed to enhance knowledge and understanding in more specialised areas of primary PE. Students will develop their critical awareness of pedagogical practice and current issues in primary PE, school sport and physical activity. Module sessions will be both practical and theory based. The specialist PE module also aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through an enquiry-based school project. Throughout the training year, you will attend additional PE training in a range of activities to further enhance your specialist knowledge.

Alongside the PE focus, you will undertake a second masters module based on the theory and practice of teaching and learning. This module will allow you to explore and understand in theoretical and practical terms the meaning of teaching and learning in the context of education and being a teacher. The module will help you to understand the holistic and positive role of a teacher and the practices and policies of the education framework. Implicit in this will be the development of your understanding of your personal teacher identity and the impact on pupil outcomes.

In the non-credit bearing university sessions, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of primary education across both the core and foundation subjects. A focus will be placed on curriculum design, delivery, theories of teaching, developing practical skills and the effective assessment of young children. Students will have additional sessions relating to the wider curriculum and professional development.

School-based training is central to the PGCE Primary Physical Education programme and will be a feature of all three terms in your training year. You will undertake placements in at least two primary schools, providing opportunities to observe and practise a range of methods and approaches. You will work closely with the PE co-ordinators in schools to gain a deeper insight into their leadership role. School-based learning includes observation of experienced teachers, including a focus on PE, a structured programme of group and whole class teaching and a series of directed activities to explore wider school issues. In order to support your professional development, this work-related study is organised into three stages: Understanding Professional Practice, Managing the Classroom, and Meeting the Teachers’ Standards. Each stage supports your transition from trainee to Early Career Teacher, specialising in primary PE, through clear guidance and shared expectations.