The Open University in Wales has had its Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) courses fully accredited by the Education and Workforce Council. With the secondary Science PGCE expected to launch in April 2020 and the larger programme of primary and secondary options confirmed for October 2020, the OU’s courses will provide a part-time alternative route into becoming a qualified teacher.
Dr Hazel Hagger, Chair of the Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Accreditation Board, said:
“By harnessing the power of state-of-the-art learning technology, The Open University in Wales is able to reach all parts of Wales with these flexible, national ITE programs. Prospective teachers, for whom conventional courses are not practical, will now have the opportunity to follow a course in preparation for becoming a teacher.”
Sarah Stewart, Director of the PGCE, The Open University in Wales commented:
“For over 50 years, The Open University has been coming up with innovative ways to bring learning into our homes. We’ve opened up higher education to more and more people, helping make the impossible, possible. This PGCE will offer teaching as an option to those who may want to change career but are unable to stop working as they learn. In many cases, they’ll bring life experiences and skills from other industries, which will only enrichen the teaching in our classrooms.”
Developed in partnership with the Welsh Government, Regional Consortia and schools across Wales, the new two-year programme will give students a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in either primary or secondary school level and can be studied in English or Welsh. Blending online academic study with essential practical experience in schools, the course can be studied via a salaried or part-time route:
- Salaried route (full-time) – if you work at a school as a teaching assistant or in a non-teaching role, you can apply for your school to sponsor your study and your course fees will be fully funded. You will study in a school setting across the two years around your existing school duties, whilst completing your academic studies.
- Part-time route – if you don’t work in a school, or the salaried route isn’t right for you, there is a part-time option available. It’s ideal if you want to study your PGCE around your current job or other life commitments. This route can be self-funded or you can apply for a student loan and part-time maintenance grants to help with the costs. This offers a degree of flexibility within the first year, allowing you to work part-time in a school alongside your existing commitments. The second year features two 30-day practical placements.
To find out more information and to register your interest, please visit: http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/choose/wales/pgce
