Enquire ApplY
The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a post graduate level Initial Teacher Training course offered by one of the leading teacher training providers in the UK, The University of Buckingham, and the Buckingham International School of Education (BISE) in China.
PGCE - China is aimed at China based teachers who are looking to complete a demanding British teaching course and to develop the understanding, pedagogy skills and competencies needed to be successful in any classroom around the world.
This, 37-week school-based course, is available in most subjects and age levels (Grade 1 – 12). The trainees can expect the course to be demanding and rigorous as it is specifically tailored to improve pedagogy skills within one year.
The successful trainee teachers will be awarded ‘Postgraduate Certificate in Education’ on the course completion.
For the additional QTS qualification (needed to teach in a state school in England), it is possible for a teacher who has been teaching for two or more years to apply for the Assessment-Only Qualified Teacher Status. Please note, the process for acquiring QTS will entail a review of eligibility before acceptance on to the Assessment Only route. This means the students cannot gain QTS on completion of the PGCE course automatically.
PGCE - China has three elements:
1: Assignments and Documentation
During the course trainees will complete assignments assessed at masters level (7) as well as produce the documentation necessary to pass the course. The trainees will be required to provide evidence that each of the UK Teacher's Standards has been met. They will also need to present a record of 30 weekly meetings with their in-school mentor which will include reflections on the readings provided by the University (Professional Development Plans) and 30 weekly mentor observations.
2: Training Days
Trainees are required to attend six online training days during the course provided by the University of Buckingham. This is a mandatory requirement and the applicants are recommended to check their schools are able to support the required time needed. The time difference between UK and China will likely make these late afternoon/evening events.
3: Tutorials and Lesson Observations
Trainees are assigned a tutor from the University of Buckingham who will visit the trainee twice during the year. During the visits, tutors will observe two lessons (one jointly with mentor) and provide feedback and training as appropriate to ensure the trainee is on the right track to meet the UK Teacher's Standards.
Why PGCE - China?
Chinese Education Workshops
BISE will provide two Chinese Education specific workshops during the course focusing on aspects of pedagogy, bilingualism and cross-cultural communication in the classroom.
School Visits
All trainee teachers will receive two visits by the university tutor at their school. The tutor will jointly observe a trainee's lesson with their mentor and provide feedback and training as appropriate to ensure the trainee is on the right track to meet the Teacher's Standards.
Student Community
Learning does not need to be a lonely journey. By enrolling into the PGCE course, you will join a community of teachers working towards the same goal. BISE will facilitate a learning group by putting you in touch with other students on your cohort, so you can exchange ideas and discuss the learning material as you tackle the course one week at a time.
Progression of PGCE - China
The PGCE - China course offers an ideal foundation for those trainees who are looking to take an MA Education degree (MA), carrying corresponding credits.
Successful completion of the PGCE course may also lead to Qualified Teacher Status if the trainees can meet additional criteria set out by the UK government. This is not guaranteed, so if acquiring QTS is your primary goal, please consult BISE before starting your application.