PGCE Secondary Computing

University of East London

Course Summary

This course leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for the 11-to-16 age range, which qualifies you to be a teacher in secondary schools in England and Wales. Where possible, we also give you the chance to gain experience in the 11-to-18 age range. The way computing is taught in schools has changed. Children in schools now learn about programming and information technology from the age of five. The new computing curriculum is a blend of traditional ICT and computer science.

As part of the new curriculum, you will get to use your knowledge and creativity to help young people develop the skills they need to succeed in the everyday world and to excel in thriving UK creative industries such as games design and visual effects.

You will learn to show pupils not only how to interact with software and hardware, but teach them the skills to shape the innovations of tomorrow. And you will teach students how to use technologies and digital media responsibly and creatively.

Your Future Career

The Secondary PGCE course at the University of East London was designed in 2001 in conjunction with the local authorities to address the secondary education teacher shortage in east London. The partnership works with input and support from the London Boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Waltham Forest and Redbridge. It means that our graduates are represented in virtually every secondary school in east London. Some are now deputy heads or in senior management roles in schools that are taking our current trainees for their placements.

Across all subjects, from maths to modern languages, our teacher training graduates are acting as mentors to those following in their footsteps. The partnership means that you have a head start when it comes to securing a teaching post in east London at the end of your training.

You may also decide to undertake further study at the University of East London, either at the end of your course or after gaining teaching experience, perhaps specialising in Special Educational Needs or taking our MA Leadership in Education.