Anglia Ruskin University

Course overview

"Computational thinking is a fundamental skill for everyone, not just for computer scientists. To reading, writing and arithmetic, we should add computational thinking to every child's analytical ability." (Jeanette Wing, 2006)

The PGCE in Computer Science with ICT is a one-year, full-time qualification that will prepare you to be a subject-specialist secondary school teacher working with pupils aged 11 to 16 and beyond.

ICT is a statutory subject within the secondary curriculum that has undergone radical changes over the last two or three years, leading to the introduction of more Computer Science. The revised programme of study has significantly changed the content of the subject as it will be taught in schools and puts an increased emphasis on computational thinking throughout all key stages (5-16). From September 2014, ICT will include Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy. New trainees should be familiar with all three areas and in particular be confident that they have the subject knowledge to teach Computer Science to GCSE level.
This course is led by Dr Sue Sentance who is a Computer Science in schools specialist.

Why teach Computer Science with ICT?
Computer Science is an exciting subject to teach as it involves computational thinking, programming, understanding of technology and key problem-solving skills. A new GCSE in Computing was launched in September 2010, and more have been added in 2012. Studying Computer Science at KS3 (and earlier) is important for all students as it can develop skills in problem solving, logical and structured thinking, and give students an understanding of the technology all around them. It is crucial that young people are given opportunities to move from being the consumers of technology to being the creators, inventors and developers of the future. Thus a career as a Computer Science teacher is an exciting field to be in.

Computer Science is not a subject that changes as technology changes; applications of it may become more sophisticated but the core principles of the discipline remain the same:

"Computer Science is deeply concerned with how computers and computer systems work, and how they are designed and programmed. Pupils studying computing gain insight into computational systems of all kinds, whether or not they include computers. Computational thinking influences fields such as biology, chemistry, linguistics, psychology, economics and statistics. It allows us to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. It is a skill that empowers, and that all pupils should be aware of and have some competence in. Furthermore, pupils who can think computationally are better able to conceptualise and understand computer-based technology, and so are better equipped to function in modern society." (Computing At School Curriculum)

A recent government announcement by the Secretary of State for Education declared that "Computer Science requires a thorough grounding in logic and set theory, and is merging with other scientific fields into new hybrid research subjects like computational biology. Long after today's pupils leave school and enter the workplace - long after the technologies they used at school are obsolete - the principles learnt in Computer Science will still hold true." (Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education, January 2012).

The course will develop your theoretical and practical understanding of secondary education and its contemporary issues, and will enable you to meet current professional standards as a practicing teacher. Throughout the course you will explore the different ways in which pupils and young people learn, and how you can support this process. You will examine the importance of professional values as well as classroom organisation and management. Key themes will include working with parents and other professionals, creativity, equality, inclusion, and ICT.

In particular, this course will focus on developing the pedagogical understanding and professional knowledge you need to teach your specialist subject. Though primarily concerned with meeting the professional standards required by the appropriate bodies, this course is also about supporting you in developing the abilities and confidence to become an inspired and inspiring teacher.

On completion of this course, trainees will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status, which will then be confirmed by the Teaching Agency.

This course is offered at Masters level only.

Module guide

In order to successfully complete the course, students must successfully complete all of the following compulsory modules:

Assessment

You will be assessed on your practical teaching ability through a series of formal observations during the year. These are carried out by your placement schools and are moderated by our university tutors. Academic assignments enable you to develop your own subject knowledge and to become familiar with the literature and research around teaching your subject. In addition, you will keep a Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) to provide evidence that you have met the standards for qualifying to teach.

Hours of study

This is a full-time, intensive course, involving lectures, workshops, private study, research and full-day school placements (possibly also involving evening commitments at school).

Facilities

We have a select number of specialist rooms including: one dedicated science laboratory; two dedicated art rooms; one room equipped for design and technology; two collaborative ICT Learning Suites; and a fully-resourced gym.

Additional Reading

To read up about current issues in the Computer Science and ICT curriculum follow these links. It is expected that you will prepare for your interview by becoming familiar with recent developments within the subject in schools.

• Computing at School curriculum - BCS Academy
• Department for Education - announcement about future of ICT
• 'Shut Down or Restart': A Royal Society report
• Next Gen report
• British Computer Society Academy

To look at some exciting Computer Science resources for students follow these links:

• Computer Science for Fun - this site contains lots of reading material and activities that relate to Computer Science
• CS Inside - workshops with materials for teaching CS in an engaging way
• CS Unplugged - materials to teach CS away from the computer
• Scratch website - Scratch is a commonly used program in schools for developing simple Computer games whilst also learning programming

Professional recognition

Provided all elements of the course have been successfully achieved, we will recommend you for Qualified Teacher Status to teach Secondary students from the ages of 11 to 16. The Qualified Teacher Status is awarded by the Department for Education.

Work placements

You will undertake two school placements, where you will be supported by a supervisor from Anglia Ruskin University and a school based mentor. Additionally, you will complete an alternative placement in an appropriate educational setting. You will also spend some time in a primary school in order to appreciate teaching and learning prior to secondary education.

You will be advised of your school experience placement as soon as possible after the start of the academic year. Our Partnership Office will contact you for details of your term-time address before the start of the course. Every endeavour will be made to find a school placement within a reasonable distance of where you live. You should, however, be prepared to travel up to 35 miles where necessary. Your journey may take up to 1½ hours.

Associated careers

After graduating, you will be ideally equipped to enter the teaching profession. Employment prospects are good, with many of our partnership schools employing former trainee teachers from Anglia Ruskin University.

Entry Requirements:

Required subject(s): Honours Degree 2:2 or equivalent with at least half in subject you wish to teach Non-Academic Conditions: CRB Checks required, Interviews, Occupational Health clearance required, School placement GCSE(s) Required: English grade C (or above), Mathematics grade C (or above)

Please note
Our university will accept the GCSE Equivalency Testing in English and Mathematics from www.equivalencytesting.com. However, candidates are advised to contact Anglia Ruskin if they have any queries before undertaking an equivalency test or submitting their application to seek verification.

Expectations

You will need to be very clear about why you want to become a teacher, the skills involved and what you can bring to the profession in the personal statement and at interview. We expect you to have thoroughly researched the role of the secondary school teacher and it's recommended that you visit a school department for your subject area before applying.

Short listing

Short listing is where your application is assessed to ensure your qualifications meet our entry requirements and your personal statement is relevant. From this assessment a judgement is reached on suitability to be interviewed. Non attendance at an arranged interview, without prior explanation, may result in your application being withdrawn.

Interviews

If your application is shortlisted you will be invited to attend an interview at our University. This interview will comprise of a talk about the course, a written assessment, a subject specific task, a group task, an individual presentation (to the interview panel) and an individual interview. The interview is a crucial part of the application process and it is important to attend, if you choose not to attend an interview it is essential to inform us as this will allow another suitable candidate to be interviewed.

You will be expected to bring your original educational certificates and also identification documentation in order for an enhanced level Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) disclosure to be progressed.

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check

An enhanced level Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure is a check with police forces and local authorities in the UK to ascertain whether or not you're suitable to work with certain groups of vulnerable people. These checks are required to be carried out on all prospective students to ensure the safety of our client group.

• A CRB disclosure check will only be sent for processing to the Bureau if you're offered a place which you firmly accept.
• CRB disclosure checks are only valid for 6 months. For this reason your CRB disclosure check will be processed 2 months before the start of the course. If your interview is within 2 months of the start date of the course, then your CRB disclosure check will be sent for processing 5 days after your offer has been made.
• You'll be requested to bring a completed CRB application form with you to your interview, together with supporting documentation and payment fees for this check.

Booked holiday arrangements

Anglia Ruskin will not permit teacher training students to take holidays outside the identified holiday dates. You're advised to cancel previously arranged holidays.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

• International students
• EU students
• English language requirements