Why study with us?
Geography is very rewarding and enjoyable to teach and we believe it has a unique contribution to make to the school curriculum. Geography enables pupils to develop unique skills, specialist knowledge and concepts in areas of relevance to their daily lives.
We help trainees develop into enthusiastic, reflective and thoughtful teachers of Geography specialising in the creative use of fieldwork, enquiry-based learning and ICT. Fieldwork is a key aspect of the course and we make good use of the exciting locations on offer in the area, such as the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Manchester and Liverpool.
We have often been highly rated by OFSTED for our success in enabling our students to share their enthusiasm and expert geographical knowledge with young people.
What can this course lead to?
Our former students have rewarding careers in the UK and around the globe. This course will enable you to apply for a position as a secondary school Geography teacher as soon as you qualify.
Course Summary
The course has a unique approach. Most of your time is spent working with specialist geography tutors and fellow PGCE geographers. This enables the blending together of practice and theory from a geographical perspective. An example is the study of the strategies for using geographical images in the classroom. This is linked to the theories of how children learn and how to manage behaviour safely and successfully in the classroom.
In your placement, you then incorporate these strategies into engaging lessons including literacy, numeracy and ICT with support from your mentor. You will also be encouraged to observe in classrooms and analyse your experiences. Many other topics are studied through this approach such as games, simulations, using videos, sustainable development, teaching about the weather, climate change and map work.
There is also a strong consideration on how to integrate ICT and the enquiry approach into the geography classroom. A key focus is out-of-school learning. Two residential experiences and workshops with school pupils will develop your understanding of techniques for teaching and learning through fieldwork investigation. Web-based learning helps you to develop into a critically reflective practitioner. This has also been recognised by OFSTED as a strength of the course.
Modules
The course is made up four modules. Two of these are connected to teaching and learning in Geography and these assignments carry Masters credits. One is connected to teaching and learning across the curriculum and the last module is the school-based element of your work.
Case Studies
Karl Croniken, 2010-2011
‘This time last year I was a clerical assistant working for Her Majesty's Court Service. Little did I know that 12 months later I would be a confident and competent trainee geography teacher who regularly stands in front of thirty pairs of eyes and attempts to instil some geography knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject in to each and every pupil I teach. I am enjoying what I do and I’m developing into a good teacher. The challenge but also the reward of knowing the pupils are achieving and succeeding by coming into my classroom and coming into contact with me gives me the buzz to want to carry on, improve and succeed.'
Stephen Higgins, 2010-2011
‘One of the most noticeable things about Placement B is that you’re expected to work far more independently than on Placement A. There’s not as much ‘hand holding’ and the focus is less about you as a person and more about your ability to teach young people and carry out the professional responsibilities of a teacher.
On the PGCE course, I have made some fantastic friends, learnt a lot about myself and hopefully I’m now on my way to becoming a good teacher. It hasn’t always been easy, but the guidance of the University staff, school mentors and course mates makes the journey a lot easier.
I was asked recently by someone who’s thinking about doing the Geography PGCE course next year what the course is like. I think my reply summed up my overall experience of the course: “It’s hard work, but it’s worth it”.'
Sarah Evans, 2010-2011
‘In September I turned up to university not really knowing what to expect apart from that it was going to be a challenging year. I knew some people on the course because they had been at Lancaster University with me but we very quickly bonded as a group and I have made some great friends. When I was at university I really enjoyed being there even with the long days and I learnt so much. It was good to talk to other members of the class and share ideas. I’m now nearing the end of my second placement and fortunately I have got a job at this school. I’m really looking forward to starting my teaching career and although I will miss everyone at university hopefully we will keep in touch.’
Resources and facilities
We have a dedicated Geography room which has a good selection of relevant resources and ICT facilities. All students have access to our Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment which can provide easy online access to course information, course materials, relevant web links and an online discussion board.
Our library is well stocked with Geography and generic education material. The Learning Gateway offers an interactive, flexible space to study. You can also take advantage of The Learning, Information and Student Services (LISS), which provides learning resources, equipment, student advice, skills training and study space.
We work closely with local schools and field study centres to make the most of the local environment. In many ways, however, the most important resource is you!