Furness Training South Cumbria's Largest Training Provider

This is a two-year programme open to all new in-service, pre-service, and pre-employment teachers, trainers and tutors in the Lifelong Learning Sector

Approved by

The University of Central Lancashire

Length of Course

Part-time 2 years
(one 3 hour session per week)

Entry Requirements

For Cert.Ed: Level 3 NQFvQualification in own subject specialism
For PGCE: Degree related to teaching subject
5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade C or above, including English

Potential to complete 150 hours of teaching, which may be voluntary, over the course of the 2 year programme
Not currently excluded from teaching or working with children or young people

What subjects will I study?

The programme will be as follows:

Year One
Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning
Sector – this module includes roles and responsibilities of a teacher, identifying potential needs of learners, the teaching cycle, teaching and learning theory, developing as a reflective practitioner.

Developing Professional Practice in Teaching and Learning – this module will cover further development of teaching plans and schemes of work, use and development of resources, ICT and e-learning, functional skills, learning styles, managing behaviour, supporting students and managing behaviour.

Curriculum Design and Alignment – this module aims to develop a holistic approach to planning, teaching, learning and assessment. Influences on curriculum development and design will be studied to support trainee teachers in providing high quality learning experiences.

Year Two
Practitioner Research enables students to undertake small scale Action Research in their own practice and to evaluate the data.

Teaching Inclusively and Reflecting on Practice develops the link between educational theory and practical application in teaching practice. The module aims to develop strategies to enhance inclusive teaching, learning and assessment activities, and takes a collaborative approach to developing practice.

Contemporary Issues in the Lifelong Learning Sector – this module will develop in response to current concerns and will include legislation, policy, control, management strategies and styles, funding and performances indicators, curriculum innovations, dissemination of good practice and access to education.

How will I learn?

A mixture of formal lectures, workshops, group discussions, self-study, assignments, observations.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be ongoing via observation of teaching sessions, peer observations, report of action research, assignments, teaching practice portfolio, professional journal, an academic poster and a presentation.

Progression Opportunities

Completion of the Cert.Ed or PGCE qualification may lead to employment as a further education teacher in any post compulsory educational establishment.

These qualifications carry University credits that can be used towards further study at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including BA (Hons) Education and Professional Studies which may be studied at Furness College.

Further Information
Please see our additional information sheet which covers applying for the course, financial support, eligibility, and learning support.