Geographical knowledge is dynamic and the world is constantly changing. As a geography teacher, you will take responsibility for introducing children to the ideas and methods of geography, helping them to investigate people, places and processes. You will support children to better understand the complexities and wonders of the Earth, enabling them in both their education and their everyday lives.

About this programme

On completion of the course, you will gain a PGCE and QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), equipping you to teach geography in secondary schools. During the PGCE, you will be supported to tackle the at once practical and conceptual questions of who are the children I teach? Why teach geography? and what geography should I teach and how should I teach it?

Students undertake two level 7 (Master’s-level) modules of 30 credits each, totalling 60 credits. These credits can be carried forward onto some Master’s programmes at the IOE (check individual programme requirements).

The Secondary PGCE consists of three core modules: two Master’s-level (level 7) modules, which are assessed through written assignments, and the Professional Practice module, which is assessed by the observation of practical teaching in placement schools.

Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PGCE.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered via keynote lectures, subject lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, fieldwork and directed study days at the IOE. Assessment is by practical teaching, assignments and portfolio tasks. The majority of the course is spent practicing teaching in supported school placements.

Careers

The majority of PGCE graduates go on to become geography teachers. Graduates also go on to become heads of department in schools and colleges, as well as school leaders – including headteachers. Graduates of the PGCE also regularly mentor student teachers and work in teacher education.

Employability

Graduates of the Secondary PGCE programme are highly employable and sought after by schools and colleges in London and beyond. Almost all graduates secure their first teaching post by the time they finish the PGCE programme. Graduates of the programme also have great career prospects, with many becoming Head of Department or a Head of Year within 2-5 years, often acting, in their schools, as mentors to new PGCE student teachers. Many of our graduates become senior teachers (such as Assistant Headteachers or Head of a Faculty) in 5-8 years of graduating, and some are now Headteachers. Others have developed their careers as subject specialist teachers and educators, both becoming lead teachers in the classroom and researching, writing and advising other teachers themselves. The Secondary PGCE Programme aims to provide a springboard into a rewarding career as a skilled teacher and future educational leader.