Course description
Introduction
The PGCE in Business Education (14-19) with the option of citizenship enhancement (11-16) leads to Qualified Teacher Status. The course complies with standards determined by the Department for Education and Skills. It provides sufficient knowledge and expertise in your specialist area to teach
pupils of all abilities in your chosen age range.
Business education is a dynamic area of the curriculum, which encompasses a broad area of knowledge, skills and attitudes. Material is incorporated from a wide range of disciplines including economics, accounting, marketing, quantitative methods, human resource management, business law and communications. It concerns the business aspects of organisations within their economic, political and social contexts. Business education offers the opportunity to gain experience of teaching a broad range of subjects through a variety of qualifications: GCSE, AGCSE and GNVQ, taught primarily at 11-16, ASVCE/AVCE and AS/A2 ASVCE/AVCE and other vocational qualifications taught primarily at 16-19.
Business Education GCSE is one of the most popular subjects apart from the central subjects of English, Maths, Science and Design Technology at Key Stage 4.
Citizenship education is a new National Curriculum subject at Key Stage 4, recommended for study post-16, and is part of the National Curriculum PHSE framework at Key Stage 3. The course encourages teaching at all levels from 11-18 and aspects include legal and human rights and responsibilities and the significance of the media.
The wider issues of global responsibility and interdependence are integral to the study of business education. You will be given the opportunity to teach both business education and citizenship.
Teaching and Assessment
Continuous assessment is via coursework, subject assignments, ICT portfolio, periodic reports and
evidence to support completion of all the Qualifying to Teach Standards.
You will undertake two placements in schools or colleges within the region. In addition to curriculum
work, the placements offer the opportunity to become involved in the pastoral, social and academic
aspects of education.
You will also visit a primary school in order to gain an overall view of today's education system.
Career Opportunities
Many students have a wide range of vocational experience, so career prospects are excellent. There was an exceptionally high employment rate across all subject areas offered across all PGCE subject areas according to the University's 2005/06 Destinations Survey. Some subjects achieved a 100 per cent employment rate.
Other Information
Financial Assistance
You may be eligible for:
-A compulsory grant from the Department for Education and Skills.
-A means-tested government grant.
-A loan to pay your fees.
-A government training bursary.
-A non-repayable University bursary.
-A maintenance loan to help with living costs.
-Government Training Bursary.
