PGCE Secondary: Art and Design specialism

You will be trained to teach pupils aged 11-16 with enhancements to teach pupils studying for A levels.

The key aim of this programme is to enable students to become confident, knowledgeable and enthusiastic teachers of art and design. The programme provides opportunities for students to explore the theory and practice of art and design education through a range of lectures, workshops and tutorials, and to develop their expertise in the classroom through two school placements.

The course will provide students with an awareness of the theoretical foundations of the subject, of strategies for teaching and learning in art and design and of current issues surrounding art and design education. Workshops will enable students to explore a range of practical processes including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, photography and digital art. Regular tutorials enable students to receive individual support from tutors. Lecturers on the programme are experienced teachers of art and design and active researchers in the field of art and design education, while visiting artists offer workshops in specific processes.

During school placements, students benefit from working alongside experienced teachers of art and design. Students have opportunities to observe excellent teaching before experimenting with approaches to teaching and learning across the secondary age range, during which time they are supervised and supported by teachers and tutors.

Applicants should have a degree that includes a substantial element of art, craft or design (such as Fine Art, Graphics, Fashion or Textiles). At interview candidates will be expected to provide and talk through a portfolio of their work and to discuss their reflections on teaching and learning in art and design that they have experienced recently in schools.

If you have specific questions about the programme please email the subject leader Robert Watts.