PGCE Secondary Education with Drama

Become a drama teacher in a secondary school.

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Entry requirements

A degree at 2:2 or above.

GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 or grade C or above (or an equivalent qualification).

Experience of working with young people.

See all entry requirements.

UCAS code 2W4L

Duration 1 year full-time

How to apply for this course

Course Summary

Do you want to become an outstanding teacher? Our specialist PGCE in Secondary Education with Drama is a direct route to a career of which you can be proud. Drama teachers empowering young people and this course aims to produce dynamic confident, and creative teachers who are committed to making drama accessible for all. Our PGCE Drama includes a specific focus on the use of masterclasses and develops a range of teaching styles appropriate to the delivery of Drama within the National Curriculum and GCSE/A Level specifications.

During this varied PGCE Drama, trainees acquire a broad and deep understanding of a teacher’s daily activities in challenging and diverse settings. Furthermore, our PGCE Drama trainees take up ‘enhancements’ linked to other curriculum subjects e.g English, primary phase or Special Education Needs and Diversity.

Collaborative learning and a strong culture of support underpin our PGCE Drama, and trainees will enjoy a stimulating and effective learning environment from start to finish. Ofsted 2014 commented: “Beyond having very positive attitudes and commitment to teaching, they show a passion for their subject, and want students to do well and enjoy their work.” If the idea of joining these trainees inspires and motivates you, it’s time to start the application process.

Why this course at Marjon?

This course is perfect if you're curious about

How do I make a career out of acting?

Is film acting and theatre acting as different as people think?

What do we mean by being truthful in performance?

How is casting changing in the 21st century?

Why do we need another production of Romeo and Juliet?

How do you get an agent?

“ By training to teach in the arts, you’ll open your pupils' eyes to the importance of culture and its place in society, making sure they can pursue careers in some of the most experimental and creative of industries.”
- Department for Education 2017

What might you become?

Plymouth Marjon University is widely renowned for producing excellent teachers. Our partnerships are wide and diverse, having been praised by Ofsted (2014) for making "effective use of local diversity and wider links which ensures trainees have breadth and variety in their training, so making them highly employable". We linked to partnership schools throughout the South West, London and overseas.

93.9% of our teaching graduates are in further study, sustained employment or both five years after graduating, compared to a sector average for England of 88.2%. This makes us 1st in the South West (LEO, 2019).

Modules for this course

Modules

1st Year

Professional Practice in Schools

By the end of this module trainees should be able to demonstrate the competencies of a newly qualified teacher (NQT) by achieving the minimum expectation required by the Teachers’ Standards. The module includes two placements in schools.

Learning Behaviours in Context

Research a range of learning and teaching theories and strategies to develop an understanding of how children learn. Critically evaluate research and current developments in education that inform the application of routines, relationships and responses in context.

Becoming a Teacher: A Reflective Journey

Systematically reflect on and evaluate the effectiveness of subject specific pedagogy on learning experiences and develop a range of approaches to use in schools.

Inclusion in the Secondary Classroom: Maximising Achievement

Investigate and discuss a wide range of sources to develop a secure knowledge and understanding of theory, policy and practice to help identify the issues around maximising pupil achievement. Develop understanding and skills which contribute to a fully inclusive classroom.

Understanding the Learner: Assessment and Progress

Understand the essential link between planning and assessment and develop a critical awareness of planning for progression and its effect on learning.

Fees and funding

Fees UK students: £9,250

Fees for International students: £12,000

Teaching and assessment

How will you be taught?

You will have a minimum of 120 days in school in 2 block placements and 12 weeks in University undertaking a range of activities, teaching includes lectures, seminars, workshops, conferences, tutorials, independent study or research and school based training.

How will you be assessed?

Assessments relates to your development of practice in school. All are coursework based, you will generate reflective journals, portfolios, essays and presentations.

Course leader

Gillian Golder

Gill is Director of the Marjon Teacher Education Partnership, she taught in schools for 13 years before joining the University. She works with schools, MATS and alliances to support whole school improve, develop evidence based practice and support teacher development. She spends some of her time in Westminster discussing latest ideas and initiatives with the Department for Education and other Education group.

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Lecturers

Claire Hadfield

Lecturer

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Claire is an experienced teacher and lecturer with a passion for literature of all kinds. From Shakespearean tragedy to the powerful performance poetry of Kate Tempest, Claire’s fervent enthusiasm for the infinite varieties of English pervades every aspect of the English degree. She is particularly interested in poetry, identity, language and social place and is currently completing her PhD here at Marjon.

Julie Stevens

Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for Secondary Initial Teacher Training