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Postgraduate Programme Specification

PGCE Education (Irish Medium)

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title PGCE Education (Irish Medium) Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Postgraduate Certificate in Education
Programme Code STM-PC-IM UCAS Code HECoS Code 100511 - Primary teaching - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

Yes

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

Entry requirement (4): satisfactory performance at interview.

Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Full Time - 1 Academic Year
Total Credits for Programme 60
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

St. Mary's University College

School/Department

St. Mary's University College

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Accreditations (PSRB)

Education and Training Inspectorate

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 11-02-19

General Teaching Council Northern Ireland

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 04-02-19

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

N/A

Programme Specific Regulations

To be awarded the Post Graduate Certificate in Education the student must pass all three modules i.e. obtain a mark of at least 50% in that module. Candidates should note that they will be required to show competence in practical teaching before being awarded the PGCE. Where students fail in practical teaching, arrangements will be made to allow the candidates to be re-assessed after further practice.

The programme is offered in full time mode over 1 year. The course extends over 36 weeks, 18 of which are spent in schools. The latter (School Experience) is a combination of serial day visits and block practice.

The Post Graduate Certificate in Education may be awarded as a pass or with commendation or distinction in accordance with the general University regulations.

Students with protected characteristics

The Department of Education requires that “All entrants have the physical capacity and mental fitness to teach (having due regard to Article 5 of the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006)”.

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

Yes
Students are subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations.

Educational Aims Of Programme

This PGCE programme aims to develop and enhance in students academic and professional skills needed to be effective teachers and supporting pedagogical competences, grouped under three broad headings:

Professional Values and Practice
Professional Knowledge and Understanding; and
Professional Skills and Application

It aims to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes which will enable students to engage in critical study and debate of academic and/or professional aspects of education and training. It also aims to promote a commitment to continuing professional development.

The specific aims of the PGCE Programme are to provide students with the opportunity to:

develop a range of professional competences as defined by the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland;
engage in informed debate about major issues in education and training;
reflect in depth on theory/practice relationships within professional contexts;
keep abreast of research, innovation and developments in education in general and in Irish-medium education;
develop research skills.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Engage in critical, analytical and creative thinking and problem solving.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed through private study and directed work including coursework and school-based work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures and workshops. Students will develop the ability to process and synthesise data and to justify positions and conclusions. The effective use of library resources and technology will be encouraged during these processes.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of cognitive skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops and in practical settings. Assessed coursework tests the range of cognitive skills developed in a formal manner.

Identify, analyse and evaluate key concepts, skills and values.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed through private study and directed work including coursework and school-based work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures and workshops. Students will develop the ability to process and synthesise data and to justify positions and conclusions. The effective use of library resources and technology will be encouraged during these processes.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of cognitive skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops and in practical settings. Assessed coursework tests the range of cognitive skills developed in a formal manner.

Critically analyse and discuss recent research and innovations.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed through private study and directed work including coursework and school-based work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures and workshops. Students will develop the ability to process and synthesise data and to justify positions and conclusions. The effective use of library resources and technology will be encouraged during these processes.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of cognitive skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops and in practical settings. Assessed coursework tests the range of cognitive skills developed in a formal manner.

Use bibliographic and electronic search systems to locate resources and professional guidance in order to inform decision making and action and for personal and professional study purposes.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed through private study and directed work including coursework and school-based work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures and workshops. Students will develop the ability to process and synthesise data and to justify positions and conclusions. The effective use of library resources and technology will be encouraged during these processes.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of cognitive skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops and in practical settings. Assessed coursework tests the range of cognitive skills developed in a formal manner.

Carry out self-evaluation and analysis of professional development needs.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed through private study and directed work including coursework and school-based work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures and workshops. Students will develop the ability to process and synthesise data and to justify positions and conclusions. The effective use of library resources and technology will be encouraged during these processes.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of cognitive skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops and in practical settings. Assessed coursework tests the range of cognitive skills developed in a formal manner.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Communicate effectively in Irish and in English by written, oral and other means.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching methods employed in each of the modules require students to be involved in the processes of communication, co-operation, analysis and task management enhancing their professional effectiveness. Coursework involves the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis. Students will develop the ability to plan and manage their own learning.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of transferable skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Coursework assignments will require the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis. Formative feedback on communication skills will be given during each element of the programme.

Use ICT competently in their study and other appropriate situations and be able to judge where the use of ICT is not appropriate.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching methods employed in each of the modules require students to be involved in the processes of communication, co-operation, analysis and task management enhancing their professional effectiveness. Coursework involves the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis. Students will develop the ability to plan and manage their own learning.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of transferable skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Coursework assignments will require the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis. Formative feedback on communication skills will be given during each element of the programme.

Improve their own learning and performance, including the development of study and research skills information retrieval, and a capacity to plan and manage learning, and to reflect on their own learning.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching methods employed in each of the modules require students to be involved in the processes of communication, co-operation, analysis and task management enhancing their professional effectiveness. Course work involves the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis. Students will develop the ability to plan and manage their own learning.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of transferable skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Coursework assignments will require the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis. Formative feedback on communication skills will be given during each element of the programme.

Analyse and evaluate, and identify problems and solutions.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching methods employed in each of the modules require students to be involved in the processes of communication, co-operation, analysis and task management enhancing their professional effectiveness. Coursework involves the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis. Students will develop the ability to plan and manage their own learning.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of transferable skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Coursework assignments will require the use of transferable skills such as communication, ICT skills, analysis and synthesis. Formative feedback on communication skills will be given during each element of the programme.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Research, innovation and developments in selected areas of education.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning outcomes are acquired through lectures, workshops, school-based work and independent directed reading. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on their own practice on school placements and are helped to formulate new methodologies in discussion with tutors, class teachers and their fellow students.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of learning takes the form of essays, reports, preparation and evaluations of teaching resources, a school-based portfolio and an assessment of practical competence in schools. Assessed college-based work tests the students’ ability to present ideas cogently, to demonstrate an appropriate level of skill and analysis, to argue from authority appropriately, and to reflect critically on the lectures, the reading, and their own practice.
Assessed coursework tests the ability to gather and present relevant information and data to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relevant areas. This involves reflection upon school-based practice.

Some of the major issues and developments in Irish-medium education.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning outcomes are acquired through lectures, workshops, school-based work and independent directed reading. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on their own practice on school placements and are helped to formulate new methodologies in discussion with tutors, class teachers and their fellow students.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of learning takes the form of essays, reports, preparation and evaluations of teaching resources, a school-based portfolio and an assessment of practical competence in schools. Assessed college-based work tests the students’ ability to present ideas cogently, to demonstrate an appropriate level of skill and analysis, to argue from authority appropriately, and to reflect critically on the lectures, the reading, and their own practice.
Assessed coursework tests the ability to gather and present relevant information and data to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relevant areas. This involves reflection upon school-based practice.

Appropriate theoretical foundations on which to base practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning outcomes are acquired through lectures, workshops, school-based work and independent directed reading. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on their own practice on school placements and are helped to formulate new methodologies in discussion with tutors, class teachers and their fellow students.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of learning takes the form of essays, reports, preparation and evaluations of teaching resources, a school-based portfolio and an assessment of practical competence in schools. Assessed college-based work tests the students’ ability to present ideas cogently, to demonstrate an appropriate level of skill and analysis, to argue from authority appropriately, and to reflect critically on the lectures, the reading, and their own practice.
Assessed coursework tests the ability to gather and present relevant information and data to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relevant areas. This involves reflection upon school-based practice.

The relationship between theory and practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning outcomes are acquired through lectures, workshops, school-based work and independent directed reading. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on their own practice on school placements and are helped to formulate new methodologies in discussion with tutors, class teachers and their fellow students.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of learning takes the form of essays, reports, preparation and evaluations of teaching resources, a school-based portfolio and an assessment of practical competence in schools. Assessed college-based work tests the students’ ability to present ideas cogently, to demonstrate an appropriate level of skill and analysis, to argue from authority appropriately, and to reflect critically on the lectures, the reading, and their own practice.
Assessed coursework tests the ability to gather and present relevant information and data to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relevant areas. This involves reflection upon school-based practice.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Compare and contrast a variety of theories, views, perspectives, dispositions and attitudes regarding educational issues.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and school-based work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Assessed coursework tests the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

Engage in reflective practice in educational environments.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and school-based work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Assessed coursework tests the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

Engage in debate on topics and issues relevant to education, teaching and learning.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and school-based work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Assessed coursework tests the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

Plan lessons within teaching programmes in areas of the primary curriculum.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and school-based work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Assessed coursework tests the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

Plan schemes and lessons to take account of continuity and progression.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and school-based work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Assessed coursework tests the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

Construct learning experiences which include the methodologies and procedures necessary for effective teaching.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and school-based work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Assessed coursework tests the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

Plan a range of teaching and classroom management strategies appropriate to the age, ability, interests, experiences and attainment levels of children.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and school-based work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Assessed coursework tests the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

Critically analyse and discuss recent research and innovations in the selected areas of education.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills are developed through private study, directed work including coursework and school-based work. They are reinforced and extended in taught sessions by lectures and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of subject-specific skills will be principally through tutor observation during workshops. Assessed coursework tests the range of subject-specific skills developed in a formal manner.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
School Based Work - PGCE MPS4001 6 20 YES YES 36 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Perspectives on the Primary Curriculum (M Level) MPS4003 7 20 YES YES 36 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Learning and Teaching in the Irish-Medium Primary School MPS4002 7 20 YES YES 36 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%

Notes

No notes found.