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The Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Secondary) is a one year (36 weeks) full-time programme of professional training. It aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes which are necessary to prepare them for successful entry to the teaching profession as secondary school teachers who can teach their specialist subject(s) at an appropriate level. Gaelic is one of the subjects currently available.
The partnership which exists between the School of Education and its associated schools provides an environment in which student teachers can learn through direct school experience (18 weeks) supported by an integrated programme of study at the University (18 weeks).
Throughout the programme, students acquire and develop skills which relate to the subject and content of teaching, the classroom, the school and general professionalism.
The curriculum has three main strands: General Studies and Subject Studies and Extended Studies. On campus, each of these components includes lectures, seminars and workshops. Open learning tasks are a significant and important feature of the students’ learning experience.
Students follow a programme of Teaching Gaelic in Secondary Schools, developing competence in teaching through focussing on teaching methods and curriculum details for Gaelic (Learners) and Gàidhlig Fluent Speakers from S1-S6
School Experience is organised in three main blocks, one beginning in October, one in February and one in May/June. Students are placed in two or three schools in the North East of Scotland and, less frequently, in other Scottish Regions. The range of schools in partnership with the University allows students to benefit from a wide variety of experiences.
During School Experience, the work done in the University is developed through School-Based Study and Classroom Practice respectively. In School-Based Study, emphasis is on a wide range of aspects of secondary education and schools; for example: school management; primary-secondary liaison (with visits to primary schools); guidance; learning support; links with the community and the world of work.
Classroom Practice provides students with the opportunity to gain experience of teaching their specialist subject(s) through a phased programme which includes: observation; developing and practising specific teaching skills; planning, executing and evaluating lessons and taking responsibility for a series of lessons.
Assessment is carried out through observation of classroom practice, discussion with the students, and completion of a small set of assessment tasks. Faculty and school staff have roles in assessing each student’s performance.
All candidates who are selected are required to attend the School of Education for an interview which is normally conducted jointly by University staff and field specialists. Gaelic students will be expected to undertake their interview in Gaelic and to furnish proof of proficiency in written Gaelic.
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For further information on issues which are Gaelic specific, contact:
Christina Walker
Gaelic Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Aberdeen University,
Hilton Campus, ABERDEEN, AB24 4FA
Tel: 01224 284649
Fax: 01224 284651