PGCE
This one-year full-time course prepares graduates for teaching in the Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase of the General Education and Training band; the Further Education and Training band and non-formal contexts. The qualification is recognised by the national Department of Education as a qualification for either primary (grades 4 – 6) or secondary school teaching (grades 8 -12). It is also recognised and valued internationally.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate degree (e.g. BA, B.Soc Sc, BCom, BMus, BSc). For secondary schools you are required to have teaching subjects as part of your undergraduate degree.
This course is open to graduates and is recognised by employing authorities as a qualification for either the Intermediate Phase or Senior Phase of the GET band and the FET band of schooling. For acceptance into the PGCE (SP/FET) a student must have at least five credits in ‘school subjects’ (as per a list approved by the National Department of Education).
The Rhodes Education Department:
o is a dynamic and highly professional department which is committed to proactively meeting the changing education needs of Southern Africa;
o receives many requests from school principals for teachers;
o is the only South African university which offers fellowships to Millfield School, a prestigious independent school in Somerset, England and Gresham in Norfolk, England; and
o has a link with Capita, Time Plan and Select Education, Teacher Recruitment Agencies that employ teachers in the UK.
Course Outcomes
Learners will demonstrate ability to:
• think critically, analytically, reflectively and creatively communicate in a variety of forms
• relate and integrate their learning with their personal experiences
• work both as individuals and as a member of a team of professionals
• evaluate existing and emerging theories underpinning education both globally and within a South African context
• develop an understanding of the dynamics and implications of change in a period of transformation both globally and nationally, as well as demonstrate an understanding of the implications of change
• challenge the assumptions underpinning the why, what and how of teaching, learning and assessment through a process of accessing, analysing, evaluating and synthesising information from a variety of sources
• participate in debates on education in general and on issues related to their teaching subjects in particular
• identify, analyse and evaluate appropriate approaches to teaching and learning within their teaching subject areas in different contexts
• practice a variety of teaching skills, strategies and techniques
• identify constraints to change and search for possibilities for change in an education context
• develop a blend of personal confidence in their teaching and professional competence in their dealings with learners and teachers
These outcomes directly inform the structure, content and processes which are both explicit and implicit in the main components of the course, namely Educational Studies / Education Environment, the Method Courses and Teaching Practice, as well as important additional components such as computer literacy and outdoor excursions.
A. PGCE (Senior Phase / FET)
Course components
Educational Studies
This offers a broad overview of many of the important issues in education and explores the notion of change in educational thinking and practice both nationally and globally, and how this has impacted upon the structures, processes and management of education. It is designed to help graduates develop their analytical capacities in such a way that they will not blindly follow fashionable or expedient “educational trends”.
Teaching Methods
A broad range of teaching courses (depending on demand) are led by educators who have proved themselves at the “chalkface”. Students develop a critical understanding of the curriculum and its philosophical underpinnings, and learn how to implement it in a practical and reflective manner. In particular, students are encouraged to become innovative and inspirational educational leaders and models.
Teaching Practice
Students spend the equivalent of a school term as fully integrated members of a school's staff. As such they become fully involved in the academic, cultural, sporting and administrative activities of the particular institution, and so experience a complete immersion into what it means to be a practising professional.
Additional components
• Visits to local state, independent and farm schools
• Excursion to the Hogsback Mountains
• Computer Literacy
Teaching Methods and Subject Requirements for the PGCE (Senior Phase GET/FET)
GET (General Education and Training Phase – Senior Phase (Grade 7 to 9))
Arts & Culture
At least 2 subjects from a range of appropriate Arts subjects e.g. music, drama, anthropology, classics. Each application to be examined and decided on its merits including consideration of matric (grade 12) subjects.
Economic Management Sciences
At least 2 subjects from a range of appropriate business subjects e.g. accounting, management, and economics. Each application to be examined and decided on its merits including consideration of matric (grade 12) subjects.
Languages – Home
A first year in that language
English 1st Additional Language
Linguistics 1 OR English 1
Life Orientation
Psychology 3 OR
Psychology 1 + any one of the following to 2nd year level:
• Philosophy
• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Bib Studs
• Social work
• HKE
Mathematics
Mathematics 1
Natural Sciences
At least 2 of the following subjects at 1st Year level:
Botany, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Geography, Geology, Physics, Zoology.
Social Sciences
Geography 1 or History 1
Technology
A combination of subjects from a range of appropriate technology-related subjects, e.g. Practical Art, Computer Science, Design Studies, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, Architecture. Each application to be examined and decided on its merits, including consideration of matric subjects.
FET (Further Education and Training Phase - Grades 10 to 12)
Accounting
Accounting 2
Computer Studies
Computer Science 2 OR Comp Sci 1 + InfoSyst2
Computer Applications
Technology
Computer Science 1 OR InfoSyst2
Design
A combination of subjects from a range of appropriate technology-related subjects, e.g. Practical Art, Computer Science, Design Studies, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, Architecture. Each application to be examined and decided on its merits, including consideration of matric (grade 12) subjects.
Dramatic Arts
Drama 2
Economics/Business Economics
Economics 2
Geography
Geography 2
History
History 2
Languages – Home Language
Language at 2yr level
Languages - English 1st Additional Language
English 2 OR Linguistics 2
Life Orientation
Psychology 3 OR Psychology 2 + any one of the following to 2nd year level:
• Philosophy
• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Bib Studs
• Social work
• HKE
Life Sciences
Zoo 1, Botany 1, + one of Zoo 2, Botany 2, Microbiology 2, Entomology 2, Environmental Science 2
Mathematics
Maths 2 OR Maths 1 +Maths Stats 2, Applied Maths 2
Mathematics Literacy
Matric (grade 12) Maths and one or more of a range of business and science subjects. Each application will be considered on merit.
Music
Musicology 3 + Instrument at 2yr level + Theory of Music (Grade 8) + Piano (Grade 5)
Physical Science
Physics 2, Chemistry 1 OR Physics 1, Chemistry 2
Visual Art
Studio Practice 2 + History of Art 2
B. PGCE Intermediate Phase
This is a new course which started in 2007. It is a qualification for teaching in the primary school, particularly in the Intermediate Phase (Grades 4 - 6).
Course components
Educational Studies
This offers a broad overview of many of the important issues in education and explores the notion of change in educational thinking and practice both nationally and globally, and how this has impacted upon the structures, processes and management of education. It is designed to help graduates develop their analytical capacities in such a way that they will not blindly follow fashionable or expedient “educational trends”.
Education Environment
This course focuses on creating links between the method courses and education studies. It provides an opportunity to engage with general education methodologies and pedagogic approaches that can be utilized across all 8 learning areas.
Teaching Methods
Whereas the PGCE (Senior and FET) is more discipline based and linked to subject specialisms in your Bachelor’s degree, the PGCE Intermediate being a primary school qualification is more generalist. A broader range of teaching courses linked to the 8 learning areas in the Intermediate Phase are explored. The 2 main courses are Language and Mathematics. In addition students will register for Life Orientation, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Technology, Economic and Management Sciences and Arts and Culture.
Teaching Practice
Students spend the equivalent of a school term as fully integrated members of a school's staff. As such they become fully involved in the academic, cultural, sporting and administrative activities of the particular institution, and so experience a complete immersion into what it means to be a practising professional.
Additional components
• Visits to local state, independent and farm schools
• Excursion to the Hogsback Mountains
• Field Trip to Addo
• Computer Literacy
Bursaries
Students registered for the PGCE are eligible to apply for the National Bursary for Educators, Fundza Lushaka.
PGCE Application form:
Further information
Prof Hennie Van Der Mescht / Ms Lise Westaway
PGCE (SP/FET) Co-ordinator / PGCE (IP) Co-ordinator
Tel: (046) 603-8383
Fax: (046) 622-8028
Email:h.vandermescht@ru.ac.za / l.westaway@ru.ac.za
Application Forms are available from:
The Registrar
Rhodes University
Grahamstown, 6140
Tel: (046) 603-8276
Fax: (046) 603-7350
E-mail: Registrar@ru.ac.za
Website: http://www.ru.ac.za/applying
There are limited spaces in both courses. In order to secure a place you need to apply by 1 NOVEMBER.
