Physical Education Secondary (With QTS)

UCAS code: X1C6

Here's what University of Bedfordshire says about its Physical Education Secondary (With QTS) course.

This degree is designed to support graduates to become teaching professionals who can influence change, inspire young people and progress into a successful career in physical education. It develops student teachers who have a deep understanding of why, how and who they are teaching through a broad but deep curriculum. An extensive range of practical learning experiences ensure you put theory into as a PE teacher as well as building your skill set ready for your wider professional role.

Course accreditation/industry endorsement

• This course is accredited by the Department for Education (DfE).

Facilities and Specialist Equipment

• A wide range of sports facilities including the Polhill Sports Arena, an international PE venue; Alexander Sport Centre; multi-use games areas; sport science labs; and other external sports facilities across Bedford.

• Mock classrooms with specialist technology so you can watch and assess your lesson.

• Forest School where you can deepen your understanding of the long-term educational benefits of outdoor learning.

• Specialist sensory centre for practice in teaching SEND and early years pupils.

• Multi-media space for webinars and podcasting.

Partnerships and Collaborations

• We have well-established partnerships with more than 500 schools and other associated organisations.

• You also benefit from opportunities with our official partners, Luton Town FC and Bedford Blues RFC and Foundation, as well as other sporting organisations such as Ampthill RFC, MK Dons, Cricket East and Be Active.

Your Student Experience

• Our Bedford campus is a small, thriving academic community where academic staff get to know you well. We have a rich history and expertise in training PE teachers going back over 120 years.

• You undertake a school placement every year, working closely with our trained mentors, many of whom are alumni of this course.

• You learn through classroom experience and practical application, developing the skills you need to teach a range of physical activities to young people aged 11-16 (16-19 with enhancement).

• You benefit from opportunities to teach personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education as well as another curriculum subject.

• You apply the scientific principles of physical education and sport to a range of practice activities including athletics, dance, games, gymnastics, swimming and outdoor, adventurous activities.

• You are taught by an experienced University teaching team at the cutting edge of theory and practice.

• You participate in a field trip to develop your knowledge of teaching adventure activities in an authentic outdoor context.

• We have regular visits by professionals from schools and academy chains including teachers and senior leaders; schools that support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND); and local education authorities.

• There is additional support from our experienced library staff, all of whom help you throughout your student journey, and with balancing study with work and personal commitments.

Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate at the point of publication on the UCAS website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website.

The assessment strategy is based upon the premise that critical evaluation of theoretical perspectives as they apply to your own teaching is an intrinsic element of best teaching practice. Throughout the course, therefore, you will continually be encouraged to explore what is known about teaching and learning, and to demonstrate independence and creativity in evaluating the relevance of that knowledge in your own context. Assessed work will be directly applicable to your future role as a PE teacher and predominantly includes essays, reflective writing, reports, presentations and portfolios. During your placements you will be assessed directly against the Cumulative Evidence Record, a tracking document that charts your progress against the expectations of the course at different points. At the end of the course you will be assessed against the Teachers’ Standards in order to meet the requirements for the recommendation of qualified teacher status (QTS). In years one and two you will complete in-class tests to assess your developing knowledge and understanding. Sound subject knowledge is a fundamental quality of an effective teacher and you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to ongoing development of that knowledge throughout the course. Also key to the course is a focus on the development of research informed teaching, culminating in an extended systematic study of your own practice (action research project/dissertation). By embedding the professional requirements for Qualified Teacher Status within the academic requirements of the degree, the course supports you in developing the qualities which define the University of Bedfordshire Graduate Teacher: an independent, reflective, creative, innovative, collaborative and resilient professional who is committed to ongoing personal and professional development. The assessment for this course seeks to support you in developing your understanding of the interplay between theoretical perspectives and practice based experience. You will be developing your skills of research and evaluation, critical thinking, creativity and independence. The themes for your reflective writing are developed from local and national priorities and, therefore, allow you to develop the evidence of your understanding of values and principles underpinning the Teachers’ Standards as they apply to your working context. Formative use of assessment is embedded throughout the course and is a principle which we would expect you to adopt in your own teaching. You will be supported to become familiar with self- and peer-assessment approaches and to make effective use of feedback on both academic and practice-based aspects of the course, to identify targets for your ongoing development and plan actions to address them. Engagement with published research is a fundamental aspect of the course and you will be supported in developing skills of critical analysis of the literature. Rigorous attention to referencing conventions is, therefore, essential and you will be required to adopt the Harvard system. You will be supported in developing your understanding of plagiarism and poor academic practice to ensure that your work meets the highest standards of ethics.