England

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Accessibility statement
This is the first module in our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), consisting of PGCE 1 and 2. It combines academic study and practice learning, assessed at undergraduate level 6. You’ll begin your PGCE by supporting classes and planning and teaching single lessons. Your academic learning will be supported by primary or subject-specific secondary online seminars.
The PGCE is progressive: you’ll return to the same strands in each module. You’ll learn theories and concepts appropriate to your level of study. Your successful practice and assessment will enable progression to the next module, PGCE 3 (EE806) in year 2. The strands are:
In PGCE 1 and 2, you will study each strand twice over the course of the module, each time covering different content and with different practice-related activities. You should, however, consider your commitment to the full two-year qualification rather than to each module, as you will study the modules consecutively. This continuity enables you to build your knowledge and experience over an extended period.
Teaching theory will be combined with substantial, supported practice learning in schools, enabling you to explore the relationship between theory and practice and become a confident, research-informed teacher.
You can only study this module as part of the PGCE (Wales). Refer to the qualification description for the PGCE entry requirements.
To gain the PGCE and be recommended for qualified teacher status, you'll have to complete the two PGCE modules, including 60 credits at postgraduate level, PGCE 3 (EEXP806). You should be aware of and prepared to take on postgraduate-level study. This will involve longer pieces of writing, research and critical reflection.
Salaried and part-time students need to be residents in Wales; you must undertake your practice learning in two schools in Wales.
Course work includes:
Online study and practice learning activities will support you in completing academic assignments and an e-portfolio of evidence. This will feed into your Professional Learning Passport (PLP) in Wales. You’ll draw together your knowledge of the theory of teaching and how it relates to your developing practice.
Your tutor-marked assignment (TMA) is designed to support you in relating theory to practice and demonstrating academic skills at level 6 undergraduate level.
The end-of-module assessment (EMA) has two parts:
1. Evidence of study (reflective essay-type responses to certain tasks)
2. Your e-portfolio of evidence will include:
Passing both components of the EMA is a requirement of continuing your study on the qualification.
You can study in the medium of Welsh, in English or a combination. However, you must choose one language for assessment purposes.
Module website with:
We provide all materials and learning experiences in Welsh and in English. You may purchase your own copy of set books or you may access some titles as electronic versions from the OU library.
You will also have considerable support from school-based mentors, practice tutors and access to an ePortfolio.
A list of set books is shared in the PGCE Welcome Pack.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying EEXP306 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
PGCE 1 and 2 (EEXP306) starts once a year – in September.
This page describes the module that will start in September 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in September 2028.
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