How do secondary PGCEs work?

I am thinking of doing a secondary (Psychology) PGCE. I have a degree in Psychology, 2:1, which I achieved in 2010. I have an A in A-Level Psychology and an A in GCSE. So qualifications-wise, I'm there.

However, this was a long time ago, and dare I say that I've probably forgot most of what I've learned by now!

So I'm wondering - how do secondary PGCEs work for Psychology? Would I be learning the syllabus on the PGCE itself?

From my experience (not psychology) you will be expected to get up to speed on your subject knowledge yourself, while the course will focus on teaching strategies etc.


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I am thinking of doing a secondary (Psychology) PGCE. I have a degree in Psychology, 2:1, which I achieved in 2010. I have an A in A-Level Psychology and an A in GCSE. So qualifications-wise, I'm there.

However, this was a long time ago, and dare I say that I've probably forgot most of what I've learned by now!

So I'm wondering - how do secondary PGCEs work for Psychology? Would I be learning the syllabus on the PGCE itself?

Thanks for the reply.
Do you think the same also applies to primary teaching? (I'm torn between the 2)

Yes. There are more jobs in primary teaching than there are as a psychology teacher too. Psychology isn't a subject that is widely taught at GCSE so there wouldn't a huge demand for teachers of it.

Thanks for the reply.
Yeah I see what you mean about Psychology not being common at GCSE. It is common in colleges though, so would secondary train me to teach in colleges also?

For primary, my GCSE maths, english and science grades were CCB respectively, so not too great. Whereas I got an A on A-Level Psychology and 2:1 on the degree, which is why I think secondary is more suited to me? It's so hard to decide though

It is likely you'll be trained to teach at college level on your pgce yes, as you say it is more popular there. I was just making you aware of the fact that there are more jobs in primary than in psychology. Remember each college will only have 2 psychology teachers at the most. Not saying you shouldn't go down this route into secondary though if that is what you are more suited to! Another option you could take is to do a social sciences pgce.

Don't choose what pgce you want to do based on your qualifications. You are qualified for both primary and secondary. Choose what you want to do based on which route suits you the best/you enjoy the most. Teaching primary age is very different to teaching secondary/college so go with the one you enjoy the most.

Thanks for your help

It is likely you'll be trained to teach at college level on your pgce yes, as you say it is more popular there. I was just making you aware of the fact that there are more jobs in primary than in psychology. Remember each college will only have 2 psychology teachers at the most. Not saying you shouldn't go down this route into secondary though if that is what you are more suited to! Another option you could take is to do a social sciences pgce.

Don't choose what pgce you want to do based on your qualifications. You are qualified for both primary and secondary. Choose what you want to do based on which route suits you the best/you enjoy the most. Teaching primary age is very different to teaching secondary/college so go with the one you enjoy the most.