PGCE Primary Education with QTS (all courses)
Pre-course Information Blog 2026–27
Congratulations on securing a place on the PGCE Primary Education with QTS programme at Edge Hill University. We are delighted to welcome you and look forward to supporting you as you begin your journey into the teaching profession, this September.
This pre-course blog has been created to support you in preparing for the start of the programme. It will provide key information, guidance and resources to help you feel confident, organised and ready for a positive and successful beginning.
Over the coming weeks, the blog will outline:
- Expectations of the programme
- Preparation activities and recommended reading
- Key dates and important information
- Practical advice to support your transition into postgraduate study and initial teacher education
We strongly encourage you to check this blog regularly, as new information and updates will be added throughout the summer.
We are excited to welcome you to our learning community and to support you as you take your first steps towards becoming an effective primary teacher.
The Programme
INDUCTION TIMETABLE – ORMSKIRK COHORTs
Your induction timetable will be released 13 August. Please click on the applicant page to access this
INDUCTION TIMETABLE – HOLY CROSS COHORT
Your induction timetable will be released 13 August. Please click on the applicant page to access this.
PROGRAMME CALENDAR 2026-2027
The calendar below indicates your year ahead for 2026-2027. When you are not on placement, you will be on campus for your university-based studies or engaging in independent study including during some of the school half-term holidays. A detailed timetable will be shared with you on the first day of the course.
Here is the Year at a glance document.
UNIVERSITY BASED SESSIONS
Ormskirk campus – your sessions on campus will be typically 9am-4pm, Monday – Friday.
Holy Cross campus – your sessions on campus will be 4pm-8pm, Monday – Thursday; 9am-4pm on a Friday. On Monday 21 September, this day will be in school 9am-3pm not an evening session.
The Teacher as a Professional
PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS
Professionalism is a fundamental aspect of the role of all teachers. Each and every one of us must uphold the highest standards and demonstrate the core values of acceptance, respect and kindness at all times.
The ITTECF and Part Two of the Teachers’ Standards outline expectations, and you will be assessed against these expectations throughout your programme. These professional expectations focus on how you communicate with others, present yourself in a professional capacity and how you adhere to school values and policy. There will specific sessions on The Teacher as a Professional when you commence on the programme. This will support the transition in to school and during your placements.
DEVELOPING YOUR SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE
As a primary school teacher, you are required to teach the full range of National Curriculum subjects. Throughout the programme, you will have specific subject sessions to support this development. It is good to get ahead of this.
We have chosen 4 of the 10 foundation subjects to give you a starting point to explore.
GEOGRAPHY
Geographical Association Blog, accessible here: https://geography.org.uk/ga-blog/
In particular, it would be beneficial to read this article: https://geography.org.uk/blogs/you-are-a-great-real-world-geographer/
PE
This PE blog is accessible in providing an overview of how PE education enhances the primary school experience for young learners. It covers the holistic benefits of PE and also key NC content with additional links if you wish to delve into this more.
How PE Education Can Enhance Primary School | The PE Hub
MUSIC
Consider exploring the following resources:
Primary National Curriculum – Music – to gain an increased understanding of the purpose and aims of studying music.
BBC 10 pieces – free resources that provide a flavour of how primary music education could be facilitated in practice.
LANGUAGES
This accessible blog for Primary Languages is really helpful and is full of ideas for pedagogy and isn’t language specific: https://changing-phase.blogspot.com/
Professional Practice
You will have been contacted to complete our Student Allocation Profile (SAP) form. This will enable the partnership to begin to allocate and source placements. If you have already done so, please complete this before commencing on the programme. Here is the link to complete this 2026-27 PGCE Primary Student Allocation Profile – Fill out form