Should I be a primary or secondary teacher?
The same values and visions run through both primary and secondary courses. We aim to help you become excellent teachers.
The taught sessions are held in dedicated training rooms at Haybridge High School, Brake Lane, Hagley, Worcestershire, DY8 2XS.
When deciding whether to train to teach in Primary or Secondary education, it’s essential to consider your interests, skills, and preferences in working with different age groups. Below is a breakdown of what each route involves to help you make an informed decision:
Primary Teaching Route
- Age Range: Primary teaching focuses on children aged 3-11, which includes Early Years Route (3-7) and Later Years Route (7-11). Both of these primary routes are ideal for those who want to work with younger children and teach a broad range of subjects.
- Core and Foundation Subjects: The focus is on delivering the Primary National Curriculum across all subjects, with a strong emphasis on core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science. There is also a requirement to teach all foundation subjects such as PE, art, music and history. This makes the Primary route a good fit for those who enjoy teaching across multiple disciplines.
- Specialisms: Some Primary courses, like our Primary with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) specialism, focus on teaching children with additional needs. This is ideal for individuals passionate about inclusivity and creating accessible learning environments.
- Placements: The Later Years Primary PGCE routes include placements in Key Stage 1 and 2 classrooms, allowing you to build experience working with children at various stages of their early education. Early Years trainees complete placements in Reception and Key Stage 1. Additionally, all primary trainees visit a wide range of schools such as SEND schools and secondary schools.
Secondary Teaching Route
- Age Range: Secondary teaching focuses on children aged 11-16 (Key Stage 3 and 4), though some secondary routes also include teaching at Post-16 (Key Stage 5) levels in certain subjects.
- Subject Specialisation: In contrast to Primary education, Secondary teaching allows you to specialise in one or two subject areas (such as Maths, English, History, etc.). If you have a passion for a specific subject and enjoy teaching it in depth, secondary teaching might be a better fit for you.
- Curriculum: Secondary teachers are responsible for delivering specialised subject content, often with a focus on preparing students for exams like GCSEs and A-levels. You’ll need to develop a deep understanding of your subject and how to make it accessible and engaging for older students.
- Pedagogy: Secondary teaching involves teaching specific skills related to your subject. You’ll learn how to plan and deliver lessons that not only cover the curriculum but also prepare students for assessments and exams.
- Placements: Secondary PGCE courses focus on placements in Key Stage 3 and 4, giving you experience with older students. Some subjects allow for placements in Sixth Form/College settings if you wish to teach at Post-16 level.
Key Considerations
Both routes offer the chance to make a significant impact on students’ lives and contribute to their educational journey. If you enjoy engaging with younger students, fostering their curiosity, and guiding them across multiple subjects, Primary teaching is a great choice. If you’re passionate about a specific subject area and enjoy helping older students deepen their knowledge and prepare for exams, Secondary teaching might be the right fit for you.
