Secondary English Subject Booster
Develop subject knowledge in English and prepare to teach the subject effectively to learners aged 11-16 on this flexible free enhancement course for those with an offer of a place on our PGCE in Secondary English.
Overview
| Course length: | 8 weeks full-time |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | August 2025 August 2026 |
| Location: | Edge Hill University and Online study |
| Example offers: | An offer of a place on the PGCE Secondary English with QTS (11-16) at Edge Hill University. View full entry criteria |
| Subject(s): | Education and Teaching |
| Faculty: | Education |
| Department: | Secondary and Further Education |
This course is for you if you have applied to study PGCE Secondary English with QTS (11-16) at Edge Hill University and your admissions tutor has determined that you require enhancement of your subject knowledge.
The aim of the course is to develop your subject knowledge in English to prepare you to teach the conceptual and applied aspects of the subject effectively, with competence, enthusiasm and confidence, to learners aged 11-16 years. Trainees will be encouraged to prepare for teaching A Level topics where appropriate.
What you'll study
If you have a degree in a related subject to English, or if your degree contains a small amount of English study alongside other subjects, and you wish to train as an English teacher, then this course will be suitable for you prior to a Secondary English PGCE. It is designed for applicants without the breadth and depth of English study in their degree who may need to improve their subject knowledge as a condition of entry to the PGCE.
The course is designed to address subject knowledge gaps in/around:
- The place of grammar in the curriculum
- How to teach and model creative writing
- Non-fiction texts at Key Stages Three and Four
- Poetry from 1789, as well as other poetic traditions e.g. spoken word
- Drama, including bring Shakespeare to life
- How to inspire young people’s appreciation of 19th century literature
How you'll study
The course is divided into individual Units, each requiring 50 hours of learning time, normally within a space of two weeks. This learning will be a blend of face-to-face sessions, online learning and supported self-study, with one evening a week on campus.
How you'll be assessed
There are no formal examinations. You will build a portfolio from directed activities.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements (2025 / 2026)
You may apply for the course if you have been offered a place on the PGCE Secondary English with QTS (11-16) at Edge Hill University.
Completion of this booster course may form part of your offer conditions for a place on the PGCE Secondary English with QTS (11-16). Please note, however, that completion of this course does not necessarily qualify you for a place on the PGCE.
How to apply
Please note that this course requires you to read the additional information document as part of your application.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
There’s plenty of opportunities to come take a look around campus. Attend one of our open days to see what life at Edge Hill University is all about.
Book an open day
Facilities
The Faculty of Education enjoys the enviable position of being one of the country’s leading providers of transformative education, training and research for the teaching and education workforce. Housed in a state-of-the-art £9m building, the Faculty of Education enjoys a stunning setting from both its lakeside and piazza buildings.
Facilities in the lakeside building include a 300-seat lecture theatre, five well-equipped ICT suites, and 18 teaching rooms complete with the latest technology.
Our nearby piazza building houses our Research Hub and our Secondary and Further Education department including a lecture theatre and a number of seminar rooms.
Where you'll study
Finance
Tuition fees
UK Full-Time
Free of charge
for the course
Tuition fees
UK Full-Time
Free of charge
for the course
Course changes
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
