Computing is an important part of the curriculum in schools. In 2012, the Government in recognising the significance of Computing/Computer Science replaced the National ICT curriculum with a revised Computing curriculum. Computing education according to the new Computing Programme of Study (DfE, 2013) should enable pupils to: understand and change the world through computational thinking; think logically and with precision and apply underlying principles to understand real-world systems. It should in general provide a broad understanding of both natural and artificial systems and forge substantial links with the teaching of other curricular subjects such as mathematics, design and technology. Furthermore, it should enable pupils to become digitally literate-so that they are able to use and express themselves through information and communication technology. Therefore it is both a challenging and exciting time to be able to enthuse and teach pupils about information and computation principles; designing and programming digital systems and the use of IT to create products and solutions. If you are a graduate who would like to motivate and develop children’s computing/IT knowledge and skills and inspire them towards computing/computer science qualifications/career paths, then becoming a Computing/Computer Science teacher is an exciting and rewarding career option. The PGCert Secondary Computer Science and Information and Communications Technology (CS-ICT) Course at Brunel University, draws on outstanding expertise and experience in Education to build upon your commitment to the teaching profession and the subject area. In a combined effort with our partnership schools we prepare you to teach computing, ie computer science, digital literacy and information technology to pupils in secondary school. We support you in developing skills in planning lessons, adopting and implementing learning and behaviour management strategies, in order that you become an effective Computing/IT classroom teacher. We also encourage critical thinking, exploration and discussions about the new Computing curriculum, its implementation and adoption in schools; the teaching of computing and the challenges and opportunities it presents. There is also a strong emphasis on collaborative learning/work in the course. Ie students are encouraged to work together and learn from each other. We promote the use of paired placements to enhance the experience for student teachers, wherever possible. In addition these collaborative skills are developed further and extended through cross-curricular workshops/tasks with other subject-students on the PGCert course and other subject-teachers in schools. In doing so, we work actively to seek ways of promoting the integration and use of ICT across the curriculum. During the course you will be provided the opportunity to teach in two placement schools enabling you to gain experiences of teaching Computing/IT at Key Stage 3 and 4 and for qualifications at post-sixteen. While the university-based study will consist of seminars, workshops, lectures, demonstrations, peer-led sessions and research activities. Aims The general course aims are to ensure that you are able to: * Demonstrate an understanding of the vital role of the teacher and the school in ensuring excellence in the educational experiences of young people; * Undertake professional practice which enables you to evidence the Teachers’ Standards which facilitate the award of Qualified Teacher Status; * Understand the relationships between Education and Computing/ICT Education within current national and government frameworks, and critically reflect on the impact of these in the work of schools and the educational experiences of young people; * Recognise the contribution that Computing/ICT as part of the whole school curriculum makes to the development of the individual learner and groups of learners; * Apply a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Computing National Curriculum to the planning of curriculum experiences for pupils in school; * Demonstrate competence and confidence in your ability to teach across the contexts for pupil learning in the Computing National Curriculum range and content, applying principles of continuity and progression; * Use subject knowledge and relevant course specifications to plan and deliver the 14-16 curriculum including examination and vocational courses; * Demonstrate an understanding of the subject knowledge and specification requirements for the 16-19 curriculum; * Utilise a range of teaching strategies to meet the identified learning needs of a wide range of pupils; * Consider the integration of information and communication technology, to enhance pupil learning across the curriculum; * Understand the importance of safe practice and safeguarding and apply these in working with young people both within and beyond lessons - in particular the importance and implications of e-safety. * Use a wide range of class management strategies to maximise pupil learning; * Understand the principles of inclusion and apply these to ensure equality of opportunity for all pupils in the subject area; * Understand national frameworks for assessment within the subject area and use these to support the recording and analysis of data, and the subsequent use of this to plan the next phase of learning; * Raise the status of the subject area by demonstrating high standards of professionalism at all times; * Understand the crucial role of professional learning for the teacher, the pupils and schools.

The Brunel PGCert is a recognised symbol of quality and the Secondary courses have an excellent reputation both nationally and locally. This is reflected in our high employment rates, and the feedback from past students, our partner schools and government agencies. The course receives very positive evaluations and feedback from students, the overwhelming majority of whom are successful in achieving the first teaching posts of their choice. We have an extensive network of former students and other colleagues who hold positions of responsibility in UK schools which also helps our graduates when it comes to finding the right job. We are also delighted that many of our former students return to work with us as mentors, as they develop in their professional careers.