Kingston University teams up with the University of Gibraltar to launch territory's first PGCE teacher training degree

Posted Monday 27 May 2019

Kingston University's strong relationship with educators in Gibraltar has led to the launch of the British Overseas Territory's first PGCE teacher training degree.

The Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, run jointly by Kingston and St George's, University of London, has already helped Gibraltar create its first nursing and social work degrees and is now joining forces with the University of Gibraltar to unveil its first teacher training programme.

The one-year course, which will welcome its first cohort in September, offers training in early years, primary and secondary education and will allow locals to study close to home, giving flexibility to those with families who would otherwise have to go abroad to do teacher training.

Academics from Kingston's School of Education have worked together closely with Gibraltar's Department for Education and the territory's University to design a bespoke PGCE curriculum that enables trainee teachers to understand learning from a personal perspective, allowing them to identify their own behaviours and develop their ability to be reflective, resilient and resourceful in their approach.Head of Kingston's School of Education Marcus Bhargava (third from left) and director of learning and teaching at Kingston University Daryl Maisey (Second from right) have helped launch the University of Gibraltar's first PGCE degree.

Students joining the programme will have the flexibility to be educated in a subject specialism of their choice and will learn how to support, motivate and manage pupils, give high quality and constructive feedback, and ways to recognise, value and respond to the wide variety of learning needs of different pupils.

The course will also help students understand different cultures and experiences and how these can affect the way people learn. As part of the degree, the trainee teachers will get the opportunity to take on placements at schools across Gibraltar.

Head of Kingston University's School of Education Marcus Bhargava said: "Our academics are passionate about educating the future teachers who go on to work across the world and this is a great opportunity to share our expertise and knowledge on an international platform. It's inspiring to see the University's partnership with Gibraltar continue to flourish as we help develop the next crop of teachers, social workers and nurses."

Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Gibraltar Professor Catherine Bachleda said: "As with all other University of Gibraltar programmes, the PGCE adheres to rigorous UK quality standards and provides a highly personal student experience, delivered through our smaller class sizes. This individualised approach will extend to the support students will receive through the PGCE Mentorship Programme and I'm delighted to see the relationship with Kingston University continue to develop."

Minister for Education in Gibraltar Dr John Cortes, who is also a Kingston honorary graduate, said: "I am delighted this qualification is being offered by the University of Gibraltar. The programme is bespoke to the needs of our local community and it will further enhance our unique educational system. It has been designed from the bottom up in close partnership with Kingston University and the Department of Education and it matches the future vision of teaching and learning in Gibraltar."