As a geography teacher, you will inspire students' interest in the world and it's environment. Geography teaching incorporates classroom-based teaching, field trips and lots of opportunity to get involved with extracurricular activities. You’ll develop the skills to devise and deliver enlightening lessons to teach pupils about our planet’s, people, places, landscapes, processes and natural history. Working with colleagues in your department, you will engage students to develop their understanding of local, national and international issues which shape their lives now and in the future.

Sheffield and it's surroundings provide an interesting area for local studies and field trips. The border of the Peak District National Park is within five miles of the Sheffield Hallam University and the towns and cities of South Yorkshire provide good examples of urban renewal and redevelopment. Furthermore, the national headquarters of the Geographical Association (GA) is in Sheffield and student teachers are expected to become active members of the GA.

Course outline

How will I learn?

Our programme is intended to meet your own individual needs on your journey to QTS and meets the Teachers’ Standards. The course includes:

• Academic lectures at Sheffield Hallam University,
• Professional training sessions delivered by STTA at various locations in Sheffield
• Hands-on experience through placements at schools in the local area.
• A dedicated mentor to provide you with support and guidance throughout your training. 
• Guidance and support provided for all aspects of your training. 
• Ongoing school-based support throughout the year.
• School placements.

What will I learn?

You will develop the skills and knowledge to teach geography at key stages 3, 4 and 5 (age range 11-18). Topics covered include:

Placements

Your placement will consist of a minimum of 120 days in at least two secondary schools to gain practical classroom experience. Placements are usually undertaken at partner schools with STTA with the first one starting in September and your second placement will starting in January.

You will have your own mentor in each school, who will meet with you regularly and provide support and advice. They will also assess your teaching in school.

How am I assessed?

Your academic work will be assessed by written coursework assignments. You will be assigned an academic tutor who will support you throughout the year. This part of the course is where you will gain 60 credits towards your masters degree. 

You will also record evidence of your progress towards Qualified Teacher Status throughout the year via a professional portfolio. At the end of the year you will submit your portfolio as your final assessment. We will also track your progress throughout the year and provide guidance to ensure that you are on-track to successfully complete your training.

Future careers

After successful completion of this course you will be qualified teacher. By becoming a teacher, you’re joining a profession that offers a huge variety of career opportunities. 

There are lots of opportunity to progress into a number of leadership or management roles such as:

• Subject/phase lead
• Lead practitioner working as a mentor, coach, trainer or facilitator
• A pastoral role
• Teaching and learning responsibility
• Head of department
• Headteacher
• Deputy head

As well as excellent career opportunities, teaching offers a competitive salary, job security and job satisfaction.