What do i have to do to teach modern history if i did ancient at uni and intend to do a pgce?
I have a BA in ancient history and i want to do a pgce next year. I want to teach modern history aswell. What do i have to do to teach modern history if i only know ancient? Do i have to do another 3 year degree?
Superdog is right as far as the qualifications are concerned.
Your question, however, is "What do i have to do to teach modern history if i only know ancient?"
The short answer is to bring your knowledge up to scratch so that you also know enough modern history. This is not an onerous assignment; if you research the current syllabuses (now called ’specifications’) you will discover just how few periods are covered and how little knowledge is required in the teacher. If you also chat to some serving history teachers you will find two more things: the utterly trivial level of knowledge and the superficial analytical skills nowadays required in the student. In a word, it’s a doddle for someone like yourself: someone literate and able to use the library sensibly and selectively. I have never formally studied history beyond ‘O’ level more than 50 years ago, but in more recent years have successfully taught the subject to ‘A’ level, basically on general knowledge and a certain amount of focused reading.
Go for it!
Your current degree + PGCE will be enough
References :
25 years teaching in the education system
Superdog is right as far as the qualifications are concerned.
Your question, however, is "What do i have to do to teach modern history if i only know ancient?"
The short answer is to bring your knowledge up to scratch so that you also know enough modern history. This is not an onerous assignment; if you research the current syllabuses (now called ’specifications’) you will discover just how few periods are covered and how little knowledge is required in the teacher. If you also chat to some serving history teachers you will find two more things: the utterly trivial level of knowledge and the superficial analytical skills nowadays required in the student. In a word, it’s a doddle for someone like yourself: someone literate and able to use the library sensibly and selectively. I have never formally studied history beyond ‘O’ level more than 50 years ago, but in more recent years have successfully taught the subject to ‘A’ level, basically on general knowledge and a certain amount of focused reading.
Go for it!
References :