The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course at Queen’s University has established a strong connection with the Secondary Students' Union of Northern Ireland (SSUNI) as part of our commitment to student voice. We are currently working with SSUNI to deliver free online revision sessions for GCSE and A level exams. PGCE students and staff in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen’s are delivering these sessions across a wide range of subjects throughout the examination period. These are open to all young people, who can register with SSUNI to access the live sessions and recordings.  

“This is the second year of our collaboration with QUB’s fantastic PGCE students. Within two days of advertising these sessions we received over 1100 sign-ups - and more since! It is essential that every young person in Northern Ireland has access to quality support, regardless of background or school - these revision sessions bridge that gap.” (Ellen Taylor, President SSUNI). 

The School of SSESW is very proud of the commitment of our PGCE students who are contributing to this initiative, which demonstrates their commitment to social justice and equality in education alongside providing opportunities for them to develop their teaching skills as part of their Initial Teacher Education. 

“It was such a great experience to deliver an online session for SSUNI. Whilst it gave me an opportunity to develop my A level teaching even further, more importantly it provided free access to revision for all young people across Northern Ireland.” (Rachael Higgins, PGCE Politics student) 

We are also grateful to our partner schools for supporting this initiative and recognising its benefits for their own students. 

“This is an invaluable resource for our students as they prepare for their exams. The partnership between SSUNI and QUB PGCE demonstrates clear commitment to supporting young people and ensuring open access for all to quality revision.” (Gina Savage, Principal, Abbey CBS Grammar School, Newry). 

For more information contact the PGCE Deputy Director, Lesley Emerson.