Science PGCE
Starting dates and places
Description
We will help you to develop the professional skills and knowledge you need to teach all aspects of science to pupils at least up to age 16, as well as one specialised science to pupils aged up to 18. The specialised science(s) that you teach will depend on the subject of your first degree. We are committed to creative approaches to teaching science, and you will be encouraged to develop resources during the programme.
Our experienced tutors have previously been classroom teachers and heads of school science departments, and have worked in industry. They are actively involved in science education research, work on national curriculum development, and lead sessions for Science Learning Centre …
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We will help you to develop the professional skills and knowledge you need to teach all aspects of science to pupils at least up to age 16, as well as one specialised science to pupils aged up to 18. The specialised science(s) that you teach will depend on the subject of your first degree. We are committed to creative approaches to teaching science, and you will be encouraged to develop resources during the programme.
Our experienced tutors have previously been classroom teachers and heads of school science departments, and have worked in industry. They are actively involved in science education research, work on national curriculum development, and lead sessions for Science Learning Centre London.
You will acquire a critical understanding of current debates and issues relating to science education, and we will guide and support you in developing your subject knowledge. We expect you to engage with reading and research in science education and to regularly reflect upon your own progress.
We will cover health and safety, management of teaching and learning in laboratories and outdoors, the use of ICT, facilitating small group discussion, meeting pupils' special needs, and assessment. Our facilities include a suite of laboratories and a micro-computing laboratory.
During school placements, you may teach:
- Key Stage 3: science (including elements of physics, chemistry, biology, geology and astronomy); PSHE and a non-science component through tutorial support
- Key Stage 4: science (all areas) or restricted areas of science to match your area of specialism more closely
- Key Stage 5: AS/A2 level in physics, chemistry or biology.
Features
This programme has been designed to enable all students to demonstrate that they have met the standards across Key Stages 3 and 4 (11–16 age range Qualified Teacher Status).
Wherever possible, we provide opportunities for trainees to gain experience at Key Stage 5 (post-16 age range), even where their qualification is for 11 to 16 teaching.
Attendance
In your placement schools or colleges, your responsibilities will be equivalent to those of a practising teacher, but on a reduced timetable. The working day starts at approximately 8.30am and ends at 5.00pm. Sometimes it is shorter, but you will need to plan your life to reflect the demands of the school day and the school term dates, which may not be the same as the published IOE term dates.
Days spent at the Institute include keynote lectures, subject lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and directed study days. In addition, time in the evenings and at weekends is needed for further study and planning.
Assessment
You will be assessed in two ways:
- on your practical teaching and your progress in achieving the standards for Qualified Teacher Status
- on assignments, portfolio tasks and, for some subjects, practical projects.
We will monitor your progress throughout the PGCE, and you will record this in a Career Entry and Development Profile statement. This will form part of a portfolio that links into the induction year (your first year of teaching) and your continuing professional development.
Subject entry requirements
You should have a good degree in a science or engineering subject (including geology, psychology or oceanography), or a joint degree with science as the major component (i.e. at least two years of science studies at undergraduate level). We expect you to have a good basic knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics, and be willing to learn more.
We normally expect you to have two A level sciences at minimum grade D, or the equivalent. Candidates without these qualifications may be accepted if they have acquired knowledge through other routes (eg work experience).
You must have good practical skills and technical know-how. If you have followed a highly theoretical degree, you will be asked to describe your practical capabilities. We particularly welcome applicants who have worked with young people in a variety of settings. We expect you to have at least observed science lessons in secondary schools before your interview.
Where do our students go?
Chemistry PGCE graduates are currently working as:
- chemistry teachers, science teachers and heads of department
- school leaders
- lecturers in science education.
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