Course Overview

The aim of this course is that you should become a reflective practitioner – a teacher who thinks about their experiences and learns from them to improve their practice. During the period, you will study two academic modules. The first, ‘Theory into Practice,’ allows you to explore your subject and its context in school. A chosen lesson in your topic is evaluated using a reflective tool, linking theory to practice. In the ‘Classroom Focused Research’ module, you will undertake a small research project in school, having explored appropriate research methods.

The PGCE Secondary Science course supports trainees to teach all of the Science subjects at KS3 and KS4 (GCSE) with post-16 enhancement in their specialist subject of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. There is a part-time option available. Trainees following this course are encouraged to explore a wide range of creative approaches to planning, teaching and evaluating Science lessons. The system is built upon principles of inclusion and diversity in education and learning for all pupils, whatever their potential and achievements. Throughout the course, trainees study different assessment methods and how they support classroom learning and teaching, particularly the role of formative assessment in developing metacognitive skills. Outside speakers are invited to supplement the University sessions, including from the ‘Institute of Physics,’ the ‘Royal Society of Chemistry’ and the ‘Association for Science Education.’ A visit to the National STEM Centre in York is also usually part of the course. Classroom practical work is encouraged and supported. In addition, we are keen to introduce trainees to the joys of learning outside of the classroom, such as learning visits to a local nature reserve and Woolsthorpe Manor. In this home, Sir Isaac Newton made so many of his outstanding scientific discoveries.

You will consider the broader aspects of teaching, contexts for learning, the latest government initiatives, and contemporary issues in teaching, learning, and assessment. You will also work alongside trainee teachers of other subjects to consider cross-curricular aspects of education. These topics will introduce you to your career in the teaching profession.

Throughout your year of study, you will explore all aspects of your subject. This includes areas of your strengths and sites you may need to improve upon. You will study how pupils learn in your subject area, how you need to assess them, and how to keep abreast of new developments within your subject. You will learn how to plan and deliver topics that meaningfully include all types of learners.

You will spend two-thirds of the year in partner schools and other educational settings, gaining rich and varied experiences designed to support meeting the minimum requirements for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Working with peers, tutors, and school-based colleagues, you will develop your abilities to promote effective learning among 11-16-year-olds. You will also have opportunities to gain experience in the critical stages before and after which you qualify.

This course is demanding and stimulating. We aim for you to be prepared to take responsibility for your learning, be open to creative and innovative ideas, and be competent, reflective practitioners in your training year and beyond. Success on the course means you will have completed a postgraduate (with 60 credits at Master's level) or professional graduate qualification, have met the minimum requirements to be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status, and will be fully prepared to start the next year as an Early Career Teacher.

This Secondary PGCE course is available through both Core and School Direct routes.

General Eligibility

For all PGCE Secondary specialisms, you will generally need the following:

• GCSEs at grade 4 (previously C) or above (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.

• A relevant honors degree at a 2:2 classification or above. (Where the degree result is to be awarded in the year of application, we will require a predicted degree classification as part of an academic reference provided on the application)

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• N/A