PGCE in Sciences (11-18)
Course codes: Biology (CX11) Chemistry
(F2X1) Physics (F3X2)
Mode of study: Full time
Location: Canterbury & Essex *
* When applying please use campus code E for Essex. A
campus code is not required for Canterbury.
Useful website:
IOP -
Institute of Physics
Introduction
The 11-18 PGCE Science courses are an innovative and intensive nine month programme preparing graduates for the demands of teaching the 11-18 age range in the Secondary Sector, with a focus in one of the three separate science areas. You will be awarded a PGCE and recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to teach in schools. The course is organised in partnership with schools where you spend a total of 24 weeks teaching within the 36 week long programme.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Your learning takes place for 12 weeks in the University, where you will experience a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical workshops. These will prepare you for professional placement and help you to reflect on professional and academic issues in relation to your own development. During the 24 weeks on placement, which are mostly based in two secondary schools, you will learn through a combination of observation, individual, group and whole class teaching, discussions with mentors, attendance at school training events and professional meetings.
Content
Professional Placement – Module 1
Teaching experiences include opportunities to teach all the
sciences at Key Stage 3 and usually an opportunity to teach and/
or support learning in your specialism at Key Stage 4. There is
also the opportunity to experience and or teach your specialist
subject; Biology, Chemistry or Physics at the post 16 level.
You will teach on two main secondary school placements. These
will include at least one Secondary High School and the balance
being made up from a Independent, Grammar, Foundation, Academy
or a second Secondary High School. You will work during a
placement with a Curriculum School-based Mentor. This Mentor
will provide opportunities for student teachers, to practice
particular teaching, learning and assessment techniques through
planning lessons, teaching and evaluating performance. The
Mentor will enable the student teacher to gain awareness,
understanding and skills in relation to practical aspects of
delivering the Sciences within the science curriculum in a safe
environment.
Professional Studies – Module 2
Professional studies sessions aim to inform you about aspects of
professional practice which are central to your work, whatever your
subject, including pastoral care, learning and assessment theory,
behaviour management, meeting the needs of individual pupils and groups
and inclusion.
Curriculum Studies in the Sciences – Module 3
Curriculum studies sessions work through modeling good practice with the
support of University Curriculum Tutors. These include developing the
student teachers’ understanding of the theory underpinning Science
education, in for example; the nature of Science and “How Science
Works”, teaching & learning, pedagogy, misconception, current issues and
the nature and role of practical work. Delivery is through:
lecture/seminars, peer teaching, workshops and practical Science
experiences. These will enable you to develop a personal rationale, and
a range of strategies for teaching the Sciences and your specialism in
the 11-18 age range.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the entry requirements you will need the following:
- A degree in a Science or a subject related to Science.
We welcome candidates with experience in an education setting and/or employment or voluntary work relevant to the subject area, particularly where this work has enhanced your knowledge, skills and understanding in Science.
