Secondary Science (Biology) with QTS (11-16)

To join this PGCE, you will be expected to have:

• A degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject. Other subjects may be considered if you have an A Level in a relevant subject (or equivalent qualification) and a willingness to engage in a subject knowledge enhancement course.
• GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent qualification).
• Satisfactory levels of information and communications technology competence.
• A commitment to, and understanding of, secondary education, demonstrating the personal attributes, values and motivation required to train as a teacher.

For the purposes of initial teacher training, level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics.

An interview forms part of the selection process.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to meet the Department for Education’s standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and clearance to work with children. Further information, including a Declaration of Health questionnaire and details of how to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Remember the first time you looked at cells under the microscope? Or how you unravelled the process of photosynthesis? Bring that enthusiasm into your own classroom as a secondary school biology teacher.

During our PGCE Secondary Science (Biology), you’ll study the latest teaching theory and how to apply this in practice. Find out how to spark your pupils’ curiosity about the world around them while building their practical and analytical skills.

You’ll develop in-depth subject knowledge in your specialism of biology. We’ll also make sure you’re prepared to support with teaching chemistry and physics, especially at key stage 3. Throughout the course, we’ll encourage you to reflect on your learning to help you become the best biology teacher you can be.

Boost your skills in lesson planning, managing the classroom, teaching methods, and more. Then put what you’ve learnt into practice in a real classroom. During your school placements, you’ll plan, teach and assess biology lessons with support from your school-based mentor.

We’ll be there for you every step of the way as you work towards taking the lead in the classroom. Turn to your Personal Tutor whenever you need advice or help overcoming hurdles.

Successful completion of the programme leads to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Subject knowledge enhancement

If you need to develop your biology subject knowledge or it has been some time since you last studied biology, then our free subject knowledge enhancement course will prepare you for teaching the conceptual and applied aspects of biology effectively to learners aged 11-16 years.