Taught course

PGCE Secondary Science with Physics

Institution
London Metropolitan University · School of Social Professions
Qualifications
PGCE

Entry requirements

You will be required to have:

  • a UK degree, preferably grade 2.2 or equivalent, in physics or related subjects including geology, metallurgy, chemical engineering and forensic science
  • literacy and numeracy tests — these are university-based tests, which you will be asked to undertake at your interview
  • a valid Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate and Confirmation of Fitness to Teach (eg a London Metropolitan University Health Check) which you will be advised to apply for after an offer is made
  • GCSE English and Mathematics grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)*

If you hold a third class degree, you may still be considered, particularly if this qualification is supported by a completed Master's degree or relevant work experience.

We do make conditional offers (with strict deadlines) so it is important that you include all pending qualifications in your UCAS application.

The University will assess any overseas qualifications for equivalence using a number of resources including our own internal guidelines, the UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) and the Overseas Degree Table.

We highly recommend the one-to-one tailored advice on eligibility and equivalency offered by the Department for Education Get Into Teaching service.

*If you need to take an equivalency test for any of the required GCSEs, once you've received an offer from London Met please sign up for the BCU equivalence tests, which are the only approved ones to work entirely online. They are only available to teacher training offer-holders, so cannot be taken prior to application.
BCU offer all three GCSE equivalencies. An individual applicant who is holding an offer at an ITE provider will pay a one-off admin fee of £25, irrespective of the number of equivalencies needed. You'll then pay a fee of £75 for Maths, £75 for Science and £90 for English. This will give you access to four areas of learning, which can be engaged with through repeat sessions (the same areas but with different examples that give you a chance to revisit before taking the test). You'll then have the opportunity to take two tests, a first attempt and one resit.

Professional requirements

Before you can be permitted to enrol to this course:

  • you must not already hold QTS or be qualified to teach in another EU/EEA country

Prior to the interview for this course, London Met recommends:

  • you have a minimum of 10 working days recent experience in a school
  • you are prepared for your understanding of current teaching practice and issues in schools to be assessed
  • you have an awareness of multiculturalism and other contexts unique to urban schools
  • you're aware you may be invited to interview based on information given in your application

Some offers may recommend further school experience if required.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Why study this course?

Learn how to teach science and physics to 11 to 16-year-olds with this PGCE course, accredited by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). You’ll attend sessions at both London Met and one of our partnership schools, learning the principles of teaching physics and getting the vital hands-on experience necessary for later employment.

More about this course

Successfully complete this Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA)-accredited PGCE Secondary Science with Physics course to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and become a teacher of science for students up to 14 years old and physics for 15 to 16-year-olds. You may also have the opportunity to teach at the 16 to 18 age range.

At London Met you’ll develop your teaching strategies and pedagogical techniques as well as exploring the fundamentals of how children learn. These study sessions will include collaborative projects and school-based work with other trainees, as well as how to implement teaching and pupil assessment.

Our PGCE course uses its London location to widen your experience of teaching in multicultural urban environments. Through your placements at one of our partnership secondary schools you’ll help develop lesson plans and contribute to the development of pupils’ scientific skills and knowledge. London Met also provides you with the opportunity for post-16-year-old teaching experience where possible.

Our commitment to your development has lead to positive reviews from Ofsted:

"Headteachers are particularly complimentary about the fact that the trainees and Newly Qualified Teachers are prepared well to meet the specific challenges of pupils in the context of London schools."
Ofsted 2015.

Assessment

Your assessment will consist of four elements:

  • School placement A
  • School placement B, where your teaching ability will be assessed in relation to the standard for Qualified Teacher Status
  • a Professional Practice Portfolio which is compiled across the year, detailing personal experiences and reflections on your development as a teacher, largely in relation to your practical teaching experience
  • the Educational Research Assignment which allows you to explore an educational issue

There are no examinations.

We place great emphasis on feedback from your peers and colleagues on the placement. You’ll complete a weekly reflection and contribute to discussions online in order to further develop your understanding of the role of a secondary teacher.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).

Information for international students

Due to statutory requirements, we are not able to offer sponsorship under the Tier 4 visa route for this course. We will be happy to consider those falling into this category for an alternative suitable course on request. EU nationals may be considered for admission, as well as overseas nationals who already hold an alternative visa in a suitable category or have been granted permission to remain in the UK indefinitely, but please note that an additional international enhanced police check will be required.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • PGCE
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Cardinal Pole Roman Catholic School Chace Community School

Course contact details

Name
Course Enquiries
Email
courseenquiries@londonmet.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)20 7133 4202