Secondary Education Science with Biology

Entry requirements

Applicants should have: A 2.2 or above in an honours degree in a relevant subject PLUS GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or above, or a recognised equivalent. • Candidates must attend an interview • Pre-entry skills tests in numeracy and literacy should be passed before beginning the programme. For more information see: www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching • Undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and an occupational health screening • It is recommended that applicants spend some time observing in a secondary school before interview

Months of entry

September

Course content

This programme is designed to prepare student teachers to become professional, competent and reflective secondary school teachers of science, with biology as a specialist subject. The programme focuses on addressing the needs of pupils aged 11 to 16. This is supplemented by post-16 teaching. This programme offers strong university support with easy access to tutors.

Students following this programme will have the opportunity to gain 60 Masters level credits as part of their PGCE and gain Qualified Teacher Status.

This one-year programmes comprises two elements; university-based teaching (60 days) and school-based experience (120 days). Practical teaching experience is gained in two main schools, where student teachers are allocated subject-specialist mentors who offer feedback and guidance. During both placements there is the opportunity to develop science and biology teaching, supported by specialist teachers.

As well as covering all aspects of the National Curriculum and addressing all relevant government standards, this programme helps student teachers to develop as effective teachers. University workshop sessions cover a range of topics, including planning lessons, assessment of pupils and classroom management. There is also the opportunity to work collaboratively with students from other subject areas.

There is a strong emphasis on the development of subject knowledge for teaching. This is support from specialist university tutors as well as on-line materials.

The qualification enables student teachers to be formally assessed against the national standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The aims of the programme are:

• Develop practical knowledge amd theoretical understanding of science within the context of the National Curriculum
• To address the needs of secondary school pupils within the context of the curriculum at Key stage 3 and 4
• Widen individuals skills, expertise and background knowledge across the field of science education
• Continue professional development and become an innovator capable of active involvement in the future evolution of biology.

Content

• Subject Knowledge and Pedagogy 1 and 2 (60 credits)
• Professional Studies and School Based Research (45 credits)
• School Experience (30 credits)
• Professional E-Portfolio (30 credits)

Qualification and course duration

PGCE

QTS

Course contact details