Taught course

PGCE Secondary Science: Biology

Institution
University of Reading · Institute of Education
Qualifications
PGCE

Entry requirements

You are normally required to have at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent from a university outside the UK) in a subject that is related to the subject you intend to teach.

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5

You will need to have achieved Grade 4 (or C) or above in GCSE Mathematics and English Language or equivalent qualifications.

As part of the application process for this programme, you will be required to attend an interview.

You will also need to demonstrate competence in Fundamental English and mathematics by the end of the course. This is a new DfE requirement which replaces the QTS skills tests in literacy and numeracy.

If you accept an offer with us you will also be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks.

Apply for this course through DfE Apply and select Provider Code R12 and course Biology (C1X1).

Months of entry

September

Course content

Develop your teaching skills and qualify as a Secondary Biology teacher, with our highly regarded PGCE Secondary Education with Biology course at the Institute of Education.

This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science course leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11-18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.

We recognise the importance of being able to teach children to explore, understand and make sense of their world through science.

Training to teach in one of the sciences at the University of Reading is an immersive experience that utilises many modes of delivery and participation with active learning at its core. You will develop your skills throughout the programme so that you are fully prepared to share your love of learning and knowledge about science with the children you will teach.

Our course is designed in collaboration with our strong schools partnership so that it meets both your needs as a learner and the needs of the children you teach.

You will be taught by staff with national reputations as experts in the field of science education. They are a diverse and incredibly experienced community of academics with extensive school teaching and academic experience.

Your teaching is through a series of practical seminars and workshops in purpose-built science laboratories where interactive and discussion-based techniques will encourage you to engage, reflect and challenge.

You will take part in activities designed to help you to plan your teaching effectively and imaginatively, discovering how to evaluate your skills, particularly in terms of the quality of learning achieved by pupils.

Sessions may include:

  • participating in workshop-style sessions with your peers
  • attending presentations by subject experts
  • working on tasks in groups
  • having individual tutorials
  • visits to schools or other education settings
  • visits to museums or sites of educational interest
  • writing assignments on aspects of subject teaching and Professional Studies.

Our course is linked with the Association for Science Education, the Royal Society of Chemistry, The Earth Science Teachers Association and other academic departments within the University of Reading who all provide guest speakers to our sessions.

These learning activities will help you to develop a toolkit of knowledge and skills, ensuring you are well prepared to tackle challenges and opportunities throughout your training and your career.

Alongside the University tutors, you will be taught and guided by a team of committed and experienced University-trained school mentors.

Placements

Placements enable you to develop the skills and knowledge valued and desired by employers - you will build your confidence in the classroom and gain practical teaching experience. Placements also provide you with the opportunity to connect with potential employers and build your professional network.

At Secondary level, we have strong relationships with around 90 schools in the local and surrounding area. It is a testament to the strength of these partnerships and the regard with which our graduates are held, that most schools in Berkshire employ at least one graduate of the Institute of Education.

On your Secondary PGCE course, you are required to carry out three placements in two different age groups - ensuring you receive a broad range of experiences. Two placements must be undertaken in a school setting but the third can be taken in a different setting - allowing you to sample teaching in an alternative environment.

We offer our students an unusually flexible and broad range of contexts and educational environments - you will have the opportunity to gain experience in special needs schools, Pupil Referral Units, independent schools, museums, and charities.

You will have plenty of opportunities throughout your course to apply your developing skills in real settings. In schools, you will be involved in:

  • observation of other teachers
  • planning and teaching small groups and whole classes
  • planning and teaching elements of lessons and whole lessons
  • reflecting on and evaluating your teaching
  • receiving feedback on your teaching
  • gaining experience in the range of responsibilities of the classroom teacher.

Climate and sustainability education

At the University of Reading, we believe that climate and sustainability education is everyone’s responsibility. This is why we have set out our vision that all initial teacher trainees should be able to access training that empowers them to effectively incorporate climate education within their teaching across all levels and subjects as part of our National Climate Education Action Plan.

Across all of our Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes at the Institute of Education, you will learn about:

  • what is happening to our climate, how to help children learn about climate and sustainability in an age-appropriate and accessible way, and how to develop your own positioning as a teacher
  • climate justice, the impact of current and future changes to our environment and climate on ourselves and others and implications for teachers
  • how to translate knowledge and theory into change and personal action through building climate and sustainability education into your planning, teaching, and children’s learning.

Visit Partnering for the Planet to find out more about the University of Reading’s world-leading work in climate science.

Research

98% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Education).

For more information, please visit the Institute of Education website.

Fees and funding

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £22,350

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

The Department for Education (DfE) also offer a range of scholarships and bursaries. To find out if you may be eligible, visit their bursaries and scholarships webpage.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

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

Course contact details

Name
Global Recruitment Team
Email
student.recruitment@reading.ac.uk