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PGCE Key Stage 2/3 - Science
Science is one of the core subjects within the National Curriculum, with the aim of providing every pupil with a level of scientific literacy to prepare them for their role in the community.
As there is a nationally recognised shortage of science teachers, the employment prospects and longer term opportunities for promotion within the teaching profession are excellent.
This one-year programme provides an exciting opportunity to qualify to teach science to the 7-14 age range in primary, middle or across the transition into secondary school. It provides you with a subject specialism for secondary teaching but also qualifies you as a Primary classroom teacher.
Course Structure and Content
The programme provides a carefully structured balance of University based teaching and school based phases. During the first part of the University based teaching, you will gain a sound knowledge of the National Curriculum requirements and Key Stage 3 Strategy relating to science.
You will gain a broad knowledge of the approaches used in a range of school science settings to make the subject both challenging and inspiring to the next generation of adults. You should be able to make decisions grounded in a secure scientific understanding and the programme will facilitate this by helping you identify and address the many misconceptions which pupils bring to their science lessons.
The university-based teaching relating to general Primary practice includes continuing study of your specialist subject and substantial pedagogical and curriculum input in the other core subjects. You will develop a critical understanding of the processes of learning and teaching and requirements of the Key Stage 2 aspects of the National Curriculum as appropriate. In addition you will have short courses in a range of foundation subjects.
Professional Studies is central to the programme and addresses a range of aspects relating to the role of the teacher, including the transition between key stages, the move towards multi agency working and child focused practice. Through a mix of experiences, both in school, at the university and other settings, it positions you in the broader context of professional practice and considers key issues which take you beyond the confines of the traditional curriculum. All professional studies themes are developed further in the subject elements at both Key Stage 2 and 3.
Teaching Methods and Resources
The PGCE year consists of three main phases. There is an initial preparatory period in University, which also includes time in schools. You then undertake an extended school phase until the end of the autumn term, developing as a Key Stage 3 teacher of science.
This is followed by a sustained period in the university preparing you to teach at Key Stage 2. These elements are again unified through study of Professional Studies issues. The final school phase in Key Stage 2 takes place in the spring and summer terms teaching the full range of primary curriculum subjects.
The programme enables you to develop the knowledge and understanding required to become an effective teacher of Science. You will develop the skills to plan and teach and assess your subject effectively, helping all students to reach their full potential. There is a strong emphasis throughout the programme on subject application and practical workshops where teaching strategies and techniques are modelled and discussed.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the General Entry Requirements, you are normally required to have a degree with at least 30-50% suitable science content. Dependent upon your degree we may also require you to have one of the science subjects at AS/A2 Level. GCSE equivalence tests are offered for English language.
We also welcome applications from those whose first degree is not in a mainstream science discipline. These would include such diverse subjects as Sports Science, Psychology, Oceanography and Equine Science. In those instances, suitable candidates would be offered an opportunity to enhance their subject knowledge through a Physics or Science Enhancement Course prior commencing the PGCE. This course will focus on science subject knowledge as required by the National Curriculum for Key Stages 2, 3 and 4 and to achieve this fully you will study the subject to the equivalent of A-level standard.