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PGCE Secondary - Science
Course closed for 2010 entry!
This programme prepares you to become a confident and effective teacher of science in secondary schools to pupils aged 11-16, in line with National Curriculum requirements. There is also the opportunity to experience post-16 physics, chemistry or biology through University based sessions on planning, teaching and assessment at post-16.
Course Structure and Content
The programme has University based and school based components. The University based programme concentrates on subject knowledge and the teaching of classroom skills and management. The subject knowledge component is divided into physical science and biological science. You will undertake an initial audit of subject knowledge and this is used by staff in planning the sessions so that your needs are met. The sessions have a high level of practical work so that you gain the subject knowledge as well as skills in teaching the topics.
School based work forms the major part of the programme and you have the opportunity to work in at least three schools for a sustained period of time. While in school you are under the guidance of a trained mentor who is supported by University staff.
Teaching Methods and Resources
University sessions are devoted to showing how biology, chemistry, physics and environmental science topics may be taught within science lessons as well as developing the pedagogical understanding needed to secure pupils’ learning in science. You are encouraged to consolidate your background knowledge in all the sciences, including astronomy and earth science.
Workshop sessions allow you to explore a range of teaching resources, and to undertake experimental work, including information technology methods such as data logging and spreadsheets. The use of the outdoor environment as a teaching resource is also explored.
Discussion sessions are a strong feature of the programme. They explore how effective classroom management strategies can help science lessons run well, and they cover all aspects of safety. Ways of challenging and supporting all pupils, from the least able to the most able, are considered. There is a strong emphasis on active learning strategies which can bring science alive to pupils.
You will also be introduced to the National Strategy which has now become a central part of science teaching in schools. There are extensive materials available on the internet that you can access and use. You are also encouraged to develop your ICT skills in preparing PowerPoint presentations, as well as using ICT for monitoring and recording pupils’ progress. Assignments are set and marked against the Standards which provides you with the opportunity to do background reading and action research.
The most important way of practising these approaches is the experience of working alongside experienced teachers in a local science department for one day a week. This enables you to build up your confidence and professional skills in a supportive atmosphere, preparing you for the two school phases.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the General Entry Requirements, you are required to have a degree with at least 50% suitable science content, for example, biology, zoology, botany, chemistry, physics, geology or other similar area of study. Degrees in environmental science are also considered. In addition you need an A-Level in one of the sciences. GCSE equivalence tests are offered for English language.
You are expected to have enthusiasm for the sciences and for working with children, with recent experience of observing and/or working in schools. If you want to teach science but are unsure if you have the necessary subject knowledge then you may be recommended to take the Science or Physics Enhancement Course. These are intensive courses which aim to develop a deep understanding of the subject with the potential to teach up to A-level.