PGCE Secondary Science

The University is situated within a beautiful, rural landscape with extensive parkland, a nature reserve and a lakeside trail.

If you want to teach Physics but are unsure if you have the necessary subject knowledge you should investigate the Physics Enhancement Course.

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.

Why study PGCE Secondary Science?

The programme has University and school-based components. The University-based programme concentrates on subject knowledge and the teaching of classroom skills and management. 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.

Course structure

In order to comply with the Teaching Agency (TA) regulations regarding the payment of the subject bursary there are three routes through the course.

Secondary Science / Physics

• During the course you will do compulsory Physics modules and on your placements you will teach Physics as your major subject.

Secondary Science / Chemistry

• During the course you will do compulsory Chemistry modules and on your placement you will teach Chemistry as your major subject.

Secondary Biology

• During the course you will cover modules to equip you to teach Biology across Key Stage 3 and 4. You may opt to teach another subject at A-level depending upon your qualifications e.g. Biology, Psychology, Geology.

Course assessment

A personalised process of continuous assessment ensures that learning is appropriate and effective. Assessment takes account of both the programme experience and the school or setting and includes researching developing practice through assignment tasks.  Support is provided to develop a rigorous evidence-based account of your educational journey.

Assessment in all of the PGCE programmes is designed to be progressive and to assist you in the provision of evidence to support your achievement against the Standards for QTS.

PGCE programmes are assessed in University, school or other settings. The evidence base includes:

• Formally assessed assignments
• Professional dialogue in progress reviews
• The Professional Learning and Practice portfolio
• School phase reports and observations
• Professional development activities
• Subject knowledge tests and tasks (where appropriate)

Five Progress Review Points are held each year.  These assessment points review your attainment, professional learning and SMART target setting.

PGCE programmes are taught by highly qualified and experienced staff both in University and in partner schools or other settings. Teaching accommodation is located on the Newton Park campus, the Culverhay and Southdown sites and in several partner schools.

University teaching takes place in rooms equipped with relevant texts, equipment, training materials and electronic resources. Open access computer facilities are available. The University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Minerva) provides remote access to a wide range of resources.

Set texts are recommended for readings.

The Library holds a wide collection of teaching and learning resources. 

Teaching methods

University sessions are devoted to showing how biology, chemistry and physics 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 three sciences.

Workshops 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.

During the course you will explore how effective classroom management strategies can help science lessons effectively. We also consider how to engage all the pupils in the learning. There is a strong emphasis on 'How Science Works' which can give relevance to the science being taught.

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. You are encouraged to submit these at Master's level.

The most important way of practising these approaches is the experience of working alongside experienced teachers in a local science department. This enables you to build up your confidence and professional skills in a supportive atmosphere, preparing you for the two school phases.

Course enquiries

Entry requirements

In addition to the General Entry Requirements, you are required to have a degree with at least 50% suitable science content for the route you are applying to do, which you should state clearly on your application. 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 a Physics Enhancement Course.

Career opportunities

All PGCE courses culminate in Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).  This enables qualified BST to apply for a wider range of teaching posts and other education based employment. 

What students say...

'I felt the choice of school and mentor really suited me. The mentor was very experienced and obviously well-briefed as to what BSU requires'

'Excellent mentor on SP2, highly recommended'