PGCE Secondary Science with Biology

Program Overview

This PGCE program prepares graduates to teach science to students up to 14 years old and biology to 15-16-year-olds, leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). It emphasizes practical experience through school placements, research-based teaching, and a focus on inclusive practices in London's diverse educational landscape. Graduates are highly sought-after in secondary schools and receive support for English proficiency and funding opportunities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to become competent teachers of science for students up to 14 years old and biology for 15 to 16-year-olds. Upon successful completion, participants achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The program leverages London's diverse educational landscape to broaden understanding of teaching in multicultural settings. Additionally, trainees have the opportunity to work with students aged 16 to 18 by arrangement.

Outline:

• Curriculum: Participants delve into the curriculum they will teach during school placements and learn to translate it into engaging lessons that promote student progress.
They also engage in personal study and university teaching sessions to develop deep subject knowledge in their chosen field.
• Professionalism and Inclusive Practice: This module critically examines teacher professionalism within the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child framework and explores how teachers can utilize research to address complex educational issues.
• School Experiences: Trainees engage in two school placements where they gain practical experience, develop critical reflection skills inside and outside the classroom, and acquire the expertise to plan, deliver, and evaluate various curriculum areas.
The first placement aims for progress towards meeting the Core Content Framework for ITT, while the second placement targets achieving QTS and undertaking all requirements of the framework.

Assessment:

• Assessments include formal elements like School Placements A and B, where teaching ability is measured against QTS standards.
• Additional assessments involve an Educational Research Assignment exploring an educational topic and a Professional Practice Portfolio documenting personal experiences and reflections throughout the training year.
Instead, the program emphasizes feedback from peers and colleagues, weekly reflections, and online discussions to deepen trainees' understanding of the secondary teacher role.

Teaching:

• Instruction methods in the program combine collaborative projects, school-based projects with fellow trainees, and learning the principles of both teaching and student assessment.
• Faculty members are experts in their respective fields and experienced in delivering engaging and informative sessions.
There is a strong emphasis on creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment that reflects London's multicultural context.

Careers:

• Graduates from this program are highly sought-after in secondary schools, with examples like Ark Academy and Harris Girls Academy employing numerous alumni.
Upon achieving QTS, graduates possess the necessary qualification for teaching biology to middle and high school students.

Other:

• Notably, trainees participate in at least 10 working days of recent school experience before their program interview.
• The university supports trainees who need or desire to improve their English proficiency before commencing the program by offering a Pre-sessional Academic English course.
• Additionally, funding opportunities exist for many graduates through bursaries and scholarships worth up to £20,000 through the teacher training bursary.
It depends on teaching subjects and degree classifications.