PGCE Secondary Science draft

Program Overview

The PGCE (Secondary): Science Education program at Goldsmiths, University of London prepares aspiring science teachers to inspire future generations. Through interactive workshops and critical thinking, the program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively teach Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Graduates are well-prepared for teaching positions in secondary schools and have opportunities for further specialization or research in science education.

Program Outline

PGCE (Secondary): Science Education (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at Goldsmiths, University of London

• This program emphasizes your journey to becoming a science teacher who inspires future generations of scientists.
• It will equip you with the tools to be an outstanding classroom practitioner and influence the future of science education.
• You will explore what science is, question subject knowledge, and actively incorporate effective teaching strategies into your practice.
• The goal is to make you a confident, reflective, and questioning science teacher who empowers your students to think, question, and understand.
• You will gain valuable experience through classroom observations, participation, and taking responsibility for lessons in partnership schools.
• You will receive support throughout the program from school and university-based colleagues.

Outline:

Program content and structure:

• The program focuses on the three major science disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
• You can choose to specialize in one of these subjects or pursue a broader science education.
• The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions.
• You will also complete a research project related to your chosen science subject.

Course schedule:

• The program is delivered over two semesters, with each semester consisting of 15 weeks of teaching.
• There is a summer break between the two semesters.
• You will typically have two or three days of classes per week, with the rest of the time dedicated to independent study and placements.

Individual modules:

• Science Curriculum Studies:
This module will cover the science curriculum for secondary schools in England. You will also learn how to design and deliver effective science lessons.
• Science Pedagogy:
This module will focus on the teaching and learning of science.
• Research Methods in Science Education:
In this module, you will learn how to conduct research in science education. You will also have the opportunity to design and carry out your own research project.

Specialist modules:

• You will also choose one or two specialist modules related to your chosen science subject area.
These modules may include:
• Chemistry for Teachers
• Physics for Teachers
• Science for Secondary Schools:
This module is an option for students who wish to gain a broader science education instead of focusing on a single science subject.

Assessment:

Assessment method:

• The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Written assignments
• Essays
• Presentations
• Practical tasks
• Portfolio of work
• Performance assessments during school placements
• The assessments are designed to assess your knowledge, understanding, and skills in science education.

Teaching:

Teaching methods:

• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Seminar discussion
• Workshops
• Practical sessions

Faculty:

• The program is taught by experienced and qualified science educators from Goldsmiths and partner schools.

Unique approaches:

• The program takes a constructivist approach to learning, emphasizing active student participation and engagement.
• It also uses a "reflective practitioner" model, encouraging you to reflect on your experiences and develop your professional identity as a science teacher.

Careers:

Career opportunities and outcomes for graduates include:

• Teaching positions in secondary schools in the UK and overseas.
• Opportunities to further specialize in a particular area of science education.
• The potential to pursue further research or leadership roles in science education.

Other:

• Part-time study: You have the option to study this program on a part-time basis over two years.
• Duration: One year full-time or two years part-time.
• Program code:
• Biology: C1X1 (full-time); CX11 (part-time)
• Chemistry: F1X1 (full-time); FX11 (part-time)
• Physics: F3X1 (full-time); FX31 (part-time)

Annual tuition fees These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year. Home - full-time: £9250 Home - part-time: £4625 International - full-time: £20160