Program Overview

Secondary PGCE with QTS (11-19) (Provider-led) (Science with Biology)

Overview

Become a Biology teacher and inspire pupils to embrace the natural sciences. Begin your training with a secondary education PGCE in science.

Our exciting Train to Teach Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) prepares you to become a secondary school teacher of science, specialising in Biology. You will focus on addressing the needs of pupils aged 11-19 and beyond, working with professionals from specialist science organisations such as the Royal Society of Biology. We also partner with the adventure learning charity Wide Horizons, who will support your training in the area of fieldwork, conservation, and ecology.

Course Content

• What is effective learning – Fundamentals of Practice Phase
• How do we plan for and evidence learning? – Qualifying and Transition Phase
• How do we all learn, what is our role? Enhancement Phase
• How do we all learn and what is our role? (20 credits)
• How do we plan for and evidence learning? (20 credits)
• What is effective learning? (20 credits)

Entry Requirements

• An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2 or above in a relevant subject
• GCSE Mathematics, GCSE English Language at grade 4/C. Equivalent qualifications may be considered.

Fees and Funding

• Home: £9,535
• International: £17,500

Careers and Placements

• You will spend a minimum of 24 weeks in two secondary schools, with intensive training placements for an additional four weeks where you will focus on core elements of practice.
• Employment rates are outstanding and have consistently been well above national and London averages year on year.

Support and Advice

• Academic skills and study support
• Support from the department
• Personal tutor allocated to support your studies

Location and Duration

• Location: Avery Hill Campus
• Duration: 1 year full-time

Start Month

• September

What You Should Know About This Course

• Strong student support and good reputation.
• Decolonised curriculum that promotes equality diversity and inclusion.
• Strong partnership with schools and providing trainees who are employed by the schools with good employability.
• Well experienced tutors in various fields and links to external subject specific organisations.
• Research-informed pedagogy helping trainees to link theory to their practice.

How You Will Learn

• Teaching: In addition to university-based workshops, our course includes two school placements plus support in the form of online materials.
• Class sizes: The typical student intake per year averages 30-40.
• Independent learning: Outside of timetabled sessions, you will need to dedicate time to self-study to prepare for course work, presentation, and portfolio subject knowledge.
• Overall workload: If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job.
• Assessment: Continuous assessment of classroom skills and teaching effectiveness builds towards a professional development portfolio. There are also written and practical assignments with opportunities for Master's level credits in the postgraduate version.

Accommodation

• Our Avery Hill halls of residence are a home away from home to over 1,200 students.
• Rooms start at £133.98/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills, access to our on-site gym, 24/7 security and 24-hour residential support.