Program Overview

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Secondary Education Physics PGCE

Course Overview

The PGCE programme is taught in partnership with secondary schools and colleges. It will prepare you for entry to the teaching profession through developing your expertise in teaching pupils aged 11-16, with post-16 enhancement.

The Physics subject knowledge programme aims to support and develop you to become a confident and competent educator. As a part of our distinctive and ambitious curriculum you will understand and apply knowledge of:

• Science capital
• Science in society
• Science outside the classroom
• Health and safety processes

You’ll learn how to teach key concepts of physics through exploring ways in which the curriculum can be delivered. Subject sessions will take place in a laboratory classroom to encourage modelling of classroom teaching skills and active exploration and trialling of common enquiry types.

You’ll look at how to decolonise the science curriculum and embed sustainability issues, while appreciating how young people develop key concepts over time, identified within statutory guidance and GCSE specifications.

You’ll develop a critical understanding of how to design sequences of learning to support and encourage pupil progress. You will also be introduced to essential aspects of Biology and Chemistry, so that you’re prepared to teach science across the curriculum.

There are many opportunities to observe excellent practice, working alongside teachers and pupils in a range of school settings. In addition to the focus at Key Stages 3 and 4, you’ll gain an insight into KS2 transition and KS5 teaching. You’ll develop research-informed understanding of curriculum design and have an excellent understanding of safeguarding practice. Through careful reflection and target-setting you will be supported to become increasingly adaptive to a range of student needs.

Study Style

The course is split into 3 phases which allow trainee teachers to gain knowledge and learn skills related to their teaching practice.

• Developing – From September
• Broadening – From January
• Enhancing – From April

During the Developing phase of the curriculum, trainees will attend university-based lectures and be introduced to the following Curriculum Key Themes:

• Behaviour Management and High Expectations
• Subject Knowledge and Curriculum Design
• Adaptive Practice and Inclusion
• Children’s Learning, Classroom Practice
• Assessment
• Professional and Ethical Practice.

During the Developing phase, trainee teachers experience their first Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) which is focused on behaviour. Here, from week 3 of the course, trainee teachers gain experience in one of our Lead Partner Schools exploring how classroom routines and use of behaviour policies support effective learning.

Trainee teachers get practical experience delivering sessions and receiving feedback in order to feel prepared for their first school placement in October.

During school-based training, trainees will revisit specific Curriculum Key Themes and attend university-based training sessions to support and develop their teaching practice.

During the Broadening phase, trainees will build upon and extend the knowledge and skills gained from school experiences and the university-based taught programme. Trainees will be expected to revisit and broaden their knowledge and practice of the 5 curriculum areas and Curriculum Key Themes introduced at the Developing Phase, and will engage with new Curriculum Key Themes, such as:

• Curriculum Design
• Subject Knowledge
• Sustainability
• Employability
• Research Informed Practice

In addition, trainees will take part in their second ITaP with a focus on adaptive practice. All trainees will gain experience in an SEND school and explore how to support and challenge all learners in their subject.

During this phase of the curriculum, trainees will be supported to take on wider responsibilities as a part of the role of a trainee teacher and have opportunities to discuss, analyse and observe expert colleagues to support their progression through the Broadening Phase.

Trainees will broaden their knowledge and experience of decolonising the curriculum, sustainability for education and other contemporary issues in education.

During the Enhancing phase, trainees will enhance and extend the knowledge, skills and experience gained previously. During the Enhancing Phase, trainees will be expected to revisit and extend their knowledge and practice of all 5 curriculum areas:

• Behaviour Management
• Pedagogy
• Curriculum
• Assessment
• Professional Behaviours

During this phase trainees will take part in their final ITaP with a focus on assessment, as well as developing a greater understanding of the KS2 and KS5 curriculum for their subject and taking part in a ‘Learning outside the classroom’ enhancement project.

At the end of the secondary programme, our highly employable trainees will be able to further enhance their professional development and draw upon the skills gained throughout the course to become:

• G raduate Ambassadors of Education
• L eaders of Learning
• O utstanding Teachers
• S ubject Experts

It’s planned that this course will be taught at UoG’s new campus in Gloucester city centre from September 2025.

The vibrant campus will be at the heart of the regeneration of Gloucester city centre. It will bring an iconic building back to life as a modern centre for teaching, learning and community partnerships, through placements, research and outreach activity, and provide cutting-edge facilities for your course.

Entry Requirements

• Honours degree
  • An honours degree, normally at 2.2 or above (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
• GCSE English Language and Maths
  • GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above, or an equivalent qualification.
• Fitness to practice declaration
  • If you are offered a place on the programme you will be required to complete a health declaration, which will be assessed by the University Doctor.
• Safeguarding checks
  • The University of Gloucestershire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all our trainees to share this commitment.

Course Modules

• School Experience One: ITaP (PGS6007)
• School Experience Two: SP1 (PGS6008)
• School Experience Three: SP2A and SP2B (PGS6009)
• Professional Development Evidence File (PDE) (PGS7003)
• Teaching, Learning and Pedagogical Theory in the Secondary Curriculum (PGS7004)
• School Research Enquiry: Curriculum Design and the Use of Assessment (PGS7005)

Fees and Costs

• Start date | Location | Course code | Fee (UK) | Fee (international)
• Aug 2025 | City Campus, Gloucester | E670 | £9,535 | £17,425
• Sep 2026 | City Campus, Gloucester | E670 | TBC | TBC
• Sep 2027 | City Campus, Gloucester | E670 | TBC | TBC

Careers

Our vision is for all of our students to become graduate ambassadors for education, leaders of learning, outstanding teachers and subject experts.

Employment rates have been consistently high for graduates and we offer you the opportunity to gain Master’s credits which count towards a full Master’s degree. This can be used to take your career in secondary education to the next level at a subsequent time.

All students undertake Master’s level modules in addition to other compulsory modules. If you pass all elements of the course at Master’s level, the award title will carry Master’s credits and QTS.

Teaching Staff

• Rachel Sullivan
  • Academic Course Leader for Secondary Education Physics

School of Education and Science

Work with leading practitioners, coaches, and professionals in specialist environments where you will develop your skills and gain real-world experience.