Details
The Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course, is 36 weeks long of which 24 weeks are spent on placement in a partnership school. There are five phases: Preparation (university and some school-based activities); School Placement 1 (seven week placement in school); Development (university and one week in your second school); School Placement 2 (12 week block placement and some university days); Completion (two further weeks in second school and two weeks in university).
The teaching and learning of science is complex and an effective teacher needs to be able understand how children learn and how a range of approaches enables this to happen. This course aims to equip you to be able to do this through a carefully designed programme of workshops, seminars and practical sessions which will let you experience the methods and resources you can use. You will explore the place of science in the school curriculum, what students are required to learn, the difficulties and misconceptions they have and the strategies that can facilitate their learning. Through this you will learn how to plan effective lessons, assess the success of those lessons and manage the children that you will work with. You will also learn how to critically reflect on your own practice to ensure your own professional development.
As science teachers are required to teach across the sciences at Key Stage 3 there is a 'science' component in addition to your subject specialism. Teaching the science content to PGDipEd students is not the primary aim of the course although the generic and specific requirements are addressed through various scientific phenomena.
Download the flier for the Postgraduate Diploma Secondary Education (QTS) - Science: Chemistry course (PDF, 60KB)
Equal Opportunities
The School of Education is committed to equal opportunities in the access to and provision of education. For more information please see the following documents:
School Mission Statement (PDF 23KB, opens new window)
Disability and Equality Scheme
Race Equality
Information on our other PGDipEd (QTS) subjects may be found on the Postgraduate Diploma Secondary Education (QTS) course page.
Modules
All students have to complete six modules, five of which require a written assignments. In addition students will need to complete two teaching placements and meet the Teachers' Standards for the Award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
School Studies 1:
(20 credits Level M)
This module, which consists of university based seminars and school based practical experience, will offer opportunities for you to develop your understanding and practice of teaching. In particular, the planning and evaluation of learning experiences for small groups, supported by exploration of the place of your subject within national frameworks and initiatives which will include at least one area of cross-curricular concern.
Aims
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plan for, teach and evaluate learning experiences for small groups;
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understand the place of your subject within national frameworks and initiatives;
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develop an awareness of a least one area related to whole school issues in the context of your subject;
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develop an awareness of some of the research in the whole school issues field in the context of your subject.
School Studies 2:
(20 credits Level M)
These university based seminars will enable you to develop an understanding of the needs of learners within a subject discipline and in secondary schools. You will also reflect on the teaching placement (School Placement 1) in your school and learn to plan and evaluate teaching experiences which will consider the role of learners.
Aims
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plan for, teach and evaluate learning experiences for whole classes and distinguish success and failure in these.
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demonstrate an understanding of the place of the subject within the school context.
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demonstrate awareness of the needs of learners.
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relate theory and practice through mini research in a learning context.
School Studies 3:
(20 credits Level M)
The university based seminars will enbable you to develop an understanding of the needs of learners within a subject discipline and in schools. You will reflect upon your teaching placement (School Placement 2) in school, and continue to learn to plan and evaluate teaching experiences which consider the role of learners.
There will also be university and school based seminars on whole school issues – e.g. equal opportunities, management of the teaching environment.
Aims
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plan for and teach whole classes and evaluate learning experiences; distinguish success and failure of learning and offer potential future teaching alternatives.
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demonstrate an understanding of the place of the subject and whole school issues within the school context.
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demonstrate an extended awareness of the needs of learners.
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relate theory and practice of learning through case-study methods.
School Studies 4:
(20 credits Level M)
During these university based seminars, you will develop an understanding of the needs of learners within your main subject discipline or within an alternative subject and schools.
Aims
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plan for and teach whole classes, evaluate learning experiences and know how to adapt teaching to respond to success and failure in learning.
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demonstrate a wider knowledge of teaching /learning situations through another subject or extended main subject studies.
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relate theory and practice of subject specific pedagogy through small-scale research in the learning environment.
Teaching Experience 1:
(30 credits Level 3)
You will observe lessons and teach on average half a normal teacher’s timetable, providing relevant documentation for every lesson taught. You will have discussions with tutors, mentors and teachers focus on pupils’ learning and the experience of teaching.
This module is closely linked with the School Studies modules where the theoretical underpinning of the practice is discussed to enable the students to analyse the ideas in practice. Much of the module will depend upon your individual work as a practitioner and reflecting upon practice.
Aims
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plan for and teach whole classes and evaluate learning experiences (3-11 or 11-18 age range).
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create a majority of successful experiences.
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demonstrate an understanding of the implications of whole school issues and subject content in relation to teaching
Teaching Experience 2:
(10 credits Level M)
This module will explore your continuing reflective and analytical development as you review your teaching and learning. It is closely linked with the School Studies modules where the theoretical underpinning of the practice is discussed to enable you to analyse the ideas in practice.
The contact time will allow you to develop your theoretical framework and to develop pathways for future personal and professional development.
Aims
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plan for and teach whole classes and evaluate learning experiences (primary/secondary schools).
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demonstrate an understanding of the implications of practice to future development as a teacher.
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demonstrate reflective, analytical and evaluative skills
Fees and funding
Fees for 2013–14 are: £9,000 (UK/EU full-time), £13,200 (overseas full-time).
Learn more about fees and funding
Scholarships and studentships
Home/EU students will be eligible to apply for statutory support from their relevant funding agency. Government training bursaries may be available depending on your subject and degree classification. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.
For further information contact the School directly or the Student Funding Office via online enquiries.
Entry requirements
All applicants to the Secondary PGDipEd(QTS) course must hold a degree or equivalent qualification in the area they wish to teach. In addition to this you will be required to have a grade C in GCSE mathematics and English, or equivalent. The DfE require us to check the original certificates; you therefore cannot start a PGDipEd(QTS) course unless you already hold these qualifications.
We will expect at least of 50% your degree to be chemistry related and require a good A-level equivalent in a science other than chemistry.
All candidates also have to:
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have a GCSE in Maths and English (grade C or above) or an equivalent qualification; alternatively they might be advised to take an Equivalency Test
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pass Professional Skills Tests in numeracy and literacy; please see the
Professional Skills Tests section of the Department for Education web site for more information on the core skills required by trainee teachers
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provide a satisfactory medical form
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complete an enhanced DBS/police check
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complete a Declaration of Suitability to Teach
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adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise
How to apply
Apply online through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry. Applications can be made from mid September for the following September start and there is one intake per year. You can apply throughout the year although the course is often full by the Summer.