PGCE Secondary Education: Science

A degree in a strand of science or applied science, with 60% of the content in a National Curriculum science area (life processes and living things; materials and their properties; physical processes)

Ability to demonstrate a high level of competence and confidence in your own scientific subject knowledge across the sciences

Recent experience of shadowing teachers in a science department in a secondary school

GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in English and mathematics.

Interview and Selection

Once your application has been forwarded to subject staff, your suitability is individually assessed. If you appear suitable, you will be offered an interview where you are required to sit a short subject specific interview/ examination.

The main purpose of the interview is to:

give you an insight into the nature of the course, the teaching profession and to assess your commitments to it

explore your subject strengths and areas for development

assess your ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English

arrange a partnership school visit as necessary

answer all of your questions

Over the one year course, you undertake two periods of University-based learning at Walsall Campus, and you spend at least 120 days divided between two different schools

Your University tutor is available to assist you throughout your training, and every effort is made to ensure you have a high-quality school placement, where you can learn from experienced teachers

All course modules provide examples of good practice in teaching which you will reflect upon as you develop your own teaching style. You will be expected to participate actively in your own learning and development

Teaching on the course reflects a variety of methods that will prepare you for life in the classroom including teacher-led debates, pupil-led exploration, peer-group discovery and the provision of individual targets

You will be assessed in a variety of ways including written assignments, school-based project and other school-based activities, and appraisal of practical teaching skills

All University-based elements of the course take place at the Walsall Campus.

Typical modules may include

Observation of teaching, before undertaking ‘sheltered’ teaching activities, for example teaching parts of lessons or groups of pupils within a class

Progression to teaching single or short sequences of lessons

Further development through planned classroom activities

Development of teaching skills as you move to sustained sequences of lessons

Research in the University and school on the use of ICT in the teaching of your subject

PGCE: programme structure

Full-time route

Starting in September and ending in June the full-time PGCE is the fastest and most condensed way for non-experienced trainees to qualify.

The course comprises of two school placements and two periods of University-based teaching September to October; January to February.

24 weeks of the 36 week PGCE course will be spent in schools. You will have one school attachment during the autumn term and another (in a different school) in the spring/summer terms.

We try to take your geographical location into account when placing you in schools but our first concern is to ensure that you have a high quality school placement that can provide a range of experiences. Additional training will therefore take place in partner schools other than your 'attachment' schools. Support is available from your University Tutor throughout your training, plus from experienced teachers accredited by the University as school based tutors.

Flexible route

This route can be taken on a flexible basis for those unable to study full-time, or unable to attend University regularly. It is suitable for those with some teaching experience who may be able to claim exemption from some of the modules. The length and structure of your course will be dependent upon individual needs and will be negotiated with you, your subject tutor and your partner school.

The flexible course has two start dates: October and April each year. The course starts with an Initial Audit of your subject knowledge and school experience, and from this your Individual Training Plan is developed, detailing the modules you will study, when your school placements will take place and how long your course will last.

Flexible students have the option of studying part-time but must complete within a maximum of three years. The minimum time likely to complete will be four terms, if the full course is needed, less if module exemption can be granted.

There are two periods of study, home-based but with the option of University attendance if possible. The full course includes three school placements.