Secondary Science with Chemistry PGCE at University of Bedfordshire

Develop as a highly qualified, effective and confident teacher of science, able to teach scientific concepts in a variety of inspiring ways.

Build your knowledge and skills in teaching science in secondary schools through subject-specific sessions, lectures and seminars, working independently and collaboratively; and achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Intermediate qualifications available:

• Professional Graduate Certificate in Education

Why choose this course?

• Study on a course designed to enable you to join a challenging and rewarding profession – becoming an effective and inspiring teacher who draws on broad subject specific knowledge and secure understanding of teaching and learning theories - with the knowledge and skills to lead learning and initiate change in educational settings
• Explore your understanding of teaching and learning secondary science, as you apply your subject knowledge and expertise to planning teaching and managing the science classroom; honing your skills of critical self-evaluation and improvement
• Develop your creativity and team-working skills, preparing you to influence and lead in educational settings and enhancing your own sense of independence
• Gain confidence in analysing the evidence of your own practical experience during placements in schools, informing your future actions as you evaluate the impact of applying theory to your teaching practice
• Benefit from a qualification that gives you recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to gain employment in a school, with opportunities for continuous development through further study at MA/MSc, MPhil, PhD and EdD levels.

The University's Bedford campus is home to one of the largest education providers in the UK. We have well-established links with more than 500 schools across the Eastern Region which means that we are constantly at the forefront of educational developments. The quality of our provision is based on a long and established history of teacher education.

Science is an exciting and rapidly progressing subject that is challenging to teach. During the course you will spend around 70% of your time in placement schools developing the skills and experience necessary to teach scientific concepts in a variety of ways.

You will attend subject specific sessions, lectures and seminars designed to develop awareness and understanding of the content of the science curriculum, general professional issues, and practical issues such as lesson planning and assessment. You will also engage with relevant research literature and develop the skills of a reflective and research informed practitioner. You will train to teach science to at least GCSE level with a specialism in chemistry.

You will obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and up to 60 Masters level credits.

Unit Information – What Will I Learn?

• The Professional Teacher
• The Reflective Teacher*
• The Research Informed Teacher*
• The Subject Specialist (Secondary Science with Chemistry)

*denotes units that can be assessed at Masters level

How will this course enhance my career prospects?

Local and national demand for University of Bedfordshire graduate teachers is high. Annual destinations surveys show that 90% of graduate teachers will have secured full-time teaching posts to begin in the year of graduation, with a further 9% working in part-time teaching positions.

The course is framed by a commitment to help you to develop the characteristics of a University of Bedfordshire graduate teacher. You will be challenged to explore theories of teaching and learning and to examine the implications of such theories for your own development.

On completion of the course you will have the appropriate attitude, knowledge, skills and understanding to meet the needs of the children’s and schools’ workforce agenda and to lead learning and initiate change in educational settings.