Physics with Secondary Education (QTS) BSc (Hons) at University of Wolverhampton

The BSc (Hons) Physics with Secondary Education course provides a high standard of both physics subject content and pedagogical knowledge, in addition to preparing students to take up a physics teaching post in the secondary sector. The course reflects the specific and precise quality frameworks established by the relevant national government agency, and complies fully with the relevant teaching standards framework. It aims to foster an intellectual curiosity in the science underlying the nature and properties of matter and energy in conjunction with a desire to impart this curiosity to others. An underpinning knowledge base will be developed in the structure and behavior of the objects and technologies that surround us on a daily basis and you will explore key topics including mechanics, optics, electromagnetism—at both the classical and quantum level—and how these are articulated and combined together to give rise to the physics of the solid state. The degree program will be supported by strong foundation teaching in study skills, with additional instruction in mathematics and computing skills provided throughout the course. Practical work will be incorporated into each level of study to encourage an appreciation of the application of theory and all students will be given the opportunity to undertake their own education-based research project in physics in the final year of study. All students will produce a Physics Skills e-portfolio over the duration of their studies which will act as a showcase of their skills for future employers. The University of Wolverhampton Enterprise and Employability Award is embedded into the course, with all first year students completing the Bronze Award, the Silver Award being completed during your second year of study and the Gold Award completed during the final year.

The BSc (Hons) with Secondary Education is specifically designed to ensure that those who are successful can be recommended to the relevant professional body for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – the recognised professional award required by all those who wish to teach in a maintained school. As a trainee you will learn how to teach physics to pupils in the 11-16 age range within the secondary age phase, with additional primary and post-16 enhancements. Trainee teachers who are recommended for the award of QTS will be well-placed to obtain employment in schools.

The course is designed to develop secondary school teachers who will be:

• empathetic and committed to pupils’ learning;
• reflective and reflexive;
• enthusiastic and innovative;
• open-minded and research-aware
• capable of engaging in practitioner research
• flexible and creative
• knowledgeable – both in physics, mathematics and pedagogically
• up-to-date with the most recent developments in a variety of fields of Physics