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PGCE: Postgraduate Certificate in Education

Science

(Biology, Chemistry and Physics)

Ms Christine Otter

The science curriculum area programme prepares you to teach National Curriculum Science and a specialist subject (biology, chemistry or physics) at GCSE and advanced levels. The University's unique position, as one of the UK's leading centres for curriculum development and research in science education and as home to the National Science Learning Centre (NSLC), means that your programme benefits from best practice in curriculum and professional development, training and research. You will have you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills of science teaching and to be familiar with up to date thinking and research in teaching and learning science.

The University-based programme, involves seminars, practical workshops, discussions and presentations as a preparation for training in schools and as a basis for becoming a science teacher. Your professional training will follow these themes:

1. Becoming a teacher.
   Sessions and tutorials related to your personal and professional development and progress and to help you prepare for a first teaching post.

2. Teaching and Learning in Science.
   Sessions focusing on specific aspects of the teaching and learning of science.

3. Key Ideas in Science.
   Sessions looking in depth at what is involved in learning some of the most important and fundamental ideas of science, and how these might be taught most effectively.

4. Science Activities.
   Trainee-led sessions to familiarise you with activities that can be used for teaching science in secondary schools.

5. Information & Communications Technology.
   Sessions helping you to appreciate and use a range of ways of using ICT applications to enhance pupils' learning.

This work is followed up and consolidated in placement schools, where you have practical training in the skills needed to teach science. Aspects of the course give you the opportunity to pursue particular areas of interest to you: for instance, a small-scale research study in your placement school.

The basic qualification is a degree with least 50% of the qualification being relevant science. Examples include, amongst others, chemistry, biology with environmental science, physics with astrophysics and biochemistry.

If you have an A-level in chemistry or physics and a science related degree, such as archaeology or civil engineering, that does not contain enough relevant science then you may be considered a suitable candidate for a chemistry or physics enhancement course prior to commencing the PGCE. Information about enhancement courses and providers can be found on the TDA website at
http://www.tda.gov.uk/Recruit/thetrainingprocess/pretrainingcourses/subjectenhancementextensioncourses.aspx

 

“This course ‘goes the extra mile’.”
Science trainee, June 2006

“I have really enjoyed the course.”
Science trainee, June 2007

“An excellent course that goes the
extra mile.”
Science trainee, June 2008

 

Last Updated: September 13, 2011 | educ21@york.ac.uk

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