Entry requirements
If you have a degree in or featuring Science, want to help secondary school pupils aged 11 to 16 develop practical, analytical skills and excite their curiosity in the world around them, and wish to learn the latest professional methods to make you a confident and capable teacher, this programme is for you. Take our flexible programme if you: * Already have the required knowledge and experience to QTS standards, and simply require a recommendation for QTS status (Pathway A). * Currently work, unqualified, in a school setting and require the formal PGCE qualification and recommendation for QTS status (Pathway B). * Need the full training programme, but can't attend the one-year, full-time programme (Pathway C).
Course description
What will I gain from this programme?
Professional training, delivered to the highest of standards, to help you take up your first teaching post with confidence, having experienced the very latest teaching and learning pedagogies.
What will I study?
The following information is for trainees on the one-year, full-time programme:
You’ll start with an extensive subject knowledge and understanding audit, to identify your main strengths and weaknesses, and enable your tutor to focus on your individual development needs.
During 12 weeks of study on campus, you’ll develop:
* Knowledge of essential educational theory
* Awareness of appropriate and innovative teaching and assessment methods, including experiments and investigative work, group discussions, role play, project work, presentations and examinations
* Knowledge of health and safety requirements and strategies for maintaining a quality laboratory work environment
* Understanding of the curriculum
* Ability to plan lessons effectively
* Excellent working knowledge of the latest ICT tools and software used in schools
* Greater subject knowledge and professional and academic skills
* Wider awareness of your role within the teaching profession through study of professional values.
If undertaking the flexible programme, you may not need to undertake all the above study programme, work placements and methods of assessment, depending on your level and experience and which pathway you undertake.
How will I study?
A combination of academic study, group discussion and reflection, and practical, work-based learning in the classroom will give you all the knowledge and skills you need to become a creative and innovative teacher. The programme also aims to develop a reflective and a critically analytical approach to education.
You will also develop your subject knowledge by participating in numerous activities, which have in the past included visits to places of scientific and fieldwork interest, guest speakers and GET SET Challenge days in the North West.
Placement
You'll spend 24 weeks on placement in schools, colleges and settings, putting your training into practice through assisting in and taking responsibility for classes, and working alongside mentors and peers to further your professional development. Your teaching timetable will increase as your training progresses and you become more confident and competent in the classroom.
Who will be teaching me?
You will be taught by a dedicated team of knowledgeable, experienced, friendly and supportive tutors who have the welfare of their trainees as a number one priority.
How will I be assessed?
A balanced combination of coursework and observed classroom experience will be assessed against academic criteria at Levels 6 and 7 and the QTS Standards. Various other tasks will enable you to show your competence in ICT and other areas of Science.
You will also undertake the QTS skills tests in Numeracy, Literacy and ICT, which must be passed, and complete a Career Entry Development Profile (CEDP) before gaining your final award.
Specific assessments include:
* Ongoing assessment via a peer teaching programme (to assess your subject knowledge).
* Production of a teaching package (to assess your planning abilities).
* Experimental demonstration (to assess your experimental skills).
* Case study of a piece of practical work carried out on school placement (to assess your investigative skills).
What are my career prospects?
Successful completion of this programme will allow you to gain QTS status and progress onto employment as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) at secondary school level in Science.
Our proactive careers advisory service can help you to find job vacancies and offers in-depth advice on teacher job applications and interviews, to help you secure work.
Teaching is a rewarding job and there are many ways in which you could progress in your career, either in the classroom or in a leadership role.
Further study at Edge Hill University
As a teacher, you will be keen to build your skills as your career progresses. Edge Hill is the largest provider of Professional Development for teachers in the country. You could gain further qualifications through your work in schools and colleges, or through further in-depth study, such as the MA in Science Education.
During your PGCE programme, we will carefully prepare you for your NQT year by helping to identify your continuing training needs. Edge Hill's Professional Development team will continue to support you through your NQT year and be available throughout your teaching career.
