Programme summary for PGCE Secondary Physics with Mathematics

Subject to validation

Physics and mathematics are two key disciplines that lie at the core of many of today’s modern technologies. Inspiring the upcoming generations of young people to enthuse and engage in these classical subjects is one way in which we as teachers can make a difference.

The University of East London is pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to study for a combined PGCE in Physics with Mathematics, Secondary Education. This combined discipline pathway may well appeal to those who would enjoy a new approach towards their subject specialisms.

About the programme

The PGCE: Physics with Mathematics is a partnership programme. This means that it has been written and developed in collaboration with Local Authorities and local schools. The majority of your time will be spent in schools observing teaching and learning, considering how the theory of education and the practice link together and, of course, working with children in classroom settings.

You will be studying in a diverse community of trainees from a range of different subjects as well as studying alongside fellow Physics and Maths trainees.

You will take part in the Virtual Schools project which involves working as a team with fellow trainees from different subject areas to address real life issues and challenges which may arise in schools.

Many themes such as equal opportunities, bilingualism, meeting the needs for children with special educational needs etc. underpin the taught programme.

The subject studies elements of the programme focus on teaching both the Physics together with Mathematics as curriculum subjects and developing your skills in these specialisms.

These sessions aim to:

Provide an introduction to both Physics and Mathematics as curriculum subjects
Enable you to develop high level of teaching skills and classroom management, as well as the capacity for reflection and further professional development.
To offer theoretical perspectives on the principles of the design of specifications, evaluation and assessment and monitoring of children’s’ progress in the classroom.
To provide knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum and the framework for evaluation

You will be engaging with research at Masters Level in two of the three available modules; one on Reflective Practice, one on the potential uses of new and emerging technologies in secondary education and the third on developing subject expertise and subject pedagogy.

Professional qualifications

After successful completion home students will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), with the opportunity to gain 60 Masters credits.

Programme structure

The programme runs over 36 weeks from September to July. Twenty-four weeks will be spent in partner schools - generally split into two separate and contrasting placements. The remaining time will be taken up in seminars, tutorials and assignment activities designed to support your professional development.

The UEL Secondary Team also offers additional subject knowledge development courses in Science, which are designed to give our trainees the basic knowledge of physics and chemistry up to KS4 level, in order to embark on their school experience with confidence. The subject knowledge development courses start before the full PGCE programme in early September.

Career opportunities

Successful completion of the programme enables you to apply for teaching posts. There is a very high success rate for our trainees securing these posts. There is a clear career structure in place within the teaching profession, with a number of different paths available. The Professional Standards provide a framework for a career in teaching, from initial training, through induction and the threshold and on to Advanced Skills Teacher and Excellent teacher status. Some move along the management path - through middle management in subject or pastoral issues to senior management, and headship. Some wish to concentrate on teaching and develop this to become Advanced Skills Teachers.

Support

You receive mentor support within schools supplemented by visits from your UEL tutor. Tutorial support is also available and this will be negotiated around your individual development needs. The programme is designed to support you in meeting the Professional Standards for QTS through focused seminars, lectures and assignments.

Fees and Funding

For the most up to date information on fees and funding at UEL link to www.uel.ac.uk/fees

For information on Initial Teacher Training Bursaries, see www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/funding/training-in-england.aspx or www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance

The Institute of Physics also offers Teacher Training Scholarships; see www.iop.org/education/teach/itts/page_52632.html

Admission

Entry requirements

You will need to demonstrate through the GTTR form and at interview that you:

are an effective reader and are able to communicate clearly and accurately in Standard English, both spoken and written
possess the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to be a teacher
have a firm understanding of the UK secondary education system
have some experience of observation in a mainstream state secondary school. There are opportunities for classroom experience through the School Experience Programme (SEP) - see www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/school-experience/sep.aspx
have achieved a standard equivalent to Grade C in the GCSE examinations in English and Mathematics
hold a first degree in Physics or a related Science or Maths related subject (e.g. Engineering) from a United Kingdom Higher Education Institution or an equivalent qualification; class 2.2 or above.

How we select our trainees

Applications would be equally welcome from candidates from the range of science and engineering backgrounds. The process of selection will involve:

scrutiny of the GTTR form
a face to face individual interview
a subject audit
a literacy task
a numeracy task
a subject task.
a short presentation

UEL is also required to ensure that potential entrants:

satisfy the Secretary of State’s requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach;
undergo an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure to ensure that they do not have a background which prevents them from working with children or young persons or that they have not been previously excluded from teaching or working with children.