Physics Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course
A route into physics teaching for non-specialists
Good physics teachers are in very short supply. However, there are many enthusiastic graduates with the potential to be specialist physics teachers but who are insufficiently qualified to enter straight into initial teacher training with physics as their specialism. The Physics Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course at UEL is designed to enable more people to become physics teachers.
Subject knowledge enhancement courses are intensive programmes for graduates who want to teach physics but whose degree is not in physics or whose specialist subject knowledge needs deepening prior to training for qualified teacher status (QTS). The University of East London has designed this six month (24 week) physics subject knowledge enhancement course, funded by the National College for Teaching and Leadership, to equip you with the skills and subject knowledge to teach science to 11-18 years olds, with physics as your specialism. Upon completion of the course successful students will continue on to initial teacher training at UEL or another training provider.
The training programme is innovative and designed to be enjoyable and relevant to Physics in society. Course tutors are all excellent practitioners, experienced in the delivery of Physics education.
The course will consist of taught sessions, practical and investigative sessions, seminars, presentations, field study, school visits, self-study units and extra mural activities. The programme leader is Charles Golabek. He is also the programme leader for the Secondary Science PGCE at UEL. Each of the modules is taught by specialist lecturers who are experienced teachers and specialists in their subjects.
The core of the Programme consists of seven modules, which are intended to give participants a deep understanding of Physics constructs in the following areas:
- Mechanics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Molecular Theory
- Fields and Waves
- Atomic, Nuclear and Fundamental Particle Physics
- Quanta and Relativity
- Astronomy and Cosmology
Additionally, for those who need it, there will be underpinning Mathematics and ICT sessions.
Practical skills sessions will take place in order to enhance laboratory skills. The skills learned during these sessions will be applied in an investigational context in ‘Physics Investigations’ projects. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the work of the physicist in schools and work alongside some innovative Physics departments.
Participants will be expected to take part in seminars on Physics in wider contexts e.g. media, environment, war, the music industry in order to gain perspective on the relevance of Physics in society.
There will also be fieldwork, trips and visits, which will help to place Physics in wider world contexts.
Pastoral support will be provided in weekly tutorial groups.
Assessment
By completing a portfolio of evidence during the course. Also by end-of-module tests.
Added value
We are fortunate to have the Institute of Physics (IoP) as a key partner in this enhancement programme. PEC students are encouraged to make the most of the support that the IOP offers through their materials, their website and the IOP Teacher Network.
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