Secondary Teacher Training: Science

Teacher Training Introductory Courses

Physics Enhancement Course (PEC)

A route into Physics teaching for non-specialists

Good Physics teachers are in short supply and the Physics Enhancement Course is an opportunity for more people to become Physics teachers.

The University of East London is one of a small number of Initial Teacher Training Providers who have been identified by the Training and Development Agency (TDA) for Schools to offer six-month (26 week) Physics Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course.

Who is the course for?

Graduates who want to teach Science with a Physics specialism, but whose knowledge needs enhancing before they can begin their Initial Teacher Training (ITT). Only trainees who are eligible for TDA funding can go onto a PEC. Please check your eligibility, in particular your residence status.

What qualifications do I need?

• Motivation: A real desire to teach Physics at secondary school level.
• Some experience of physics to GCSE/ A-level standard or beyond. This could be through holding an A-level in physics, having an element of physics in your degree course and/or occupational experience of the subject.
• GCSE English and Maths by the September of the year you start teacher training
• Applicants must already have been offered a conditional place on an ITT programme.

When does the course run?

The Physics Enhancement Course commences at the beginning of January through to July (26 weeks). Upon successful completion of the course, participants will then move onto their chosen course of Initial Teacher Training (PGCE or Graduate Teacher Programme).

Course fees?

Participants with uk residence status do not pay tuition fees. In addition, during their time on the course they receive a bursary from the TDA. Please check the TDA website for up-to-date information about training bursaries and residency requirements.

To what standard will I be able to teach Physics?

At least to the standard required to teach up to KS4 (11-16 year olds), depending on your starting point and progress during the the course. The intention is that all successful students would have the potential to teach A-level Physics.

How will I be assessed?

By completing a portfolio of evidence during the course. Also by end-of-module tests.

Do I have to do my teacher training at UEL?

No, you can apply for a PGCE or GTP place through any ITT institution.

Please note that there is no direct entry onto the PEC. All students must be referred onto the PEC by their PGCE or GTP provider. Hence the need for a conditional offer from the ITT provider before you join the enhancement course.

After the Course

We are fortunate to have the Institute of Physics (IoP) and the Gatsby Foundation as key partners in this enhancement programme. The IoP gives generous support to all PEC students during their training and afterwards as they move into their professional careers as teachers.

Students will receive:

• Membership of the Institute of Physics (IoP).
• Membership of the Association for Science Education (ASE)
• Entry to National Conferences
• Mentor support
• E-mail network
• Professional Development
• Saturday Schools
• Residential Courses

We are enthusiastic about keeping in touch in order to 'track' our PEC students through their first few years in the profession; we want to see how successful you are. We can offer subject support during ITT and throughout your first two years of teaching.

What is the course about?

• This course is designed for graduates who have some background in Physics but whose degree is in another discipline.
• 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.

Has the course run before?

The Physcis Enhancement Course at UEL has been established for three years. Class size is aimed at 20 students. Our present cohort of students come from a wide spread of providers and geographical locations, e.g.

Greenwich, Anglia Ruskin, Kings College London, Roehampton, Sheffield, St Mary’s College, Birmingham, East Anglia, London North Consortium and of course UEL itself.

Do I fit the Profile?

The Physics Enhancement Course is designed specifically to enable the non-pure scientist to enter the teaching profession as a science teacher. The following are a selection of typical students who are currently on the course:

Click Here to read the profiles of typical PEC students

How to apply

For more information, or if you wish to apply, please contact the Enhancement Course Administrator, Michelle Lategan on 0208 223 6380 or alternatively you can email Michelle on m.lategan@uel.ac.uk

UEL runs the Physics Enhancement Course in partnership with teacher training institutions in London and SE England.

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© 2007