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Programme summary for Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): Secondary Science: Biology

About the programme

The Secondary Science PGCE is a partnership programme. This means that it has been written and developed in collaboration with Local Education Authorities and local schools.

The majority of the your time will be spent in schools observing, planning and delivering teaching and learning, considering how the theory 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 Science 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 of children with special educational needs etc. underpin the taught programme.

The subject studies elements of the programme focus on teaching Science as a curriculum subject and developing your subject specialism (Biology). These sessions aim to:

  • Provide an introduction to Science as a curriculum subject.
  • Enable you to develop high levels 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 syllabus design and evaluation, and the assessment and recording of children’s progress in both classroom and workshop situations.
  • To provide knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum and the framework of statutory requirements.

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.

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.

Admission

Application is through the Graduate Teacher Training Register (GTTR). 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 achieved a standard equivalent to Grade C in the GCSE examinations in English and Mathematics
  • hold a first degree in an appropriate subject from a United Kingdom Higher Education Institution or an equivalent qualification.

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 Disclosure & Barring Service 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.

Please note that we will give priority for selection for interview to those applicants who have completed their Department for Education ITT professional skills tests.

Information about the skills tests and how to book an appointment for the tests can be found at: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/traininganddevelopment/professional

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