Chemistry Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course

Aims of the course

The Chemistry Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) Course provides an excellent foundation in the current teaching approaches in the UK and prepares you for the PGCE science with chemistry. It also provides some fundamental subject enhancement within physics and biology.

Please note that you must hold an offer for a PGCE/GTP/SCITT in Secondary Science with chemistry before applying; only candidates with secured offers, conditional on completing a Chemistry SKE Course, can be considered. The Chemistry SKE is not only for candidates going on to do the London Met PGCE; you can hold a conditional offer from ANY UK Initial Teacher Training institution for a Secondary Science with chemistry programme.

Our Chemistry SKE is 24 weeks (12 units). It includes several days in school plus core modules of biology, chemistry, physics and educational issues and then additional and modules in chemistry.

 Entry requirements

You must secure a place on a PGCE, GTP or SCITT Secondary Science programme first; you need a conditional offer for one of these programmes before you can apply for the Chemistry SKE. You must be a graduate and have GCSE English and Maths or equivalent. Ideally, you should have some experience of chemistry to A Level equivalent and beyond, or suitable occupational experience. This could be from holding an A-Level in chemistry or from having had an element of chemistry within your degree programme.  You can download the application form here:

Enhancement Application Form.doc

When completed, the form should be returned with evidence of your conditional teacher training offer - either a scan or a  photocopy of documentation from the relevant university or from the GTTR. Please return this either by post to:

Paul Rogers, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, London Metropolitan University, Tower Building room BEUB-05, 166-220 Holloway Road, London N7 8DB.

or by email to:

paul.rogers@londonme​t.ac.uk

Course structure

The course consists of core and additional study modules. The core component consists of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics for science and education and will include a variety of experimental work, problem solving and development of theory. This is then followed by additional and extended modules in chemistry. These are based on the current GCSE and A level requirements with extended treatment in some topic areas. Experimental sessions take place in the exceptionally well-equipped science centre. The modules also provide opportunities for trainees to reflect on their own scientific learning and enthusiasm for the subject. In addition there will be a period of school experience to provide an opportunity to see and participate in some chemistry and science teaching in a secondary classroom.

Attendance and Duration

The course is full time and runs from the 23rd January to 20th July.

Assessment

Each study module will be assessed with a range of assessments including portfolio work, tests and practical reports.

Progression

On successful completion of the Chemistry SKE you will move onto your Initial Teacher Training in Secondary Science with chemistry, where you will work towards Qualified Teacher Status.

Funding

There are no tuition fees for home students on the SKE. The current status is that during your time on the course you will receive a bursary of £4800 (£200 per week) if you are a home student. You will receive this on a monthly basis. You will not be eligible to apply for a student loan during the Chemistry SKE. Please note though that all funding is subject to change from the TDA. Unfortunately international students are not eligible for bursary funding, and must pay a tuition fee.

Any questions?

Victoria Brook (Course Leader)

v.brook@londonmet.ac.uk

Paul Rogers (Recruitment)

paul.rogers@londonme​t.ac.uk

Lee Jerome (Programme Director for Secondary ITE)

l.jerome@londonmet.ac.uk   

Go back to the PGCE Science webpage.

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Click here to read a profile of a former PGCE Science trainee, Andrew Chambi.

Click here to read a profile of a former PGCE Science trainee, Ijeoma Okehie.