PGCE Secondary Science with Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Postgraduate Certificate of Education)

Overview

The PGCE Secondary Science with Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses are full-time, one-year programmes, which aim to produce competent, professional teachers of all aspects of school science at least up to age 14, as well as your specialist science subject of biology, chemistry or physics up to at least age 16. Some training in post-16 teaching is also provided, where appropriate. There is a focus on teaching in a multilingual, urban context. Many University-based sessions will take place in the new Science Centre, which offers unparalleled facilities for teaching and research, including a Super Lab that gives you a cutting edge experience of learning science.

Please note that the ‘PGCE Science’ (GTTR code F0X1) has been replaced with three separate courses of PGCE Science with Biology (C1X1), PGCE Science with Chemistry (F1X1) and PGCE Science with Physics (F3X1). You should choose one of these three courses when you make your application.

Faculty of Social and Humanities

Applying and entry

PLEASE NOTE There is no official closing date for this course, but you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only consider your application if there are places available on the course.

Tel: 020 7133 4202
Email: admissions@londonmet.ac.uk

You should have a science degree classification of 2.2 or above that provides sufficient coverage of biology, chemistry or physics for you to train to become a specialist teacher of one of these three disciplines. Ideally, this should be supported by study of science subjects at A Level; for example, one science and/or maths, or an additional science subject. Alternative qualifications or suitable occupational experience will be considered. You would normally apply for the course (i.e. Science with Biology, Science with Chemistry or Science with Physics) that most closely matches your degree subject; if you are uncertain about which course to apply for, please seek further guidance from the Course Leader.

In addition, you need GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in English and mathematics. It is possible to take a test set by the institution if you have a GCSE Grade D or equivalent.You should also gain at least three days experience of a secondary school, observing lessons in the science department.

If your degree is in another discipline, but you have some experience of chemistry and/or physics to A level and beyond (e.g. by holding A level qualifications in chemistry or physics, having an element of chemistry or physics within your degree programme and /or occupational experience of the subjects), then we could consider you for a place the following year, subject to you passing a Chemistry Enhancement Course or Physics Enhancement Course. We run a Chemistry Enhancement Course and Physics Enhancement Course here at London Met. You can find other providers of subject knowledge enhancement courses on the TDA website.

Online application - To apply online click on one of the course routes below

Professional PGCE Science with Biology
Professional PGCE Science with Chemistry
Professional PGCE Science with Physics

Course contents

You will spend two thirds of the course in schools. School-based work consists of structured observation visits and two classroom projects. You will have two substantial periods of school experience in different secondary schools. You will also spend three days in a primary school, which you must arrange yourself.

The course runs in collaboration with one-year PGCE courses in a range of subjects, providing opportunities for developing the wider role of the teacher via cross subject discussions and school-based tasks. Topics include class management, pupil learning, education policy and practices, multilingualism, special needs, the role of the form tutor, and creativity in teaching and learning.

Assessment

There are four elements to assessment. Practical teaching experience is assessed in relation to the Standards for Qualified Teacher Status. Two written coursework assignments focus on curriculum development in the subject area and broader issues and policies in education. A Professional Practice Portfolio is compiled across the year, detailing personal experiences and reflections on your development as a teacher, largely in relation to your practical teaching experience. There are no examinations.

Careers

If you complete the course and also pass the relevant TDA skills tests in numeracy, literacy and ICT, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status for teaching Key Stage 3 (age 11-14) and Key Stage 4 (age 14-16). You will be able to apply for a post in any secondary school (11-18). The majority of previous trainees have gained Qualified Teacher Status and entered the teaching profession. Some have gone on to do research or further degrees.

Funding

If you are a UK/EU applicant, you will be eligible for governmental bursary assistance. For more information, contact the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) on 0845 6000 991 or www.tda.gov.uk

Student profiles

Read a student profile: Ijeoma Okehie
Read a student profile: Andrew Chambi