Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - Secondary - Science with Biology (CX11)

The PGCE course prepares students to teach their specialist subject in either the 11-16 (with post-16 enhancement) or 14-19 age phases. It is a highly practical course, with the majority of time spent in schools, collaborating with teachers and students. The remaining time is dedicated to directed study, with training provided by the University and school partners. This course provides a comprehensive academic and professional foundation for teaching, combining postgraduate or professional level study with practical training to meet the Teachers' Standards.

The objective of this course is for students to become reflective practitioners – educators who critically analyze their experiences and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement. Throughout the course, students will engage in two academic modules. The first module, 'Subject Knowledge and Pedagogy', allows students to explore various pedagogical approaches for a specific project they will teach. They will justify, teach, and evaluate their chosen pedagogy, establishing clear connections between theory and practice. In the 'Classroom Focused Development' module, students will conduct a small research project in a school setting, utilizing relevant research methods. Additionally, there will be a focus on professional learning necessary to meet the Teachers' Standards, including planning, assessment, classroom management, and the underlying theory.

The PGCE Social Science program is designed for individuals interested in primarily teaching the 14-19 curriculum in one or more social science subjects in secondary schools and/or post-16 colleges. Students will have the opportunity to study and teach various areas of the Social Sciences, such as Psychology, Sociology, Politics, Law, Health and Social Care, Citizenship, Criminology, and PSHE, at Key Stages 4 and 5. They may also gain some experience teaching humanities subjects (RE, Geography, and History) at Key Stages 3 and 4. Social Science subjects are highly sought after at GCSE, A level, IB, BTEC, and other qualifications.