BEd Secondary Education with Science and Maths

at Plymouth Marjon University

This BEd (Hons) Secondary Education with Sciences and Maths (with QTS) will provide you with a direct route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and an opportunity to explore your favourite subject specialism in depth. In just three years you'll be ready to join the highly rewarding career of teaching as a science and maths teacher.

A recent poll of 14–18-year-olds by the British Science Association found that 59% are more tempted by careers in science than they were prior to the pandemic. Celebrity scientist Professor Brian Cox has predicted that the pandemic will create “a new generation of scientists”. Be part of this and help create the new generation of scientists and mathematicians ready to innovatively tackle the challenges of the future by becoming a teacher.

Throughout the course, you will engage in learning around our three key themes:

1. The professional role of the developing teacher,
2. Development of teaching and learning, and
3. Curriculum and specialisms.

You will learn to be a specialist science and maths teacher and will undertake research into a self-selected area of specialism. Your learning experiences will be varied, including the exploration of topics through lectures, practical workshops, seminars, school-based training, and fieldwork activities.

You will develop a wide range of subject knowledge - including biological, physical, and chemical sciences and real-world maths - to help you to encourage all pupils to become engaged with and curious about the world around them. You'll gain knowledge of your pupils’ learning and development along with the professional attributes you'll need to become a great teacher. You'll develop a deep knowledge of your subject and the ability to pass your passion for sciences and maths to your pupils. Innovative and practical teaching practices will enable you to instil curiosity and teach the application of science and maths to your pupils, promoting a life-long love of learning.

Through practice-based modules conducted within a variety of school settings, you will learn and be able to observe education theory in action. By participating in a range of placements at our partnership schools and in other educational settings, trainees enjoy ample contact with qualified teachers and pupils.  During these modules, you will learn from expert practitioners and engage with current educational issues and debates

In parallel with in-depth studies of the latest pedagogical theories and policies, along with self-led independent research, you’ll also get the essential practice required to earn QTS.

Additionally, all BEd students can join the Primary Science Enhancement Award scheme (PSEA). The PSEA, developed by the Primary Science Teaching Trust, gives trainee teachers the opportunity to increase their understanding and experience of teaching and learning in primary science. In the recent pilot, it was found that trainees reported increased confidence to teach science, and a greater awareness of where to find support for this.