PGCE Secondary (Science with Biology)

at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

You’ll take six core modules: induction and professional issues, teaching and learning biology, developing subject pedagogy, professional studies and practical teaching (two parts). You’ll maintain professional development and subject knowledge profiles, enabling you to chart your development in meeting the professional standards required by the Department of Education. You’ll learn to draw on your experience of teaching as well as provide evidence of reading and reflection. We’ll support you with a range of graduated practical experiences which will allow you to develop the confidence to take responsibility in the classroom. This tapered introduction to learning is a well established and successful feature of our teacher training. As a trainee teacher you’ll spend two thirds of your PGCE year in local schools with two main secondary school placements as well as shorter visits to primary schools. You’ll be supervised jointly by a school mentor and a faculty tutor.

Core modules

Practical Teaching 1 (EPGS413)
This module gives students a wide experience of working with pupils and a greater familiarity with the work of the subject teacher. It will enable students to try out ideas and approaches for planning, teaching and assessing pupils and to gain confidence in themselves as teachers.
 

Introduction to Professional Teaching and Learning (EPGS615)
Induction to Professional Teaching and Learning helps trainees reorientate their specialist subject knowledge towards the requirements of their subject curriculum as well as the gain a perspective of the wider role of the teacher, including the legal and statutory requirements, and on the structures of the wider school curriculum.
 

Practical Teaching 2 (EPGS618)
This module gives trainees the opportunity to further practice and demonstrate their skills as a trainee teacher and to make the transition from 'trainee teacher' to 'beginning teacher' in a second school placement. School Practice will normally be for 17 weeks (five days in a Primary school and 16 weeks in a Secondary school) plus four Faculty days to review and share the experience.
 

Developing Subject Pedagogy (EPGS710)
This module develops the themes introduced in the Teaching & Learning module with greater attention to (i) structures for medium-term planning, and (ii) assessment within the subject curriculum, including the full range of external examinations, through a critical review of the research and literature in the learner's own subject area.
 

Professional Studies (EPGS719)
This module will introduce trainees to essential areas of knowledge and critique of professional values and school practice. It will inform and develop their capacity to reflect on key issues in education and classroom practice. It will also inform their thinking about particular issues that they will pursue in a written assignment.

Your suitability for the PGCE Secondary programme is judged on a range of factors including academic qualifications, ability to work with other people and a real interest in learning and teaching.
 

Academic requirements

• GCSE grade 4/grade C (or equivalent) in English and mathematics.
• 2:2 or above hons degree or equivalent in a science / biology or a strongly related subject or 50% of degree if joint hons. Must be from a recognised university (masters and PhDs also count towards entry requirements.
• There is also a requirement to pass minimum standards for literacy and numeracy.
   

English language requirements 

• If English is not your first language then we’ll need evidence of your proficiency in English as follows:
• IELTS 7.0 overall with 7.0 in all four elements, or accepted equivalent English qualification as listed on our English language requirements.
   

International - £14,600