PGCE Secondary Education: Physical Education with Biology

Why choose this course?

Our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Education provides a high standard of training for those preparing to take up a teaching post in the secondary school sector. The course complies with the statutory guidance from the Department for Education for Initial Teacher Training courses.

The PGCE in Secondary Education is specifically designed to ensure that those who are successful will be recommended for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - the professional award required by all those who wish to teach in a maintained school.

The aim of the Physical Education with Biology course is to develop thoughtful teachers who can respond effectively to the learning needs of young people in school by providing a balanced physical education programme. We also want to inspire a generation to become physically literate and active by providing well prepared, high quality physical education experiences for all students. In addition to this, you will also be able to effectively teach the Biology curriculum as a second subject. As a trainee you will learn how to teach Physical Education and Biology to pupils in the 11-16 age range within the secondary age phase, with additional primary and post-16 enhancements. You will learn how to develop skills, knowledge and understanding for teaching Physical Education and Biology through a combination of university-led and school-led training.

Career Paths

The PGCE in Secondary Education leads to recommendation for QTS, and enables you to take up a qualified teaching post in a secondary school.

In secondary schools you could be considered for a Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR), which may comprise any of the following:

• Leading a particular subject as head of department, faculty or curriculum
• Leading the achievement of a particular age group as head of year or key stage coordinator
• Leading a particular area such as special education needs or pastoral care (i.e. personal guidance)

Later, you could progress to a senior leadership position such as a deputy or assistant head and head teacher - at which point you will have overall responsibility for the leadership and management of a school and the education its students receive.