PGCE Secondary Science (specialising in Biology)

Our one-year, full-time Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary English programme will equip you with the skills, experience and knowledge you need to teach English to pupils aged between 11 and 16 – plus the option of additional experience of A-Level English teaching. Upon successful completion of your PGCE, you’ll graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 90 Master’s credits.

Focusing on biology-specific knowledge throughout the course, you’ll be taught in a variety of workshops in our purpose-built laboratories, which have been designed to mimic the workings of a secondary school science lab. You’ll also be taught essentials such as how to ensure pupil safety in the lab, classroom management, working with lab technicians and support staff, and how to use your own practical work and demonstrations to inspire your classes.

Biology-specific workshops will focus on subject knowledge and methods of teaching across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, giving you the skills you’ll need to encourage your pupils to want to learn, and to help build their confidence.

Practical sessions will include molecular biology techniques, engaging activities in plant science, and aquatic invertebrate identification for pond dipping activities. There is also a fieldtrip to study saltmarsh and sand dune ecology on the North Norfolk coast. We’ll visit seal and seabird colonies and you’ll learn how to organise and deliver fieldwork activities.

In more general science teaching sessions, you’ll spend time focusing on pupil assessment and progression, then put this into practice by planning and identifying strategies to encourage positive pupil participation and achievement

Secondary schools are demanding but tremendously rewarding environments to work in. You’ll be teaching pupils as they mature from early adolescence to adulthood. And our programme will teach you how to make an effective contribution to the work of the school beyond your subject.

ABOUT

Science is an exciting subject to teach, and a great teacher can play a pivotal role in a child’s life. You’ll spend your days stimulating young minds and watching your pupils grow in confidence, so they can achieve their full potential. Teaching is a challenging career, but also one that’s incredibly rewarding.

Our PGCE Master’s programme closely interweaves school and university-based training. Over 38 weeks, you’ll spend 120 days (24 weeks) on school placement, and 60 study days in structured learning at UEA.

Our course will provide you with the opportunity to research and evaluate the latest thinking in good teaching practice. In addition, it help you understand how pupils best learn science, so that you can support and guide them – and optimise your teaching. It will also allow you to develop your own strategies to make teaching science and biology an engaging and positive experience.