Secondary Science Biology

The PGCE Secondary Science course with an enhancement in Biology, leads to a professional qualification to enable you to enter the teaching profession in a secondary school as a Science teacher with a biology subject specialism. During the course you will develop subject knowledge across all three science areas, along with practical skills and an understanding of pedagogical issues related to teaching Science in the 11-16 with post 16 enhancement range. In addition you will follow a pathway based on your degree qualification and experience that will enhance your understanding of the teaching of Biology at Key Stage 4

Your suitability for the biology pathway will be explored at interview and you bursary eligibility will depend on the subject specialism of your offer of a place.

You will explore the science curriculum at Key Stage 3 and 4 through practical work in chemistry, physics and biology that leads to the development of subject knowledge and pedagogical skills. These sessions will take place in newly built laboratories equipped to model modern school science facilities. Several learning and teaching themes are developed throughout the year including safe management of laboratory practical work, teaching outside the classroom, how science works, contemporary issues in science teaching, using models and analogies, literacy, differentiation, use of games, pupil misconceptions, using ICT, inclusion, questioning techniques and citizenship. At all times you are supported by well qualified and experienced tutors.

In addition to elements of taught sessions at Newman, directed activities and independent laboratory study time will provide you with the opportunity to deepen your subject knowledge and pedagogy in your specialist subject of Biology and prepare you to begin to take on a leadership role in your specialism within a science department. These activities will be linked to your audit of subject knowledge and enable you to meet your individual training needs.

You will spend the majority of your time on the course in schools, developing your teaching skills. You will complete two main teaching placements at different secondary schools; one of 8 weeks and a second longer placement of 12 weeks. During both placements you are likely to have the opportunity teach science across Key Stages 3 and 4 and teach your specialism (biology) at Key Stage 4. During your placements your professional development will be supported by both the school and Newman tutors. Newman has an excellent reputation with local schools for providing a strong partnership with schools that support students during their placements. You will also work in a primary school for a short placement, looking at science teaching methods across earlier key stages. The course offers further flexible opportunities for individual ‘focus’ weeks towards the end of training, where specialised areas can be further developed, including AS/A2 examinations and Education and Professional Studies links with science and your specialism.