About This Course
This course is also offered through the medium of Welsh.
Associate Teachers (ATs) will explore and analyse the principles of the new science curriculum enabling them to become effective practitioners who have a sound understanding of theory-based pedagogy. They will be given opportunities to critically reflect on the implication of recent reports into standards of science education in Wales and understand the importance of evidence practice within science.
ATs will study and critically evaluate a wide range of science pedagogies in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, thus enabling them to provide effective learning experiences in a range of educational contexts. The ATs will be provided with the knowledge and skills to develop learners’ thinking through problem based learning and dialogic teaching and to understand the key issue of assessing learners’ understanding of conceptual models and alternative frameworks in ensuring effective progression in learning.
The Secondary PGCE programme is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of how children and adolescents learn, and equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to develop as a creative and innovative teacher. You will learn about adolescent’s development through the Secondary sector and be supported to become an excellent teacher. This PGCE with QTS* is recognised across Wales and England and is often transferable* further afield for entry into the teaching profession.
Committed schools with well-trained mentors will support Associate Teachers’ progress towards Qualified Teacher Status in accordance with Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership in Wales.
Experienced tutors and researchers in university and school based staff will provide excellent support and stimulating sessions, and the qualification gained will equip students to teach within and beyond Wales.
Students on this English medium course will be placed in English Medium Schools only and you do not need to speak Welsh, or live in Wales, to apply for the course. However as part of our commitment to bilingualism we will support you in your understanding of Welsh culture and your Welsh language learning, whether you are a complete beginner or a fluent user of the language.
*Those seeking to teach outside Wales and England should check recognition and transferability of Qualified Teacher Status with the respective country’s Teachers’ Professional Body.
Research Opportunities
The programme is co-constructed, delivered and assessed with a network of excellent partnership schools across the region.
Combine this subject with Outdoor Activities
Bangor is a fantastic place for anyone interested in outdoor activities. Our location, combined with our long-established links with local outdoor education providers, provides a fantastic opportunity for combining this subject with outdoor activities during your training. If that interests you, please apply for: PGCE Secondary - Biology (English Medium) 3F53.
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Course Content
What will you study on this course?
The ATs will be trained to become effective managers of learning in the laboratory setting, to understand the key role of practical and investigative activities in Science and to be able to manage the activities safely. The ATs will analyse the theories underpinning a range of formative and summative assessment practices and be able to use them effectively to facilitate learner progression and for reporting to parents, colleagues and external agencies. The Science ATs will be able to understand their role in contributing to an inclusive, broad and balanced curriculum, the links between Science and other Areas of Learning (particularly Mathematics and Technology), the development of learners’ Literacy, Numeracy and IT (DC) skills and their ability to use the Welsh language in Science.
The ATs will also understand the importance of delivering a Science curriculum which is relevant to the interest of all pupils, is embedded in the cultural, economic and historical context of Wales. The ATs will develop an appreciation of the key contribution of Science in ensuring learners’ health and well-being as well as enabling them to become ethical, well-informed citizens of Wales.
Entry Requirements
- At least a 2:2 honours degree or equivalent in an area related to subject of study.
- Grade C/Grade 4 in the GCSE examination in any of the following: English Language, English Literature, Welsh First Language, Welsh Literature.Ìý
- Grade C/Grade 4 in the GCSE Examination in Mathematics or Mathematics-Numeracy must also be achieved.
- A willingness and positive attitude towards seeking to improve personal use of the Welsh Language.
- Applicants are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check for the child workforce including a check of the children’s barred lists.Ìý Applicants who have lived outside the UK are also required to undertake a criminal records check in their countries of residence. ÌýÌý
Applicants should reflect carefully on their ability to meet the rigours and demands of the profession. Refer to the Considerations for Applicants to Initial Teacher Education Programmes.
We also welcome applications from mature applicants, individuals with European qualifications and international applicants (subject to minimum English language requirements - IELTS Level 7 overall (with no element below 6.5).
ApplicationÌý
To teach, you need Initial Teacher Education (ITE) based at a university, school or college in the UK. Candidates should note that the application process for the PGCE programmes differs from ¿ì»îӰԺ’s standard postgraduate application procedure.
Applicants applying for teacher training will need to apply through the Undergraduate UCAS system. Please refer to UCAS for further information.
Careers
PGCE Secondary with QTS is recognised across Wales and England and is often transferable* further afield for entry into the teaching profession. It fully prepares you for the demands of teaching in Wales and beyond.
*Those seeking to teach outside Wales and England should check recognition and transferability of Qualified Teacher Status with the respective country’s Teachers’ Professional Body.
The CaBan programmes prepare you for a wide range of roles within education and develops essential leadership skills. There is a growing body of evidence that school leadership has an impact on student outcomes second only to the influence of teachers in the classroom. Within the CaBan partnership we have international expertise and experience of the latest leadership theory and research. This expertise impacts on both the content of this programme and the significant developments across the region and at national level with respect to developing strong and effective leadership teams in our schools.
The programme also offers short placements in Secondary and Special Schools, short/full placements in Outdoor Centres and other education related settings to ensure you have enhanced experience specific to your individual interests.
