Secondary Education (Physics)

The award is offered at two levels. Both are recognized teaching qualifications, but the postgraduate award will allow fast-track entry to Masters courses:

• Professional Graduate Certificate in Education
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

The choice of which qualification to take will be made while on the course, successful completion of which will lead to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The course aims to develop an understanding of the specialist subject in the context of the National Curriculum, the principles involved in the teaching and learning of the subject across the full age and ability range and the professional values and practice, subject knowledge, and understanding commensurate with the particular subject specialism. This includes how children learn and how they develop cognitively, socially, and physically and the understanding, skills, and personal qualities necessary for managing the learning environment.

All trainees undertake a module concerned with the wider context of schools and education. This develops the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for your first teaching post in a secondary school. It also builds a foundation for further professional development. Elements of this module include both whole cohort keynote lectures and seminars, many of which are led by mixed groups of trainees supported by tutors. This allows you to meet the Teachers' Standards by making secure connections between issues in school and your own professional practice.

What you'll study?

You will cover the specialist issues within science education such as the place of practical work; the use of assessment; out-of-school activities; and health and safety. The university-based work is divided into four areas: Core Science - which considers generic issues concerned with science education and the methodologies of Biology; Chemistry and Physics. You will study the methodology of all three subjects in sufficient depth to teach Key Stage Three and at least two, preferably all three of them to Key Stage Four. In addition, you will receive tutorial support and small group seminar support in the three subject areas.