PGCE Secondary Chemistry (F1X1)
Through lectures, seminars and workshops and involvement with our partner schools/colleges, you gain the experience needed to become a successful teacher of your specialist subject up to post -16 level. All trainees follow an 11-18 PGCE with 11-16 for QTS.
"The University based training provides a good balance of subject methodology, taught in mixed science tutor groups, together with very good provision to learn about the teaching of separate sciences."(OfSTED report, Science)
The content
PGCE work in Chemistry helps you to make the transition from subject expert to teacher. The content of the course will develop your:
- understanding of how your pupils learn science;
- written and practical teaching skills;
- ability to vary teaching styles to meet pupils' individual needs;
- motivational and management skills;
- ability to assess and record pupil achievement and raise expectations;
- understanding of wider educational concerns such as gender and multicultural issues.
"The partnership is very well managed to ensure that training and assessment are of a high quality" (OfSTED report, Management and Quality Assurance).
Support and resources
We operate an 'open door' tutor policy where appointments are seldom necessary for one-to-one meetings. This facilitates sharing success and raising any personal and professional needs or concerns. During your school placements you will benefit from the guidance of your science mentor who will ensure a mutually beneficial experience.
Our laboratories are stocked with samples of current science apparatus used in schools and colleges. Utilising this together with the Science Resource Centre, the John Rylands Library and our state of the art reprographics and audio visual facilities will provide you with excellent opportunities to develop your practical and theoretical teaching skills.
We are keen to promote the sharing of good practice on the course through displays and teaching resources produced by our trainees.
Assessment
Your school and University experiences are formally assessed. Both your mentor and tutor help you to record your achievements and set targets. At the end of each school experience you receive a report from your mentor. These reports together with your record of achievement and development facilitate your progression as a teacher. You are also required to complete a number of written assignments. Ongoing guidance and support will be available from your tutor.
Employment
The PGCE Secondary Chemistry programme leads directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and ultimately membership of the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE). The programme prepares participants to teach science in a range of secondary schools (including 11-16 and 11-18 both maintained and independent) and sixth form colleges.
Employment opportunities are excellent for newly qualified science teachers. The vast majority of our trainees have been highly successful in gaining employment by the end of the course. You will benefit from clear direction, advice and support to help you make good applications to schools and colleges.
Course Leader: Alan Jervis
alan.jervis@manchester.ac.uk
What our trainees say
'Very good overall. Tutors provided excellent support throughout.'
'Exceptional tutor support - very approachable and helpful.'
'I was impressed with the overall 'layout' of the course and found all of the staff very supportive and the other people on the course were all able to input into our teaching style. I learnt a lot from everyone!'
'I really enjoyed my placement at the school. All staff provided support and encouragement. All staff especially my mentor and the Head of Science were helpful and approachable. I was definitely made to feel very welcome.'
'All teachers were very generous with their time and gave me valuable advice.'
'The school was a lovely community into which I felt I was made to feel very welcome. The whole staff cohort were very supportive and helpful. Mentoring sessions were very valuable.
Helen & Clive - PGCE Science trainees
- Student Case Study (PDF Document, 91 KB)