Postgraduate Certificate in Education - Secondary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - Biology (C1X1)

This course combines theory and practice of education to prepare students to teach their specialist science pathway (biology, chemistry and physics) in the 11-to-16 phase as well as being able to teach across all science subjects. During the course, students will develop their knowledge of how pupils learn science, how to plan effective lessons and practicals; and how assessment can improve learning and teaching in science. Students will develop as a reflective teacher who makes informed decisions about how to teach science.

Students will develop their knowledge of learning and teaching science through research-led innovative practice that will model new approaches to learning and teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

At the heart of this course is a commitment to personalising students' journey to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The University will help students to grow in confidence and competence by providing them with outstanding support as they train. Students will find a supportive learning environment at the University and in their partnership schools. This will help them develop a deep understanding of the secondary curriculum, including their own specialist subject and acquire a range of teaching methods, based upon the latest research in education.

In addition to gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in accordance with government standards, students will also receive the award of PGCE with 60 credits towards the Master of Research in Education (MRes), which students can continue with beyond their PGCE year. The course also aims to develop their professional skills to help them gain employment in a secondary school and continue with their professional development. It will provide students with a rigorous training in all aspects of being a secondary school teacher.