Science - Keele University
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Welcome to

School of Public Policy & Professional Practice

 

Education

PGCE Science

Science is compulsory for all pupils of age 5-16 in state schools. Most Science teachers teach all Sciences up to age 14. After that, practice varies, but most have to teach outside their specialism for at least some of the time. As a Newly Qualified Teacher, you will be expected to teach across the Sciences. The course is therefore based on a common foundation for all of you (Broad Balanced Science) which is concerned with: why Science is a compulsory subject; how children learn Science, and how to teach them more effectively; and how to teach the different topics in the curriculum. It comprises components of Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics.

Biology presents challenges to solve the problems of working with living organisms in the school laboratory. How do you use fast-growing brassicas and data-logging techniques to motivate and interest pupils in Biology?

Chemistry is more than just explosions and smells. Pupils do need to develop chemical concepts gradually, and we do need to teach in a lively and safe way, so that pupils are interested.

Geology (Earth Sciences) involves more than Field experiences. The lively teaching of Earth-Environmental Science may encourage pupils to think seriously about preserving the planet.

Physics provides the imaginative teacher with many opportunities to interest and involve children in a fascinating world of experience and experiments.
You will need a degree, normally at a minimum of lower second class Honours, in which the content is related to one of the four subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Physics. It is a normal expectation that a minimum of 40% of your degree must be directly relevant to your chosen subject.

in addition, you must have a supporting qualification in at least one other science subject at a level or beyond, or its equivalent.

Much depends on the spread of Science modules covered within your degree, and you should contact Course Tutors for further advice if you are unsure that your degree or educational background meets these criteria.

In addition, we consider applications from graduates who can demonstrate through their professional experience, their degree and any postgraduate work that they possess the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to equip them for teaching Science. This can only be done by considering your application as a whole.

If your degree does not give you the necessary level of subject knowledge to gain entry to the one-year course, you may wish to consider the one-year Pre-Initial Teacher Education Subject Enhancement Courses in Chemistry and Physics that are offered at Keele. Successful students then progress to the one-year PGCE at Keele, or to an Initial Teacher Education (PGCE/GTP/SCITT) Programme at another Provider. Participants may have a Science degree, but not in Chemistry or Physics. They may also be graduates from other fields but with Science subjects within their A Level (or equivalent) profile. These courses are designed as ‘conversion’ courses to support participants who wish to pursue a career as a Science teacher.

If you are uncertain as to the most suitable route to follow, we strongly encourage you to contact the science tutors at Keele. We also use the interview process to give guidance to applicants and to place successful candidates on a course best suited to their needs.