Secondary Biology PGCE with QTS

Program Overview

This program prepares students to become outstanding secondary science teachers with a focus on Biology. It emphasizes inclusivity, safeguarding, and the development of critical perspectives on teaching. Students engage in practical workshops, seminars, and school-based learning to develop their knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors in accordance with the Teachers' Standards. The program also provides access to career planning and employability-enhancing experiences through the University's Careers and Employability service.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Teaching is an extremely rewarding and challenging career. Our course is designed to provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills that you need to be an outstanding teacher. We aim to nurture teachers who are passionate about the development of their own and their pupils' learning. The course allows you to teach Secondary Science with a focus on your specialism. You will develop your subject knowledge, practical skills and pedagogy in all aspects of science at KS3, whilst also developing your expertise in your preferred discipline of Biology at KS4 and KS5 depending on your degree and experience. Science enhanced with Biology For this you need a good honours degree with a significant proportion of Biology plus the ability to demonstrate an enthusiasm for science and science education. There is a wide selection of degrees which will be considered. The course is designed to ensure you are confident in all basic national curriculum requirements.

Outline:

Year 1

• Becoming a Teacher: the Professional Transformation (Compulsory)
• Module content:
• Common strands explored throughout the programme and within the context of this module include commitments to inclusivity in all its forms; safeguarding and well-being of children; promoting a positive classroom environment conducive to engagement and respecting diversity; and building curricula and sequences of lessons designed to ensure the progression of all.
Alongside this and in common with other modules, ATs will be supported to prioritise their own well-being, achieve a sustainable work-life balance while managing their initiation into professional communities of practice.
• Associate Teachers (ATs) will develop an understanding of the nature and aims of the National Curriculum and/or Early Years Foundation Phase depending on the age-phase in which they are training to teach.
They will consider these documents in relation to breadth, balance and ambition and how pupils and children can be supported to make links between subjects, disciplines and associated areas of learning to ensure that the curriculum is greater than the sum of its parts. ATs will cover important elements of the legislative and statutory framework relevant to teaching, education and the professional responsibilities (e.g. safeguarding, theSEND Code of Practice, the promotion of Fundamental British Values, the Equality Actetc.). ATs will also cover important aspects of inclusion, the definitions and categories of different pupil needs, including the 4 categories (social, emotional and mental health, sensory and/or physical, communication and interaction, cognition and learning). Through guided observation, ATs will develop knowledge of how to generate motivation, autonomy, mutual respect and positive relationships with staff and pupils of all kinds and how important a consistent whole-school/institution-wide approach to managing children and pupils' behaviour is to this. ATs will be expected to demonstrate principles of professionalism and professional behaviours of teachers along with the importance of reading policies, following them and taking appropriate advice and initiative. ATs will observe and develop their knowledge of the teaching of citizenship and PSHE where relevant and their relationship to the notion of a healthy and socially responsible school/ institutional community as well as the spiritual moral, social and cultural development of pupils and children. ATs will be supported to manage their workload to ensure there is a productive work/life balance and that proportionate amounts of time are set out for planning, teaching and assessment activities - and recognise the importance of their contribution to the wider life of the school/institution. Through the guided observation of experts, ATs will develop how to communicate with lay stakeholders, parents, and carers and others in promoting professional cooperation and the engagement of pupils.
• Module aims:
• The module aims to develop:
• ATs' commitment to inclusivity, well-being and safeguarding of children.
• ATs' understanding of the nature and aims of the National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage, depending on the age-phase in which they are training to teach.
• ATs' understanding of legislative and statutory frameworks relevant to teaching, education and the professional responsibilities of teachers.
• ATs' knowledge and understanding of inclusion in all its forms.
• ATs' knowledge of how to generate motivation, autonomy, mutual respect and positive relationships with pupils.
• ATs' understanding of the principles of professionalism and professional behaviours of teachers.
• ATs' knowledge of Citizenship and PHSE, where relevant, and their relationship to the notion of a healthy and socially responsible community.
• ATs' understanding of how to manage their workload to ensure there is a productive work/life balance and the management of their own on-going learning.
• ATs' knowledge of how to communicate with lay stakeholders, parents, and carers and others in promoting professional cooperation and the engagement of pupils.
• Becoming a Teacher: Meeting the Teachers' Standards (Compulsory)
• Module content:
• Associate Teachers (ATs) will be supported to manage their own progress in developing and extending their knowledge and understanding of inclusion in all its forms, the promotion of a positive classroom environment which maximises learning and respects safeguarding and the dignity and diversity of all pupils.
They will also be supported to consistently and confidently plan sequences of lessons which enable the progression of all pupils and engage with colleagues in mutual enquiries to develop the curriculum. ATs will develop their understanding of the nature and aims of the National Curriculum and/or Early Years Foundation Phase depending on the age-phase in which they are training to teach. They will consider the practical implications of these documents in relation to breadth, balance and ambition and how pupils and children can be supported to make links between subjects, disciplines and associated areas of learning to ensure that the curriculum is greater than the sum of its parts. ATs will further develop their understanding of statutory frameworks and legislation in relation to safeguarding, Special Educational Needs, Fundamental British Valuesetc. ATs will develop their understanding of the different types of assessment that can be used with classes to ensure planning is responsive to pupils' and children's needs. ATs will extend their knowledge of planning and particularly their understanding of how all pupils learn (in general and within specific subjects) and the range of concepts and theories which underpin it. Also they will extend their knowledge of curricular planning and how coherent sequences of learning can promote learning for all pupils. ATs will extend their knowledge of how to generate motivation, autonomy, mutual respect and positive relationships with staff and pupils of all kinds and how important a consistent whole-school/institution-wide approach to managing children and pupils' behaviour is to this. ATs will demonstrate consistently and confidently the principles of professionalism and professional behaviours of teachers along with the importance of reading policies, following them and taking appropriate advice and initiative. ATs will extend their understanding of citizenship and PSHE where relevant and support a sustainable, healthy and socially responsible school/ institutional community as well as the spiritual moral, social and cultural development of pupils and children. ATs will manage their workload to sustain a productive work/life balance and that proportionate amounts of time are set out for planning, teaching and assessment activities while contributing to the wider life of the school/institution. ATs will develop their confidence in communicating with lay stakeholders, parents, and carers and others in promoting professional cooperation and the engagement of pupils.
• Module aims:
• The module aims to develop and extend:
• ATs' management of their own professional learning, their ability to plan for inclusion, safeguarding, respect for the diversity of pupils and demonstrate professional behaviours of teachers.
• ATs' ability to establish a positive learning environment which generates motivation, autonomy, mutual respect and positive relationships with pupils.
• ATs' understanding of the nature and aims of the National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage, depending on the age-phase in which they are training to teach.
• ATs' understanding of legislative and statutory frameworks relevant to teaching, education and the professional responsibilities of teachers.
• ATs' knowledge and understanding of inclusion and ability to plan for how pupils of all kinds can be supported to develop positive relationships and to access an empowering curriculum.
• ATs' ability to use different types of assessment to ensure planning is responsive to pupils' needs and learning.
• ATs' knowledge of curricular planning and their ability to plan coherent and balanced sequences of learning which promote engagement for all pupils.
• ATs' knowledge of Citizenship and PHSE, where relevant.
• ATs' confidence in communicating with lay stakeholders, parents, and carers and others in promoting professional cooperation and the engagement of pupils.
• Professional Knowledge in Secondary Education (Compulsory)
• Module content:
• This module is underpinned by common strands explored across the programme as a whole.
Within the context of this module, this includes commitments to inclusivity in all its forms; safeguarding and well-being of children; promoting a positive classroom environment conducive to engagement and respecting diversity; and building curricula and sequences of lessons designed to ensure the progression of all. Alongside this and in common with other modules, ATs will be supported to prioritise their own well-being, achieve a sustainable work-life balance while managing their initiation into professional communities of practice.
• The module covers important legislative and statutory frameworks which teachers must know and understand (e.g.
inter alia those governing safeguarding,SEND, the promotion of Fundamental British Values, the Equality Actetc). Part and parcel with this are issues of race and gender identification, how teachers can promote good behaviour and a positive orientation to learning from pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds or who have diverse needs. The module also covers the nature and aims of the secondary National Curriculum particularly with regard to its ambition, and breadth and balance. The ATs will take a holistic view of the curriculum and explore how pupils can be supported to make links between different subjects and disciplines within the curriculum. The ATs will be introduced to important principles of professionalism and professional behaviours of teachers along with establishing professional relationships with staff and pupils and the importance of reading policies and following them. ATs will also be introduced to protocols of data security and for communicating with lay stakeholders, parents and carers in the support of children’s engagement. The ATs will also know and understand the nature and practice of inclusion in all its forms. ATs will also be introduced to Citizenship and PHSE and their relationship to the notion of a healthy and socially responsible school community as well as the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development of pupils. ATs will also develop ways to understand how curriculum areas support pupils to develop literacy, reading, writing, oracy and an enjoyment of engaging with text. ATs will develop their own ability to manage their workload, promptness and punctuality with tasks, resilience and well-being and be able to balance their work/life activities and see the value of contributing to the wider life of school.
• Module aims:
• ATs will be able to know and understand:
• Sensitivities and respect associated with all aspects of inclusion and the principles underpinning a positive environment for learning respecting of diversity.
• Legislative and statutory frameworks (e.g.
inter alia those governing safeguarding,SEND, the Promotion of Fundamental British Values, the Equality Act, National Curriculumetc).
• Principles of professionalism and professional behaviours of teachers along with establishing professional relationships with staff and pupils and the importance of reading policies, following them, and taking appropriate initiative.
• Citizenship and PHSE and their relationship to developing a healthy and socially responsible school community as well as the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development of pupils.
• Cross-curriculum linking (for example in the development of pupils' literacy, reading, writing, oracy and an enjoyment of engaging with text)
• Legal and ethical principles behind data security and communication with lay stakeholders, parents, and carers and others in promoting professional cooperation and the engagement of pupils.
• How to manage workload to ensure there is a productive work/life balance and that proportionate amounts of time are set out for planning, teaching and assessment activities.
ATs will recognise the importance of their contributions to the wider life of the school.
• Enriching the Teacher (Compulsory)
• Module content:
• ATs will involve themselves in a variety of activities aimed to develop their professional perspectives on teaching and introduce them to broader horizons in the practice of education.
These projects involve work with young people and for example could entail learning outside the classroom; understanding of diversity in the classroom; developing pupil engagement among those in vulnerable groups; involvement in research and curriculum development initiatives; work with other adults or in non-formal/ alternative settings involved in the education of children. ATs will reflect on the value of these activities in promoting and enhancing learning beyond formal curriculum prescription, and in the development of their own understanding.
• Module aims:
• This module aims to:
• Enrich ATs' knowledge, understanding and skills to work effectively in schools, leading learning for all children;
• Further ATs' insights into inclusivity by broadening their understanding of the width and variety of learning experiences that could be incorporated into a creative curriculum;
• Develop ATs' understanding of issues affecting pupils' engagement and how they, as Associate Teachers, might support pupil progression;
• Enable ATs to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to devise and deliver their own effective enrichment activities/projects;
• enable ATs to reflect on their involvement in enrichment and to analyse the impact of these modes of working on pupil development.
• Building Knowledge for Teaching (Compulsory)
• Module content:
• This module enables Associate Teachers on ITE programmes, and their tutors, to establish, track and develop their fundamental knowledge for teaching in English, Maths and (for Primary and Early Years ATs only) in Science.
• Module aims:
• The module aims to:
• Audit ATs' fundamental knowledge for teaching in English, Maths and(Primary and Early Years only) in Science.
• Signpost ATs' to resources to develop their fundamental knowledge for teaching in English, Maths and (for Primary and Early Years only) Science.
• Learning to teach: Developing Critical Perspectives on the Teaching of the Specialist Subject (Compulsory)
• Module content:
• Common strands embedded within the programme as a whole and explored within the context of this module include commitments to inclusivity in all its forms; safeguarding, and well-being of children; promoting a positive classroom environment conducive to engagement and respecting diversity; and building curricula and sequences of lessons designed to ensure the progression of all.
Alongside this and in common with other modules, ATs will be supported to prioritise their own well-being, achieve a sustainable work-life balance while managing their initiation into professional communities of practice.
• Beyond these underpinning strands, this module will introduce ATs to study habits, conventions, writing and communication at Level 7 and initiate ATs to the principles of professional enquiry as part of their learning journey.
It will serve as an initiation to developing the critical perspectives necessary for interactions between theory, research and practice within the specialist subject. In order to develop close and incisive observations of practice in school, ATs will be introduced to notions of reflectivity and reflexivity, and develop perceptive insights into what they notice from concepts derived from theory and research. ATs will develop an understanding of how all children learn the specialist subject and relate this to key concepts in teaching and learning (e.g. scaffolding; dialogue; questioning; meaning-making; working memory; long-term memory; cognitive load; engagement; identity transformation) and concepts relating to curriculum design (e.g. sequencing; interleaving; knowledge-rich; coherence; cumulativity; cultural capital; connectivity). ATs will also begin to use research and theory systematically in order to make judgements about how to present new material in learnable ways to pupils (e.g. using exemplars, analogy, multiple representations, explanations, dialogue and discussion, scaffolds, and demonstrations) and begin to develop responsiveness to what they notice pupils need from their assessments and reflections. ATs will reflect critically on the rationale behind the curriculum choices that have been made and initiate where appropriate professional dialogues with colleagues and peers about planning. ATs will be encouraged to develop criticality relating to uninformed and/or culturally reproduced practices (e.g. fixed groupings, 'learning styles' approaches; unpurposeful or burdensome assessment; exclusive differentiation) and they will exercise professional discretion in choosing how and when to demonstrate this. ATs will learn how to maximise the engagement, motivation, participation and attainment of all pupils through carefully planned and adapted lessons. ATs will also begin to understand key barriers to learning, and likely misconceptions within the subject and how inclusivity in all its forms can underpin lesson and curriculum design. This will require a critical engagement with key policy documents, legislation, research, codes of practice and collaboration with other colleagues, parents, carers and classroom assistants.
• Module aims:
• This module aims to develop and challenge:
• The AT’s own underpinning philosophy of teaching and learning, and understanding of the principles of professional enquiry by engaging in research and theory that inform effective and inclusive approaches to presenting the specialist subject.
• The AT’s understanding of how all pupils learn (in general and within their specialist subject); the range of concepts and theories which underpin it and the principles underpinning inclusion in all its forms.
• The AT’s understanding of curriculum planning and the range of concepts and theories which inform it and how coherent sequences of learning can promote learning for all pupils.
• The AT's engagement in professional dialogue with colleagues, peers, and carers, in order to meet the needs of pupils.
• The AT's understanding of how to generate motivation, autonomy, mutual respect and positive relationships with pupils of all kinds.
• The AT's development of responsive approaches to planning in the light of pupils' prior learning.
• Subject Curriculum, Pedagogy and Professional Enquiry (Compulsory)
• Module content:
• This module straddles two contrasting placements and as such provides an arena for exploring contrasts between curriculum and pedagogy within the specialist subject and between institutions.
Throughout the content articulated beneath, ATs will develop their commitment to inclusivity in all its forms, safeguarding and well-being of children. and establish a positive learning environment that respects diversity, and the dignity of all children. ATs will also develop their contributions to a rich and empowering curriculum by planning sequences of lessons that ensure the progression of all and develop strategies for supporting their own well-being and a sustainable work-life balance within an increasing workload. ATs will participate in a supportive culture of enquiry that will act to build resilience to criticism and as an initiation to the principles and ethics of self-improvement in a Professional Learning Community into the NQT years. The module develops understanding of pedagogical and curriculum concepts (e.g. scaffolding; dialogue; questioning; meaning-making; working memory; long-term memory; cognitive load; engagement; banding and grouping; identity transformation; sequencing; interleaving; knowledge-rich; coherence; cumulativity; cultural capital; connectivity) and relates them critically to the specialist subject, to enacted practice in placement schools, research and the principles of inclusion. The ATs' will also develop their understanding of how to plan sequences of lessons, including purposeful homework activities so that they fit into broader curriculum frameworks and objectives. ATs will explore philosophical, socio-political and historical influences on the curriculum and develop their understanding of how curriculum intention is mediated by their teaching and by how pupils respond to their teaching. ATs will develop their understanding of the ways in which their subject can usefully contribute to pupils’ literacy, including their reading, writing, and oracy. It will also extend opportunities for ATs to develop their understanding of assessment principles and how ATs can respond to the diverse challenges pupils experience. ATs will be invited to explore their own uses of assessment, dialogue and questioning and how they use it to develop as well as check pupils' understanding. In this way, ATs will begin to see that dialogue and assessment is a critical window into the pupil voice and a crucial opportunity for teachers to understand pupils' perspectives. ATs will be invited to explore critically the purposes behind assessment and the meanings behind notions of the curriculum itself as the progression model. ATs will examine inclusive approaches to teaching and planning within the specialist subject and critically identify where there may be unintended consequences to planned activities. ATs will also reflect critically on the correlation between a well sequenced series of lessons and its impact on the development of positive relationships with pupils, a classroom environment conducive to learning and to pupils' well-being, autonomy, and agency.
• Module aims:
• This module aims to develop and critically examine:
• Contrasts and similarities between different placement settings and the culture and practices evident within them.
• Inclusive approaches to teaching which allow all children to access the specialist subject and an empowering curriculum.
• Alignment between ATs' aspirations for their pupils and the learning evident in classrooms through ethical methods and methodologies of practitioner research and enquiry.
• ATs' professional knowledge, and participation in a Professional Learning Community in relation to subject pedagogical and curriculum expertise and thus provide insight into the contribution of the specialist subject to an engaging whole school curriculum.
• ATs' critical thinking and reflective capacity by ensuring interactivity between theory, research, and practice.
• ATs' understanding of pedagogical and curriculum concepts and the teacher/school’s role in enacting them.
• ATs’ understanding of the philosophical, historical and socio-political influences upon the curriculum and how curriculum intention is mediated by teachers and pupils.
• ATs’ planning of sequences of lessons, including purposeful homework activities, which fit into broader curricular frameworks and objectives.
• ATs’ understanding of the contribution of their subject to the development of pupils’ literacy, reading, writing and oracy.
• Assessment practices and the data they yield including from the use of dialogue and questioning and what this mean in terms of giving pupils a voice and understanding their perspectives and identifying barriers to learning.

Teaching:

• Professional and academic learning takes place within the University and partnership settings in lectures, seminars, practical workshops and tutorials.
School-based learning is assessed holistically against the Teachers’ Standards, and through assignments and directed activities.

Careers:

• Careers service
• The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
• Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
• We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability.
We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs .

Other:

• On this course, you’ll spend time out on placement where you’ll apply what you have learnt to real scenarios in the workplace, giving you genuine experience and insight that will prepare you for your future career.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Home Students:

• £9,250 per year (2024/25)

International/EU Students:

• £14,750 per year (2024/25)

Additional Costs:

• Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees.
This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.
• If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.
• Prior to admission to this course, you will be required to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University, for which there will be a charge.
For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information please visit the DBS webpage.