Secondary School Direct (Biology) PGCE with QTS
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-04-24 | 2023-02-10 |
| 2023-09-19 | 2023-01-27 |
| 2024-01-03 | 2023-11-25 |
Program Overview
Course 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.
PGCE Open Evenings
Learn more about the Ofsted Outstanding PGCE and School Direct courses we offer at one of our upcoming Open Evenings.
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Teacher Training Events – Schools Direct
Our Schools Direct Partners host a range of teacher training events throughout the year.
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Biology is taught in conjunction with Lead Secondary Partnership Schools.
Lead Schools for Secondary School Direct
Why study this course with us?
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. Again a 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.
The government is planning changes to the NQT transition period from one year to two years. This will be introduced nationally from September 2021. Following the achievement of QTS, therefore, all of you entering into a job as an NQT from September 2021 will be entitled to a 2-year package of on-going training and support. These entitlements are enshrined in the recently published Early Career Framework and the government has promised additional funding and mentoring support for new entrants to the profession who are entitled to this 2-year NQT programme. As a university committed to the on-going training and professional development of new teachers, we are aligning our new Level 7 Masters programmes to the Early Career Framework and would be keen to continue to support schools and NQTs in the next phases of their careers.
Program Outline
Teaching methods
Professional and academic learning
takes place within University and partnership settings in lectures, seminars, practical workshops and tutorials.
School-based learning
will move you from observation through group work to whole class teaching.Assessment
Professional and academic learning
is assessed through assignments and directed activities.
School-based learning
is assessed holistically against the Teachers’ Standards.
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 - Student Services 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 and postgraduate study.
Students and graduates of the University of Chester can use our services free of charge for up to two years after graduating.
