Secondary teaching at Nottingham Trent University (NTU)

This teaching degree provides graduates with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to teach Chemistry at secondary level. Time is spent in the University and in classroom placements, ensuring that by the end of the course, trainees are confident professionals ready to begin teaching in secondary schools.

The award is offered at two levels. Both are recognised teaching qualifications, but the postgraduate award will allow fast-track entry to master's courses:

Professional Graduate Certificate in Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

The choice of which qualification to take will be made while on the course, successful completion of which will lead to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The course aims to develop an understanding of the specialist subject in the context of the National Curriculum. This includes the principles involved in the teaching and learning of the subject across the full age and ability range and the professional values and practice, subject knowledge and understanding commensurate with the particular subject specialism. This includes how children learn and how they develop cognitively, socially and physically and the understanding, skills and personal qualities necessary for managing the learning environment.

All trainees undertake a module concerned with the wider context of schools and education. This develops the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for your first teaching post in a secondary school. It also builds a foundation for further professional development. Elements of this module include both whole cohort keynote lectures and seminars, many of which are led by mixed groups of trainees supported by tutors. This allows you to meet the Teachers' Standards by making secure connections between issues in school and your own professional practice.

What you'll study

You will cover the specialist issues concerning science education including the place of practical work; the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) and Health and Safety. The University-based work is divided into four areas: Core Science - which considers generic issues concerned with science education and the methodologies of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. You will study the methodology of all three subjects in sufficient depth to teach Key Stage Three and at least two, preferably all three of them to Key Stage Four. In addition, you will receive tutorial support and small group seminar support in the three subject areas.

Assessment

University-based modules: Learning and Teaching in the Subject, and Learning and Teaching in the Wider Context, are assessed at the end of the modules with reflection against the Teachers' Standards. You will also conduct a piece of research-based, professional enquiry within the classroom, which is assessed by a formal written report and presentation of findings. A separate, formal assessment also takes place in practical teaching.

Careers and employability

The vocational nature of the PGCE Secondary and the fact that successful completion of the course leads to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) means that graduates are ideally placed to pursue a career as a teacher in a secondary school or college.