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PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate of Education
Walsall
Full Time
SEP-25
1 year
Select a course option
PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate of Education
Walsall
Full Time
SEP-25
1 year
Select a an exam type
Why choose this course?
If you have an interest in all aspects of science, but in particular the chemical and material world and enjoy investigating this in a practical setting, then our Secondary Education Chemistry course will suit you. Our course looks at the key ideas which underpin the teaching of science in schools today and the way children’s understanding of concepts develops. As a trainee you will learn how to teach Chemistry to pupils in the 11–16 age range within the secondary age phase, with additional primary and post-16 enhancements. You will learn how to develop skills, knowledge, and understanding for teaching Chemistry through a combination of university-led and school-led training.
Our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Education provides a high standard of training for those preparing to take up a teaching post in the secondary school sector. The course complies with the statutory guidance from the Department for Education for initial teacher training courses.
The PGCE in Secondary Education is specifically designed to ensure that those who are successful will be recommended for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – the professional award required by all those who wish to teach in a maintained school.
You may be eligible to study for a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course (SKE) in order to prepare you for the PGCE in Secondary Chemistry. If you are invited to interview, the subject tutor will discuss this with you.
The PGCE Secondary Chemistry attracts a DfE funded bursary of £24,000. You will need to apply for this if you are successful in gaining a place on the course.
Successful completion of the course will lead to recommendation for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), along with 60 credits at Master’s level.
Potential Career Paths
The PGCE in Secondary Education leads to a recommendation for QTS, and enables you to take up a qualified teaching post in a secondary school.
In secondary schools you could be considered for a Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR), which may comprise any of the following:
Leading a particular subject as head of department, faculty or curriculum
Leading the achievement of a particular age group as head of year or key stage coordinator
Leading a particular area such as special education needs or pastoral care (i.e. personal guidance)
Later, you could progress to a senior leadership position such as a deputy or assistant head and head teacher - at which point you will have overall responsibility for the leadership and management of a school and the education its students receive.
You will have interest in all aspects of science along with a particular aptitude for chemistry, along with an ability to think creatively about presenting the subject to others in original and practical ways. Candidates will be expected to teach the whole science curriculum, but with a particular focus on materials and their properties. Above all, you will need a real commitment to the education of young people. Also you will need to hold a first degree of a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification, to have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (previously Grade C) in the GCSE examinations in English and Mathematics. We do NOT accept GCSE Short Courses OR GCSE Equivalent Tests from other institutions or organisations, Key Skills Level 2 or Functional Skills Level 2.
Students living in
Domestic
£9,250 per year
Students from Domestic
The fee mentioned is for 2024-25 academic year and there may be a slight increase in the fee for 2025-26 entry.
£14,950 per year
Students from EU
The fee mentioned is for 2024-25 academic year and there may be a slight increase in the fee for 2025-26 entry.
£14,950 per year
Students from International
The fee mentioned is for 2024-25 academic year and there may be a slight increase in the fee for 2025-26 entry.
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