Course summary
**UCAS Code Secondary Biology (PGCE): 2X5S** In the modern world, some knowledge of science is essential for everyone. Everything we know about the universe, from how trees reproduce to the structure of the atom is the result of scientific research and experiment. As a compulsory core subject in secondary education, as well as a required and significantly weighted subject for major entrance examinations, schools are inclined to assign considerable teaching hours to science teaching. Delivered in the Environmental Lab in the IQ Building, our secondary biology programme supports you in using your passion and expertise for Biology. It is a fulfilling career, inspiring young people and nurturing their natural curiosity. You may be the teacher that sparks the idea in a pupil’s mind which goes on to solving some of the world’s problems, and answers questions such as ‘where did the dinosaurs go?’ You will be prepared to teach the new Area of Learning and Experience: Science and Technology through to the GCSE and A level exam groups. Science teachers are highly sought after by schools and colleges and demand is much greater than supply, therefore employability and promotional prospects are excellent. The Welsh Government is currently offering tax free bursaries of up to £20 000 to study for a PGCE in Science. Find Out More: www.uwtsd.ac.uk/pgce/pgce-bursaries/
Modules
Modules The content of the programme has been grouped under four module headings: • The Learner – who am I teaching? • Learners, schools and communities – where am I teaching? • Researching the learning – what, why and how am I teaching? (focus on research) • Leading the Learning – what, why and how am I teaching? (focus on subject discipline in practice) Organising the modules in this way means that you will be able to focus on the pupil and take full account of the wider context that impact on education. You will also be able to ensure that your classroom-based practice draws on a sound research base. This means that our programme will challenge you both practically and intellectually at the same time.
Assessment method
Assessment The programme offers 60 credits at Masters level and 60 credits at Graduate Level. These are awarded on successful completion of module assessments which include: • Case studies • Portfolios • Video presentation • Research Project All assessments are closely linked to practice and are designed to offer you the opportunity to develop teaching and learning that has a positive impact on children and young people. Award of QTS Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is awarded to those student teachers who have fully met the professional teacher standards for QTS. http://learning.gov.wales/resources/collections/professional-standards?lang=en This aspect of the programme is assessed through a portfolio of evidence and a professional dialogue with a specialist mentor and tutor. The Education Workforce Council (the statutory body for teachers in Wales) has a very useful website: www.ewc.wales
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Secondary
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements: Undergraduate Degree Applicants are required to hold a good honours degree (2:2 minimum) in an area related to chosen secondary subject. GCSE qualifications Grade C/Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics or Mathematics Numeracy. Student teachers studying to teach in Welsh medium schools will also need a GCSE Grade C or above in Welsh Language (first language). A-Levels/Level 3 Vocational Qualifications If applicants do not hold an undergraduate degree in a curriculum subject, successful study at appropriate higher levels must be evidenced. Work Experience: You should be aware of the realities of being a teacher and life in a classroom and so we ask for recent and relevant experience in a secondary educational setting. This may be through employment or volunteering in a school and should be for a minimum period of two weeks. Gaining experience in a school classroom will help to strengthen your application and better critically inform your personal statement. It will also prepare you for our selection process and give you some experience from which you can draw in your interview. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS): If accepted onto our programme, you will be required to obtain a clear Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service formerly known as CRB, Criminal Records Bureau) Child Workforce clearance check prior to your course commencement.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| EU | £13500 | Year 1 |
| England | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9000 | Year 1 |
| International | £13500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP