Course summary
PGCE - Secondary Chemistry QTS 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 Laboratory in the IQ building, our secondary Chemistry programme supports you in using your passion and expertise for Chemistry. It is not just a practical subject, teaching chemistry demands your creativity to inspire young people and nurture their curiosity. It will engage all your professional skills and propel you to a fulfilling career. 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. Together with university teacher educators and expert mentors, we will support you in becoming a Chemistry teacher who is able to: • reflect on practice gained through teaching experience in school; • who can analyse that experience in the light of discussion with mentors and others, • use research to inform and evaluate practice • and raise standards of teaching and learning. 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
The programme is full-time over 36 weeks. Broadly, the programme comprises 12-weeks of university-based provision and 24 weeks based in school. Level 6 Modules Cycle 3 Core Studies: The Learner: who am I teaching? (30 credits; compulsory) This module places the child/pupil at the centre of the programme. Understanding how a pupil learns, based on theories of learning, practice-related evidence and the place of health and wellbeing, is fundamental to effective teaching and learning. This module challenges assumptions and beliefs related to cultural diversity and the expectations of a normative model of child development. This module also positions the teacher as a professional by considering safeguarding, child protection, contractual, pastoral and legal responsibilities. The assessment component for this module is a written assignment (100%; equivalent to 5000 words). Cycle 3 Professional and Pedagogic Studies: Leading the Learning: what, how and why am I teaching? (30 credits; compulsory) Housed in this module is the explicit development of phase appropriate subject-knowledge and pedagogic content knowledge needed to effectively teach the curricular content of each area of learning and experience. The module also explores the complex nature of the learning environment and the skills needed to manage learners, resources and other adults. The principles of planning, teaching and assessment for learning will be secured, and practical application evaluated. It is in this module that the two aspects of intellectual and experiential learning come together in the classroom and students are supported in their professional teaching experience by practicing teachers, peers and university-based tutors. The assessment component for this module is a portfolio (100%; equivalent to 5000 words). Level 7 Modules Core Studies: Learners, Schools and Communities: where am I teaching? (30 credits; compulsory) In this module, graduates study the importance of place and context; local and national. The transformative teacher looks beyond the classroom to the community where learners lead their lives and seeks to influence development in both. This means understanding the diverse nature of a community; the effect of poverty and social deprivation and how to use data to understand these issues further. The assessment components for this module are an individual video (50%; 10 minutes) and a written report (50%; 2,500 words). Professional and Pedagogic Studies: Researching the Learning: what, how and why am I teaching? (30 credits; compulsory) In this module, the four dispositions of the research-ready teacher are explicitly explored: being sceptical; being ethical; being a skilled researcher, and being part of an enquiring profession. Student teachers join with practising teachings to form communities of inquiry where real life problems are identified in the classroom and researched through a close-to-practice approach. Different methodologies will be explored including lesson study, case study and small-scale action research. The assessment component for this module is a research project (100%; 5000 words, with 1000 word equivalent allocated to the Ethics Form).
Assessment method
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
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- 2X5V
- Institution code:
- T80
- Campus name:
- SA1 Waterfront Campus, Swansea
- Campus code:
- T
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
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 /Grade 4 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.
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Interview
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
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