PGCE

Chemistry with Balanced Science

You are viewing this course for September start 2022

Key Facts

Course Code 3DGR

  • Qualification

    PGCE

  • Course duration

    1 year

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The Chemistry course aims to give student teachers the professional skills needed to become successful teachers who can develop learners' skills and understanding of Chemistry and its application. You will train to teach ambitious, capable and confident learners who are informed and confident about the world beyond school.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements UK Bachelors (Honours) degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject area. A minimim of 50% of the content of this Bachelors degree should have relevance to the subject you want to teach (ie Chemistry).

English Language Requirements IELTS 7.0 with minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent

Other Requirements GCSE Grade B in either English Language, English Literature, Welsh Language (First Language) or Welsh Literature. Where a grade B in English Literature or Welsh Literature is achieved, a minimum of grade C must also be achieved in English Language or Welsh Language (First Language). Grade B in GCSE Mathematics or Mathematics-Numeracy is also required. The University can offer GCSE Equivalency Tests in these subjects for applicants who do not hold these qualifications/grades. Previous experience or observation in a school setting is an advantage. Please note that all applicants will be interviewed as part of the selection process.

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Key Facts

Entry requirements

A degree, at least 50% of which is Chemistry-related. We consider students with degrees in related subjects, for example, Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering. There will be gaps in subject knowledge for all students and the course is designed to address this issue.

To support the Welsh Government’s Literacy and Numeracy framework students must have achieved a standard equivalent to a Grade B in the GCSE examination in any of the following:

  • English Language 
  • English Literature 
  • Welsh Language (First Language) 
  • Welsh Literature

Where an equivalent to a grade B in either English Literature or Welsh Literature is achieved, a minimum of a grade C must be achieved in the corresponding GCSE examination in English or Welsh (First) Language. A grade B in the GCSE Examination in Mathematics or Mathematics-Numeracy must also be achieved.

The University offers tests in these subjects if you do not have these requirements.

  • Experience or observation in a school setting is an advantage.
  • Literacy and numeracy skills tests will form part of the selection process on the day of the interview.


Course Details

Course content

Together with your fellow students on the primary and other secondary programmes, you will study the principles of effective pedagogy, assessment, lesson and curriculum planning. You will participate actively in learning, contributing to seminars, delivering presentations and engaging critically with research. During the University sessions, you will plan and deliver microlessons in preparation for the practical element of the course.

You will study the curriculum for Chemistry as part of the Science and Technology Area of Learning and Experience, and you will collaborate with students in other subject areas to develop your practice in working across the curriculum. There will be focus on the teaching of Chemistry as part of the single and double award GCSEs and Chemistry A level. All students in science subjects are trained to teach Balanced Science at Key Stage 3.

On placement, you will work closely with your subject mentor and the University Link Tutor to develop your practical skills in teaching. In addition to specialist placements in secondary schools, you will experience a short placement in a primary school working with skilled primary teachers. You will also undertake an action research project to develop an aspect of your practice and begin your career as a research-informed teacher.

Modules September start - 2022

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Effective Pedagogy ED31630 30
Evaluating Learning and Skills EDM1430 30
Pedagogy and Curriculum Knowledge ED31530 30
Professional Studies EDM1330 30

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Course Content

Assessment

Assessment on the course takes a range of forms including, for example: essays, reflective writing, presentations, lesson plans, action research project. There are no formal examinations. Assessment of practice takes place throughout all three placements on a continuous basis.

Cross-curriculum themes

All teachers are responsible for the teaching of the three cross-curriculum themes of literacy, numeracy and digital competence. Students will be supported in planning the delivery of literacy, numeracy and digital competence in the context of their own subject.