Secondary Chemistry with QTS at University of Cumbria - UCAS

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Course summary

Inspire the next generation of scientists by sharing your passion for Chemistry with young people. In this specialised PGCE pathway, you can instil a love of the fascinating world of Chemistry within the children you teach. Our well-respected PGCE Secondary with QTS supports you through your journey from student to Early Career Teacher (ECT). Moreover, as the PGCE programme includes QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) you'll apply for your first teaching position whilst studying with us. COURSE OVERVIEW Grounded in the learning of our PGCE Secondary programme, this Chemistry pathway allows you to develop the skills to teach in the secondary school setting, delivering engaging Chemistry lessons. This unique specialism gives you the opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists. You’ll learn through a blend of theory and hands-on experience, working within the National Curriculum Framework. You'll explore the key concepts and themes of the PGCE curriculum, confidently devising and delivering engaging lessons to children and young people, aged 11-16 years old. Over half the course will be spent working in the classroom on assessed placement, with school-based enrichment activities alongside your university-based study. You'll take two placements across a variety of schools and settings, building a wealth of experience to help advance your future career. ON THIS COURSE YOU WILL...

  • Inspire young people to explore the world of chemistry.
  • Benefit from high-quality support from our academics and staff on a programme designed around you.
  • Learn from an experienced, highly qualified programme team, working at the forefront of the academic field.
  • Enjoy the intimate feel of our course delivery, with small class sizes and your own personal tutor.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Our course ensures that you learn all the skills you need for effective teaching, from the basics of structuring and planning lessons to developing personal skills and confidence. Our school-based programme is delivered through dedicated sessions with trainees and school mentors, and allows you to learn from working alongside experienced school colleagues. Working with individual groups of pupils in school, you will gradually build up to teach whole classes about topics such as particle theory, acids and alkalis, the reactivity series and many other exciting topics. You will learn how to organise practical work and also carry out many of the practical activities that are common in schools. You will also receive training in key stage 3 Physics and Chemistry, reflecting the fact that in most schools you will be expected to teach all three sciences at key stage 3. MODULES There are two distinct phases to teaching on this course; September-December and January-June. In the September-December phase, you will develop your understanding and implementation of key teaching strategies. During this phase you will take your first teaching steps by working with individual groups of pupils in school, gradually building up to the teaching of whole classes. The key focus in this initial phase is that of helping students to understand the needs of individual learners. In the January-June phase, you will hone your whole-class teaching experience, fostering achievement and a love of learning in students, in correspondence to the requirements of the Teachers’ Standards. Year one
  • PGSC7011 Investigating Teaching and Learning in Chemistry
  • PGSC7012 Investigating Teaching and Learning Across and Beyond the School Curriculum
  • PGSC9011 Developing Professional Skills, Knowledge and Practice

Assessment method

Assessment loosely follows two forms; summative and formative. ‘Summative Assessment’, involves making some sort of judgement on your work that is recorded, such as essay writing. 'Formative assessment', is carefully crafted feedback that does not count towards your final grade but helps you develop your professional learning.


Entry requirements

A minimum UK 2:2 honours degree or recognised equivalent qualification in biology, chemistry or physics, depending on your chosen specialism, is required. Your degree must contain evidence of a substantial and appropriate level of subject knowledge. All successful applicants must have met this requirement by 31 July 2019. If you don't have an undergraduate degree but do have a Masters or other higher qualification, your application will be considered by our academic tutors on a one-to-one basis. GCSE grade C/4 or above in English language and mathematics or recognised equivalent qualifications. Applicants must have met this requirement by July 2019. Successful completion of the professional skills test in literacy and numeracy before the start of the course. A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) background clearance check prior to starting the course. Satisfactory Occupational Health medical check prior to starting the course Evidence of a satisfactory level of literacy on the application form and a satisfactory personal statement. Evidence of motivation and appropriate professional values. A strong personal statement conveying an enthusiasm for the subject, for working with young people and for teaching and learning. A satisfactory academic (University) or a satisfactory professional reference if it is more than 5 years since academic work. Evidence of the potential to work at Masters level. At interview, all candidates undertake a range of tasks including a micro-teaching task; group discussions; individual interview; subject knowledge tests; and other written tasks as appropriate, including testing of literacy levels and the ability to think and write at Masters level. There are currently no AP(E)L opportunities for entry to this programme.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
EU £13250 Year 1
International £13250 Year 1

Additional fee information

Visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/studentfinance for more information about student fees and finance, and for details about our alumni discount.
Secondary Chemistry with QTS at University of Cumbria - UCAS