Course summary

From rates of reaction to nanoparticles, chemistry looks at the structure of the materials that make up everything around us. As a teacher, you’ll inspire pupils to value their science education and open their eyes to the answers chemistry provides. Our one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) prepares you to teach the secondary science chemistry curriculum for the 11-16 age range. We’ll be there for you every step of the way as you work towards taking the lead in the classroom. Our team will introduce the teaching methods and theory you need to develop into a competent, confident secondary school chemistry teacher. You’ll get support from your Personal Tutor whenever you need it, as well as guidance from your expert mentor and placement link tutor on placement. What does it take to plan a lesson? How do you manage a classroom? Which teaching methods are most effective? Learn from our experts then apply what you’ve learnt to practice. During your 26 weeks on placement, you’ll plan, teach, and assess chemistry lessons with support from your school-based mentor. Successful completion of the PGCE Secondary Science (Chemistry) with QTS (11-16) programme leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. Intensive Training and Practice You will also undertake Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) as a specific and focused element of our teacher training curriculum. This is designed to consolidate your knowledge of effective teaching, and enable you to rehearse and obtain feedback from experts on your practice. Our ITAPs are designed to utilise the latest research and technology as well as draw on the outstanding mentors, tutors, and teacher expertise from across our partnership. Over the course of your training, you will have the opportunity to participate in several days of Intensive Practice focusing on aspects of pivotal practice such as; behaviour management, scaffolding, professional behaviours and questioning. During periods of ITAP, your timetable may differ and you may be required to attend campus and/or a placement on days outside of the usual pattern. Lead Mentors The Edge Hill lead mentors and mentor leadership team play an important part in your teacher training as experts in their field. They have a deep knowledge of the trainee curriculum and support trainees and mentors to make progress providing guidance and support on aspects of the curriculum and assessment.