Secondary Science PGCE  Secondary Science PGCE St Mary's University, Twickenham, London ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1563178405stmary's.jpg

The science PGCE course at St Mary’s University offers the opportunity to train to teach Biology, Chemistry and Physics. All trainees offer one science subject area as a specialism and can show evidence of understanding of the other two specialisms for Key Stage 3 level.

Trainees are assessed on their ability to teach pupils in the 11-16 age range, but opportunities for A level teaching are also included in the programme as appropriate.

The Science PGCE course covers all aspects of science teaching and learning, with an emphasis on practical activities for use in school. There is a strong emphasis on investigative science, as well as planning for the whole ability range to ensure that all pupils are able to make progress.

• 100% of PGCE Secondary students are employed or in further study (or both) within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education, 2016/17)
• International Links: Tutors work with Malaysian Government to train teachers
• National Physical Laboratory (NPL): Talks and seminars held in their laboratories
• Links with Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC): Talks and workshops at the beginning of the course
• Charterhouse School: Saturday morning Physics enrichment sessions
• Field Studies Council (FSC): Biology A level KS3/GCSE, three day field trips
• Experienced tutors actively involved in research. Presentations given at Association for Science Education (ASE) Annual Conferences.
• Local primary and secondary schools links: Trainees take sessions with Year 6 (G+T) and Year 11 (revision workshops)
• Taught on our historic Strawberry Hill campus in West London

• Your degree should have a significant proportion of the subject you wish to teach. Subject knowledge enhancement courses may be set as a condition in some cases, particularly when the degree is not clearly ‘in line’ with the subject you are applying to.
• GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above or equivalent. GCSE equivalents are offered by St Mary's University.
• Two appropriate references (from an academic tutor or line manager) supporting your suitability for teaching.
• Pass both professional skills tests.
• Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Physical and mental fitness to teach.

School observation

At St Mary's, we would like all applicants to have made a fully informed decision about considering joining the teaching profession. As part of that decision making process, spending some time in school(s) observing what teachers do and beginning to give some consideration to how they manage learning can be really insightful and informative.

Your training is most likely to take place in mixed, state comprehensive school environments. If you are choosing to complete some school observation as part of making an informed decision about teaching then we would encourage you to do so in a similar school setting.

Irish applicants

Candidates applying from Northern Ireland and Ireland should check for upcoming events and interview dates that we will be hosting in Ireland.

International requirements

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section (or equivalent).

Trainees are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status by successfully meeting the Teachers’ Standards (DfE). Continuous assessment throughout the programme will determine success.

Master's level assignments complement the work in schools and assist in meeting the Teachers’ Standards. These assignments aim to encourage you to be thoughtful and reflective, but also reinforce the evidence-based nature of the course assessment.

Self-assessment is also recognised as a valuable perspective in the evaluation of both school and university-based work.

Other assessments are used to ensure students understand and can apply the knowledge.  This is done through a range of methods:

• Self-assessment
• Presentations
• Micro-teaching
• Essays
• Practical sessions
• Lesson observations

Assessment is on-going and against the Teachers’ Standards. High standards of attendance, punctuality and participation are requirements of all course elements.