PGCE Secondary Science

All students follow a common science education course but also choose one of the following 11 -18 specialist routes.

The information below relates to the common science education course

What will I study?

All science students will consider aspects of science education common to all sciences. These include motivation, effective teaching and learning, the use of language, assessment and inclusion. All science students will also learn about risk assessment, and will work in many laboratory-based practical sessions, and reflect upon and evaluate the effectiveness of widely used school science courses. As the course continues, beginning teachers will have the opportunity to learn about the use of new technologies in education, such as blogs and wikis, and consider how to approach controversial and ethical issues with school students. The work done in Faculty and school is complementary, with trainees building on ideas encountered in Faculty during their school placements.

When inspected by OFSTED, in 2002, the science course was awarded grade 1s in every aspect inspected, and described as "very good with many outstanding features." Such a description recognises the course as one of the most outstanding science PGCE courses available nationally. The faculty's course is graded as Category A (the highest category) by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA). Subsequent OFSTED inspections have upheld these grades.

Who will support me?

During school placements, every student has a mentor, who is responsible for reviewing progress and setting targets to enable trainees to develop their own approaches to teaching, informed by work done in Faculty. The science course as a whole is run by a team of experienced lecturers, all of whom began their careers (and in some cases still are) teaching the 11-18 age group.

Mark Winterbottom - lecturer in science/Biology education.
Elaine Wilson - senior lecturer in science/Chemistry education.
Keith Taber - senior lecturer in science/Physics education.
James de Winter – associate lecturer in physics education and ICT in education.
Chris Graham – seconded mentor from Long Road Sixth Form college.
Emma Rothwell – associate lecturer in science education.

In addition, a selection of experienced mentors and guest speakers contribute to the course throughout the year.

How does this fit in with the MEd?

Students who successfully complete all examined elements of the PGCE course (without failing any element at the point of examination) are able to register for the second year of the Faculty's MEd course. For such students, the Cambridge PGCE year is equivalent to 50% of the Cambridge Masters course and trainees will have the option of completing the second year of the Masters (on a part-time basis) within two years of qualifying.

Many students opt to follow the Science MEd blended learning course, designed especially for early career teachers. There is more information about this, and other Masters routes, available at here

Do you have any advice for my application?

It is essential to have gained some experience in an 11-16 state secondary school prior to interview. Without such experience it will be very difficult for you to reflect on aspects of schooling, teaching and learning during the interview. For full application details visit our PGCE admissions page.