Objectives
The Brunel science Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) is an M level course with 60 credits that can contribute to further Master's level study in Education, subject to approval. The course will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to teach science effectively. As a qualified science teacher you may be required to deliver National Curriculum general science to key stage 4, as well as your particular specialism to ‘A’ level and beyond. To this end, the course aims to facilitate your transformation into a well-educated, well-trained, confident and motivated science educator. Along with English and mathematics, science is one of the three core subjects of the National Curriculum and since all pupils have to study a broad, balanced curriculum in science there is a growing demand for well-qualified science teachers. Most pupils entering secondary school are excited at the prospect of work, for the first time in a fully equipped laboratory, and secondary school science teachers have to build upon and sustain this interest for the subject. To meet this challenge we need capable, skilled and enthusiastic teachers who are able to motivate young people and lead them to discover the wonders of science.
Course description
Course Summary
The Brunel science Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) is an M level course with 60 credits that can contribute to further Master's level study in Education, subject to approval. The course will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to teach science effectively. As a qualified science teacher you may be required to deliver National Curriculum general science to key stage 4, as well as your particular specialism to ‘A’ level and beyond. To this end, the course aims to facilitate your transformation into a well-educated, well-trained, confident and motivated science educator.
The University works in partnership with local schools for initial teacher education through a professional tutor system (teachers in school who act as monitors during school placements) which not only helps to ensure that courses are meeting the needs of schools but also gives students a sound appreciation of the profession.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
All primary and secondary courses meet Government requirements. Successful completion of the PGCert programme and evidence of achieving the Standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) will lead to the award of a PGCert with recommendation for QTS. These Standards include the National Skills Tests for numeracy, literacy and ICT.
The course runs from early September though to late June. As you commence the training, your individual subject knowledge is assessed so targeted improvements can be made throughout the year in areas that may be lacking. As the course continues, your time is spent alternating between University and school, with increasing time being spent in school as your experience develops. By the end of the course, if school placements and written M level assignments have been completed successfully you are awarded the title PGCert with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
You will spend two thirds of your time teaching in schools. As your school experience begins, you will be attached to a mentor whose role involves guidance and management of your professional development. You will learn from observing and working alongside experienced teachers, particularly in the process of teaching your own classes (under supervision).
How is the University portion of the course organised?
Campus based work relates theory to school practice, facilitating your maturity into an effective and reflective science teacher. Sessions involve trainees working together in small groups, developing the thinking and attributes needed to teach effectively in the classroom or laboratory. Although campus sessions cover a wide range of foci, there is a particular emphasis on practical work and ICT in line with the interests of the research-active science tutors, Mick and Rob, who are experienced schoolteachers and have published widely in national and international journals.
As a Brunel PGCert trainee you will have access to a range of teaching rooms including a brand new, well-equipped laboratory, a well resourced library which includes textbook schemes, teaching packs, videos and visual aids, plus extensive computer facilities where you can familiarise yourself with the hardware and software available in schools.
University tutors are available to offer personal advice and support throughout the course. Campus sessions have a friendly, informal atmosphere as classes gel, and you will find yourself forging lasting professional and personal relationships with other trainees on the course.
Modules (all core)
* General Professional Education
* Planning, Teaching and Assessment
* Subject Knowledge ands Understanding: Inclusive Practice
* QTS Skills Test
* School Experience (two modules)
Trainees normally spend eight weeks in school for the first School Experience module and the final synoptic module is compulsory for all trainees (usually of eight weeks).
Special Features
What unique features does the course offer?
As a PGCert trainee you will have the advantage of experiencing features that are unique to Brunel.
A recent innovation is the development of the Brunel Teaching Simulator (BTS), where all trainees are given the chance to teach in a realistic though ‘safe’ environment. Particular classroom events are fed-in to give the trainee a valuable and authentic experience in a secure, non-school setting. Participants find the simulator a challenging way to hone their teaching skills with no risk of repercussions. Each session in the BTS is videotaped, and copies are made available to trainees for personal analysis and reflection.
School placement experiences are enhanced by the use of Radio-Assisted Practice (RAP). This involves one-way communication via a radio link between the observer of a lesson and the trainee, where relevant support and advice are offered during teaching. This increases the value of such feedback, which would otherwise be given after the event and so is too late to act upon. Trainees have found RAP to be a highly effective medium, especially when used with more challenging classes.
Assessment
How much assessed coursework is there?
Coursework is designed to enable trainees to reflect upon and synthesise the underpinning knowledge about science teaching gained during the PGCert year. To help achieve this, there are three substantial written assignments.
In addition, in order to gain the PGCert qualification and qualify as a teacher, trainees must meet professional standards, including basic skills tests in numeracy, literacy and ICT, as set out by the Department for Education and Skills.
At the end of the course, successful candidates receive a Career Entry and Development Profile, which provides the basis of the trainee's induction year as a newly qualified teacher.
Teaching Methods
During University sessions a variety of teaching and learning methods are used, centred around a social constructivist philosophy of learning. You will be taught in groups of different sizes and compositions to provide as much diversity of experience as possible:
* Lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials
* Laboratory practical sessions
* Subject knowledge enhancement for common areas of weakness
* Visits to particular types of schools, for instance primary schools, special schools
* Fieldwork with pupils, and other visits to relevant places to do with the school curriculum
* Usable, hands-on examples are offered so that you learn from direct teaching experience
* Observation, portfolio preparation, and self-analysis and reflection on teaching practice
* Guest speakers from experts in your subject fields
Careers
Science teachers are in short supply and prospects for employment and promotion are excellent.
