Secondary Biology PGCE

University of Staffordshire

Science is everywhere in our lives. It’s also helped humans achieve more than we ever thought possible – from walking on the moon to conquering disease. That journey starts with science education, where pupils develop their curiosity and explore the world around them. Our Secondary Biology PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) will equip you with strategies to become a confident and successful science teacher across KS3 and KS4. You’ll look at how to help pupils understand the bigger biological picture. It will include developing their knowledge of humans, animals and plants, along with the interaction between humanity and the planet.Although you will specialise in biology, the training also covers chemistry and physics. It means you can become a fully rounded science teacher. You’ll spend time in local schools, plan engaging lessons, cover behaviour management techniques and discover how pupils learn. On campus, we’ll help you reflect on your teaching from a subject-specific perspective and give you one-to-one support. But you’ll get far more than just a teacher training qualification with us. As part of our Institute of Education, you’ll have access to the latest research on what works in the classroom and other evidence-based approaches. On the PGCE, you can see practical sessions in action at our £30m Science Centre. You’ll also take part in field trips to explore ecology and do other innovative practical work.Our Secondary Biology PGCE lasts for one academic year, from September until the end of July. This school-led course includes an induction to prepare you for your placement and weekly face-to-face sessions at the University to develop your knowledge of the curriculum and subject-specific pedagogy. You will also undertake 20 Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) days focused on foundational areas of learning to further develop your practice in the classroom.CareersWith a PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you’ll be ready to teach Biology in secondary schools across England.Most of our graduates secure their first teaching position while on the PGCE, with many of them securing roles within our partnership schools. After you’ve completed this course, you can join our Masters in Education. Your PGCE gives you Masters credits which means you’ll be fast tracked and can complete this course by the end of your second year of teaching.