Secondary Education - Biology

University of Wolverhampton

Overview

The PGCE in Secondary Education - Biology offered by the University of Wolverhampton complies with the statutory guidance from the Department for Education for Initial Teacher Training courses. The course is specifically designed to ensure that those who are successful will be recommended for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - the professional award required if you wish to teach in a maintained school.

This course looks at the key ideas which underpin the teaching of science in schools today, and the way children's understanding of concepts develops. As a trainee you will learn how to teach biology to pupils in the 11-16 age range within the secondary age phase, with additional primary and post-16 enhancements. You will learn how to develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding for teaching biology through a combination of university-led and school-led training. 

Career opportunities

The PGCE in Secondary Education leads to recommendation for QTS, and enables you to take up a qualified teaching post in a secondary school.

In secondary schools you could be considered for a Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR), which may comprise any of the following:

• Leading a particular subject as head of department, faculty or curriculum

• Leading the achievement of a particular age group as head of year or key stage coordinator

• Leading a particular area such as special education needs or pastoral care (i.e. personal guidance)

Later, you could progress to a senior leadership position such as a deputy or assistant head and head teacher - at which point you will have overall responsibility for the leadership and management of a school and the education its students receive.