This course aims to produce teachers whose enthusiasm for Science inspires pupils in their study of the subject. There is currently great demand for Science teachers in UK secondary schools and Liverpool Hope offers the support you need as you embark on a teaching career. The most recent Ofsted report on PGCE provision at Liverpool Hope University described the training provided as ‘Outstanding’ and highlighted the tutors’ personal knowledge of individual students as an ‘Outstanding’ feature of the Science course. The training achieved a Grade 1 (the highest grade).
Course code:
Physics - F3X1
Through Liverpool Hope’s well-established partnerships with schools in the region, you will be able to gain experience of teaching your specialist subject across the 11–18 age group to a minimum of KS3 level.In previous years, trainees have also benefited greatly from an opportunity to teach science in a secondary school setting abroad for a few days, as part of an organised exchange visit to Poland or Romania. It is hoped to continue to offer this valuable experience as a part of the course each year..
You will be supported by a team of enthusiastic and experienced tutors during your studies at university and while on school experience. You will benefit from the participation of mentors from partner schools in your training programme. The course emphasises planning, teaching and assessing Science learning, and also addresses cross-curricular issues such as numeracy and the use of ICT in the curriculum.
Essential:
Grade C in English and Mathematics at GCSE (or equivalent)
First degree 2.2 or above incorporating at least 50% Physics
Experience of observation in a mainstream secondary state school
Knowledge of the Science curriculum
The ability to articulate views on the principles and practice of education particularly as it relates to teaching of Physics
The ability to communicate clearly, fluently and accurately in spoken and written Standard English
It is a government requirement that you take the numeracy and literacy skills tests as part of the application process. You must ensure you have passed them both before the start of the course, please click here for further information.
Desirable:
A’level Physics
Significant school-based experience, e.g. extended attachment or work as a teaching assistant
If invited for interview, all candidates will undertake a short literacy test. Any offer of a place on the programme is made conditional on satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau and a satisfactory Fitness to Teach Declaration.
Physics teacher training scholarships
The Institute of Physics (IOP) has 100 teacher training scholarships worth £20,000 available to physics trainees starting their teacher training in the 2013/14 academic year. To be an IOP Scholar you will need to have outstanding knowledge of school-level physics and the potential to become an inspirational physics teacher. Each scholarship also includes a package of benefits including membership and early career mentoring. Applications are now open; you can view the full eligibility criteria and apply on the IOP website. Scholarships will be instead of the standard government bursary, but trainees who are not awarded a scholarship will continue to be eligible for a standard bursary.
