Secondary Education (Chemistry with Science; Physics with Science)

Snapshot

Aims of the Programme

The programme (accredited by the GTC for Scotland) prepares graduates to teach Chemistry or Physics in secondary schools.

Programme Content

In common with most Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes, a total of half of the duration, namely 18 weeks, is spent in school experience. Some of the time spent in school experience may be negotiated with the schools. Placements must be in at least two schools and there are three placement blocks in total.

The other notional 18 weeks are spent in a combination of in-university learning and online distance learning. The dates of the in-university blocks are fixed.

Methods of Assessment

School Experience placements are assessed on a shared basis by university tutors and staff in the partner schools. The first school experience is formatively assessed and will provide a base line from which the student can, with support, identify appropriate goals for the rest of the programme. The remaining school experience blocks are assessed summatively.

The learning in the initial modules is assessed by a written assignment, the final module is assessed by the submission of an Electronic Portfolio which addresses the Standard for Initial Teacher Education (SITE) and draws on all the learning in the programme.

Throughout the programme there will be an emphasis on purposeful reflection and peer evaluation using key points in SITE to inform development aims; the use of an Electronic Portfolio to evaluate attainment of these aims and to expand professional capability.

Entry Requirements

You must have an SCE higher grade pass in English or equivalent, and either:

• a degree from a higher education institution in the United Kingdom, or
• a degree of an equivalent standard from outside the United Kingdom.

The content of your degree must be relevant to the subject you want to teach. TSQC is the term given to the parts of your degree which are related to the subject as it is taught in Scottish secondary schools and which qualify you to enter a secondary teaching programme. As a general rule, a TSQC will represent approximately one third of the total study in one academic year (at least 80 undergraduate credit points of which 40 have to be at Level 8 or above) for the SCQF Framework for higher education. Your degree must contain passes in at least two Teaching Subject Qualifying Credits (TSQC) in the subject you want to teach (ie Chemistry or Physics).

Overseas students should make contact with the Programme Administrator to discuss their Degree, English and Maths qualifications.

Students are required to have a satisfactory Disclosure check before commencing the programme. You will also need ready access to the internet to complete the programme.

Sources of Funding

The School of Education, Social Work and Community Education is not currently offering any school scholarships.

Other sources of funding for postgraduate students can be found on our Scholarships webpage.

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