PGCE Interviews

Secondary Science2021-2022

Overview of interview session

Welcome to our course information slides!Please take a look through and note down any questions that you have, to discuss during the interview.

Why come to Nottingham?

8th in the UK and 43rd in

the world for education in the QS

World University Rankings by Subject

2019

200years of experience

in the field of education

3rdin the country in the

latest Research Excellence Framework

Expertstaff who have won

awards for the quality of their teaching

16thuniversity in the UK in

The Times and Sunday Times Good

University Guide 2019

Goldstandard in the

Teaching Excellence Framework

By bold innovation and excellence in all that we do, we make both knowledge and discoveries matter.

University of Nottingham Mission Statement

Our campus – where you will be studying

The science facilities and expertise

We have two laboratories for practical work in the Dearing Building

Why study with us?

Practical school-based training which is informed by a thorough introduction to current educational theory Benefit from excellent relationships

with partner schools Be part of a strong research culture.

This leading-edge research informs all our teaching Extensive support throughout all the

phases of the course You will be part of a lively and diverse

learning community

Why study with us?

Ofsted judged our PGCE and School Direct courses as ‘Outstanding’ in their most recent review

“The shared vision and ethos, which permeates the partnership, is characterised by very strong and active partnerships with schools, a highly inclusive approach, high expectations, the relentless pursuit of excellence and the continual drive to improve further in order to enhance the quality of training and ensure trainees enter the profession as good or outstanding teachers.”

Why study PGCE Science with us?

Science education research expertise at UoN

Strong partnership with mentors and schools

Input from professional institutions such as ASE, IoP, RSC, SAPS

Input from external subject professionals from AQA and ESEU

Alternative experiences

Established systems of support for continued Subject Knowledge Enhancement

Science External Examiner comments

‘The students were very positive about the quality of teaching they experience and feel the lecturers are skilled and knowledgeable. Student outcomes are very good. What came across most strongly is the support which students receive from UoN staff; tutors clearly care about the progress of their students and work had to establish strong relationships to promote this. The students I spoke to confirmed this, without exception they described how their tutors always went above and beyond to ensure they felt supported throughout the course’

‘Some of the strengths of the curriculum were evident in the observed lessons, and in discussion of teaching in the focus group. These included, a focus on children's alternative conceptions (or misconceptions), science inquiry, and assessment (particularly the effective use of questioning)’

‘One of the student teachers commented that 'the staff [i.e. course tutors] are exceptional teachers who make it interesting', and this modelling of good pedagogical practices by tutors is a great strength. Students also commented that they received very good feedback from their tutors, which made it clear to them where they were in their progression as a teacher, and how they could further improve.’

The structure and content of the UoN PGCE Science course is designed to ensure that trainees are fully versed in all aspects of teaching and to support them to make the best progress they can.

Our course structure - Strands of the UoN ITE programme

These strands are revisited during specific phases and form the key themes that our course is built around.

Phases of the programmeEach of the strands you have seen is covered in each of these phases.

This forms a spiral curriculum through which you will see your knowledge in each of the strands develop.

Some notes about the PGCE programme

University of Nottingham awards QTS and PGCE (60 Masters level credits);

Assessment is done of both practical teaching, assignments and coursework;

You will be learning to teach in school and the university;

We expect a gradual growth into teaching from structured observation and analysis activities to

teaching parts of lessons to solo teaching;

You will be part of a cohort of beginning teachers - most time at university spent in subject

groups, some time in cross curricular groups;

There is a structured individualised professional development tutorial process - including

subject knowledge audits;

There are many opportunities to personalise training through alternative professional

experiences and enrichment opportunities.

PGCE and SD PGCE Programme

There are two school placements

Your University tutor makes visits to school during the year

You will have a trained subject mentor in school and a weekly mentor meeting

You have full access to VLE, library resources, university student facilities and services and administrative support;

There are many enrichment opportunities

Placement Model

PGCE route School Direct PGCE routeEarly September start. Start when school term starts.First school placement (TP1) starts in week 3 of course. Follow university calendar.

In school (TP1) from start of school year. Follow university and school calendar.

Second placement (TP 2) January to June, mostly five days per week in school with 16 days in university.

Second placement (TP2) five weeks in spring term. Then return to main placement school (TP1) in March. Mostly five days in school with 16 days in university.

Course ends 25th June 2021. Course ends when the school term finishes.

Fundamental mathematics and English skills

All teachers are expected to be competent in the fundamental skills for English and mathematics.

As part of the interview process we will explore your competence in these areas and use the information to support you in securing these skills by the end of the course.

Primary Experience

Before your secondary course begins we would like you to arrange to spend between two and five days in a state primary school in England.

This can take place at any time that is convenient to you and for the school concerned, but please bear in mind that school calendars are very full and arranged months in advance, so try to offer a choice of dates.

PGCE InterviewsOverview of interview session Why come to Nottingham?Slide Number 4The science facilities and expertiseWhy study with us?Why study with us?Why study PGCE Science with us? Science External Examiner commentsSlide Number 10Phases of the programmeSome notes about the PGCE programmePGCE and SD PGCE ProgrammePlacement Model Fundamental mathematics and English skills Primary Experience