Physics and Chemistry Enhancement Courses
The PGCE science course at Warwick trains people to teach across all the sciences up to key stage 3 and up to A-level in their specialist science (on which the government states they should have spent at least 50% of their degree studies). Plenty of opportunity is given during the PGCE science course for such people to update their physics knowledge so that they can teach physics with confidence up to key stage 3. There is no need to undertake a physics enhancement course in order to do this.
The physics enhancement course is NOT for people with degrees in biology or chemistry related subjects who want to teach biology or chemistry as their main science teaching subject up to A-level. Nor is the chemistry enhancement course for people with degrees in physics or biology related subjects who want to teach physics or biology as their main science teaching subject up to A-level.
Instead, the physics enhancement courses are aimed at the following
categories of people:
(i) those who have degrees which do not correspond well to one of the three main sciences who want to make physics their main science in the PGCE, (examples might be mechanical engineering, electronics, sports science)
(ii) those with degrees in other sciences (e.g. biology) who want to make physics their main teaching subject instead of the science they studied at degree level
(iii) those who did their physics-related degrees a very long time ago and who want to update their knowledge before doing a PGCE with physics as the main subject.
Similarly, the chemistry enhancement courses are aimed at the following categories of people:
(i) those who have degrees which do not correspond well to one of the three main sciences who want to make chemistry their main science in the PGCE, (examples might be mechanical engineering, electronics, sports science)
(ii) those with degrees in other sciences (e.g. biology) who want to make chemistry their main teaching subject instead of the science they studied at degree level
(iii) those who did their chemistry-related degrees a very long time ago and who want to update their knowledge before doing a PGCE with chemistry as the main subject.
If you apply now for initial teacher training you can receive a place for 2008/09 conditional upon completion of a six month physics or chemistry enhancement course.
This is an ideal opportunity if you want to teach science but need to enhance your knowledge and understanding of physics or chemistry prior to undertaking initial teacher training. The course will be practical and interactive and encourage the development of a deep understanding of Physics or Chemistry that is required to teach accurately with confidence and enthusiasm. You will also benefit from additional guidance during your initial teaching training and in the first year of your teaching career.
Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA)
The TDA information on physics and chemistry enhancement courses and associated bursaries is at: http://www.tda.gov.uk/Recruit/thetrainingprocess/youroptionsinfull/pretrainingcourses/
subjectenhancementextensioncourses.aspx
The Institute of Physics
The Institute of Physics information about their enhancement project and associated bursary is at:
The Open University
The Open University offers a Certificate in Physics which has beeen endorsed by the Institute of Physics as providing sufficient content to support teaching secondary schools physics. For more information please go to http://physics.open.ac.uk/certificate
